Design Director, Footwear - rag & bone

About rag & bone

From our origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone was founded on a belief of uncompromising ideals: a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. To making things that are as original as they are timeless. To being true to ourselves, even when that truth sets us apart from the mainstream. 

We still believe in the same principles we started with: the easy elegance of classic British tailoring, the authenticity of American workwear, and the originality of our home city, New York. As New Yorkers, community and authenticity have become synonymous with our brand. An inclusive environment at rag & bone upholds our original values by encouraging employee connection and empowering each individual to have a voice on policy, process, and collaboration for a more equitable future. 

Job Description:

rag & bone is hiring a Design Director who is passionate about footwear and current market trends. The ideal candidate should have a balance of creativity, conceptual thinking, organizational skills and attention to detail. This position will collaborate closely with PD, Merchandising, and Sales teams to build out compelling collections.

Responsibilities:

• Drive seasonal style and material concepts that are reflective of the brand's D.N.A.
• Lead and mentor design team; support them with daily projects and inspire creative mindset.
• Tight partnering with the rag and bone creative team members across RTW and Accessories to refine seasonal concepts, materials, techniques, hardware.
• Research and create inspiration boards to convey design storytelling within the assortment.
• Present collections to leadership with ability to clearly communicate concepts and constructions.
• Collaborate with Merchandising in strategic line building of products based on business requirements.
• Responsible for upholding design integrity with high quality execution throughout the entire process.  Must have general knowledge of tooling and how that impacts seasonal developments.
• Partner with PD in meeting calendar deadlines and margin expectations.
• Partner with Technical Design during each stage of the development process with a strong emphasis on fit and comfort.
• Analyze selling reports to be integrated into the design process.

Requirements:(skills, qualifications, education, etc)

• 10+ years working in Footwear Design, with an understanding of luxury and contemporary markets.
• Must have strong understanding of footwear construction and terminology
• Previous experience of managing at least 1 direct report.
• Effective organizational skills and must know how to juggle shifting priorities daily; streamline design systems and processes.
• Experienced in traveling to Asia.
• Strong Photoshop and Illustrator skills.
• Must have basic knowledge of MS Office Powerpoint and Excel.
• Strong material and color sense.
• Strong taste level and interest in current trends.
• Must be a team player with a positive attitude, who is able to thrive and take initiative in a fast-paced work environment.

Rules we live by | Rules you live by

• Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity.
• Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
• Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
• Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
• Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Clothing Allowance
• Generous Employee Discount
• Paid Parental Leave
• Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
• Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
• 401k

rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.