Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: F. Schumacher & Co.

Location: Soho, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: June 03, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving the creative vision and product development lifecycle for Schumacher Classics' fabric, wallcovering, and trim collections.

• It involves overseeing the entire design process from initial concept and ideation through to final production, ensuring alignment with brand heritage and market relevance.

• The Design Director will lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

• This position requires a deep understanding of textile design, manufacturing processes, and the interior design industry, with a strong emphasis on translating creative concepts into commercially successful products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Director," the responsibilities and qualifications strongly indicate a role within a product development and creative operations framework, focused on the GTM strategy for new collections. The emphasis on manufacturing, vendor relations, and commercial viability positions this as a critical link between creative ideation and market execution, aligning it with operations-focused roles that ensure successful product launches.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the creative vision, aesthetic direction, and overall product development for Schumacher Classics' fabric, wallcovering, and trim collections.

• Drive innovative concept development, establish color palettes, oversee pattern design, and explore material innovation to create compelling new collections.

• Reinterpret archival and heritage designs into modern, commercially viable collections that resonate with the contemporary interior design market.

• Manage the end-to-end product development process, including CAD development, strike-offs, color approvals (CFA), and technical execution with vendors.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the internal design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including portfolio management, merchandising, sales, and marketing, to ensure cohesive product strategies and successful market introductions.

• Maintain and foster strong relationships with external vendors, ensuring the successful and high-quality execution of all designed collections, including potential overseas travel for onsite vendor collaboration.

• Possess and apply a strong understanding of conventional printing techniques and complex woven constructions within the textile industry.

• Present design concepts, collection narratives, and strategic proposals to senior leadership and executive teams.

• Develop collections that artfully balance artistic integrity, commercial viability, and the overarching brand vision of Schumacher.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, market shifts, and competitor activities to inform creative strategy and product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational oversight. The mention of "commercial success," "merchandising," "sales," "marketing teams," "vendors," and "product development lifecycle" points to a strong need for operational execution and strategic alignment, typical of roles that bridge creative output with business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, or a related creative field is typically expected for a role of this seniority.

Experience: 8-10+ years of progressive experience in textile design, with a significant portion in leadership or directorial roles within the interior design or luxury goods sector.

Required Skills:

• 8–10+ years of experience in textile design.

• Expert knowledge of product development processes and manufacturing techniques for fabrics, wallcoverings, and trims.

• Deep understanding of the interior design industry, market trends, and client needs.

• Proficiency in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), AVA, and SmartSheets.

• Strong command of CAD development for textile patterns.

• Exceptional eye for color, pattern, and material innovation.

• Proven ability to interpret and redevelop archival designs.

• Strong leadership capabilities with experience mentoring and managing creative teams.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Strong understanding of conventional printing techniques and complex woven constructions.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in luxury goods or high-end interior furnishings.

• Familiarity with international manufacturing partners and global design trends.

• Experience with data analysis related to product performance and market reception.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of textile designs, creative concepts, and successful collection launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily skewed towards creative and technical design expertise. However, the explicit mention of "Project Management software," "SmartSheets," "manufacturing processes," "commercial success," and "vendor management" indicates a need for candidates who can apply operational rigor to creative endeavors. The "10+" years of experience requirement suggests candidates should be adept at strategic thinking and team leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong aesthetic sensibility and a proven track record in textile design for interiors.

• Showcase a range of projects that highlight original design concepts, successful reinterpretation of heritage designs, and innovative use of color and materials.

• Include examples of full collection development, from initial mood boards and sketches to final product.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating designs across various print and woven techniques.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested as a separate deliverable, candidates are expected to articulate their process for:

  • Creative concept generation and trend research.

  • Managing the end-to-end design and product development lifecycle.

  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams (merchandising, sales, marketing).

  • Working with and managing vendors for production.

  • Ensuring technical execution and quality control for prints and weaves.

  • Mentoring and developing a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of operational capability within a creative context. Candidates must be prepared to walk through their design process, project management methodologies, and how they've ensured the successful and timely execution of collections, demonstrating their ability to manage complex workflows and stakeholder expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Employee discounts on Schumacher products.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available for creative roles, though the position is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $130,000 - $150,000 USD for a Design Director with 8-10+ years of experience in New York City aligns with industry benchmarks for senior creative leadership roles in the luxury interior design sector. This range reflects the significant responsibility, specialized skills, and experience required for managing product development and creative strategy in a competitive market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Furnishings / Interior Design. F. Schumacher & Co. is a well-established and innovative leader in the interior design industry, known for its premium fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, and accessories. They position themselves as a technological leader pushing boundaries in a large global market.

Company Size: Over 500 employees. This indicates a mid-to-large sized organization with established departments and processes, offering opportunities for structured career growth and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: F. Schumacher & Co. was founded in 1889. This long history suggests a company with deep roots, a strong brand heritage, and a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and enduring design principles.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director reports to the Creative Director, indicating a clear creative hierarchy.

• This role will work closely with various cross-functional teams, including portfolio management, merchandising, sales, and marketing, suggesting a collaborative, matrixed environment.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes an "entrepreneurial spirit," "ownership & accountability," being "solutions-oriented," demonstrating "courage," practicing "adaptability," and embracing "collaboration."

• They are described as technologically innovative and constantly pushing boundaries.

• The core mission is to help customers "celebrate the feeling of home" through beautiful and well-crafted products.

Company Website: schumacher.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values and stated mission provide insight into the expected work environment. The emphasis on entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and collaboration suggests a dynamic culture where individuals are empowered to take initiative and work effectively across teams. The long history also implies a respect for tradition and craftsmanship, which will likely be balanced with innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position within the creative and product development function. It's a directorial role, indicating significant responsibility for strategic direction, team management, and product lifecycle ownership. It sits at the intersection of creative vision and commercial execution, making it a critical role for driving business growth through product innovation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the Creative Director. This structure allows for clear creative oversight and alignment with overarching brand strategy, while the Design Director is responsible for the day-to-day execution and management of the design team and product development processes.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is substantial, directly influencing the aesthetic appeal, market relevance, and commercial success of Schumacher Classics' product lines. By driving innovation and ensuring high-quality execution, this role contributes significantly to brand perception, customer acquisition, and revenue generation within the interior design market. Success in this role means creating collections that define trends and drive sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a VP of Design or Chief Creative Officer role as the company expands or within other brands in the FSCO portfolio.

• Strategic Influence: Deeper involvement in long-term creative strategy, brand positioning, and market expansion initiatives.

• Broader Portfolio Management: Opportunity to oversee design for additional brands or product categories within F. Schumacher & Co.

• Industry Recognition: Contributing to award-winning collections and enhancing personal brand within the design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for a creative leader who can demonstrate strong operational acumen. The ability to manage complex product lifecycles, lead teams, and drive commercial success will be key indicators for advancement within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Soho, New York, a vibrant and creative district. Given the "On-site" remote status, it implies a physical office environment, likely a design studio or corporate office setting.

Office Location(s): Soho, New York, United States. This location is known for its design showrooms, galleries, and creative agencies, offering a stimulating environment for a design professional.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with the design team and cross-functional departments (merchandising, sales, marketing).

• Access to design resources, sample libraries, and potentially advanced design software and hardware will be available.

• The environment likely encourages creative exploration and innovation, balanced with the practicalities of product development and manufacturing.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the nature of creative leadership and product launch cycles may necessitate occasional longer hours or weekend work to meet deadlines, especially when working closely with offshore vendors or during critical development phases. The emphasis on collaboration and vendor management suggests a need for proactive communication and availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Soho location suggests a creative and dynamic workspace, typical of design-focused companies. The emphasis on collaboration and on-site presence indicates a hands-on environment where team interaction and direct oversight are valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or talent acquisition will likely review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Creative Director to assess creative vision, leadership style, and alignment with the team's direction.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, detailing their design process, project management approach, and how they've driven successful product launches and managed teams. This is a critical stage for demonstrating operational capabilities within a creative context.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from merchandising, sales, and marketing to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of commercial objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, textile design expertise, product development process, and ability to manage collections from concept to commercialization.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the challenge, your creative approach, the operational steps taken (including collaboration and vendor management), the final outcome, and measurable results (e.g., commercial success, market reception).

• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your design methodology, how you manage workflows, utilize tools like Adobe Creative Suite and SmartSheets, and ensure quality control throughout the development cycle.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored teams, driven collaboration, and presented effectively to stakeholders.

• Showcase Trend Awareness: Integrate examples of how you identify and translate trends into commercially viable designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a new collection launch, from initial trend research to final production.

• Consider how you would manage a challenging vendor relationship or a product development delay.

• Think about how you would inspire and motivate a design team facing tight deadlines or creative blocks.

• Anticipate questions about balancing artistic integrity with commercial demands and brand heritage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's ability to demonstrate operational excellence within a creative leadership context. The portfolio review is not just about aesthetics but about showcasing a robust process for bringing designs to market successfully.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all visual design work, including pattern creation, digital rendering, and layout.

• AVA: Specialized software for textile design, pattern creation, and color manipulation, crucial for fabric and wallpaper design.

• SmartSheets: A project management and collaboration platform used for tracking project timelines, tasks, and team progress. This is key for ensuring organized and efficient product development.

• CAD Software: Used for developing technical specifications and designs for manufacturing.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned, understanding design performance metrics and market data is implied for commercial success. Experience with tools that can track product performance, sales data, or market trends would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this design-focused role, but an understanding of how design impacts sales and marketing channels is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and AVA is standard for textile designers. The explicit mention of SmartSheets highlights the company's reliance on structured project and process management tools, indicating that candidates should be comfortable with technology that supports operational efficiency and team coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Preserve Our Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encourages taking initiative, driving new ideas, and acting with a sense of ownership over projects and outcomes.

• Take Ownership & Accountability: Fosters a culture where individuals are responsible for their work and its impact, from concept to execution.

• Be Solutions-Oriented: Emphasizes problem-solving and finding practical ways to overcome challenges in design, production, and collaboration.

• Demonstrate Courage: Encourages bold creative decisions and the willingness to challenge the status quo.

• Practice Adaptability: Values flexibility and the ability to navigate evolving trends, market demands, and project requirements.

• Embrace Collaboration: Highlights the importance of working effectively with diverse teams and individuals to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with merchandising, sales, and marketing, indicating a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate design vision into actionable plans for other departments.

• Team Mentorship: A collaborative approach to leading the design team, fostering an environment where ideas are shared and feedback is constructive.

• Vendor Partnerships: Building strong, collaborative relationships with vendors to ensure successful product execution and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are deeply integrated into its operational philosophy. Candidates should demonstrate how their approach to design leadership aligns with these values, particularly in areas of collaboration, ownership, and adaptability, which are critical for successful operations in a fast-paced creative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Heritage and Innovation: Effectively translating Schumacher's rich heritage into contemporary, commercially successful designs that appeal to modern tastes.

• Managing Global Vendor Relations: Navigating complex relationships with overseas manufacturers, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and effective communication across different time zones and cultures.

• Driving Commercial Viability: Ensuring that creative concepts are not only aesthetically strong but also financially successful in a competitive market.

• Leading and Motivating Teams: Inspiring a creative team to produce high-quality work under pressure, manage diverse personalities, and foster continuous development.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and integrating emerging design trends and market shifts into product development cycles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore new printing technologies, weaving methods, and material innovations.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Training and mentorship in strategic planning, financial acumen, and executive-level communication.

• Industry Exposure: Attending trade shows, conferences, and workshops to stay current with design trends and manufacturing advancements.

• Cross-Functional Skill Building: Gaining deeper insights into merchandising, sales, and marketing operations to enhance product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in the luxury goods and design industry. Successfully navigating these requires a blend of creative vision, robust operational management, and strong leadership skills, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new collection that honors Schumacher's heritage while appealing to a younger, trend-conscious demographic?" (Focus on process, research, and creative interpretation.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage a difficult vendor relationship or a production issue. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, vendor management, and operational execution.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with commercial viability and production constraints? Provide an example." (Focus on strategic decision-making and understanding of the full product lifecycle.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about F. Schumacher & Co.'s brand and its position in the interior design industry?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you embody our core values of 'Entrepreneurial Spirit,' 'Ownership,' and 'Collaboration' in your work?" (Prepare specific examples.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by collection or by showcasing your process through key projects. Start with an overview of your career, then dive into specific examples.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story. Explain the brief, your creative process, the technical challenges, how you collaborated with others (vendors, internal teams), and the final result.

• Operational Focus: Emphasize your role in managing timelines, budgets (if applicable), quality control, and the successful execution of designs. Highlight your use of tools like SmartSheets and your understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Metrics: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Discuss sales performance, market reception, or efficiency gains resulting from your work.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, decisions, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational capabilities, leadership, and strategic thinking. Candidates need to articulate their processes and provide evidence of successful project and team management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the F. Schumacher & Co. careers portal on Greenhouse.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8-10+ years of textile design experience, leadership roles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AVA, and SmartSheets, and any experience with product development and manufacturing processes. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work that showcases your design aesthetic, leadership, and end-to-end product development capabilities. Be ready to present and discuss your process and results in detail.

• Research the company: Familiarize yourself with Schumacher's brand, history, current collections, and core values. Understand their positioning in the luxury interior design market.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear communication, storytelling, and demonstrating how you embody the company's values and meet the role's requirements. Prepare to discuss your approach to design strategy, team leadership, and operational execution.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.