Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Morgan Street Holdings

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: August 26, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead visionary creative strategy and brand narrative development for global lifestyle brands, driving transformative change through innovative design solutions.

• Cultivate and mentor a diverse, high-performing design team, fostering a culture of authenticity, inclusion, and continuous professional development.

• Spearhead trend forecasting and synthesis across fashion, beauty, home design, and digital media to ensure cutting-edge product storytelling and market relevance.

• Oversee all aspects of design execution, from concept development and industrial design to graphics, packaging, and production artwork, ensuring brand consistency and excellence.

• Drive operational efficiency within the creative department by setting clear goals, managing resources strategically, and fostering effective cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within a global organization that integrates technology, marketing, and sourcing. The "Design Director" title, combined with responsibilities like "brand narratives," "seasonal storytelling," and "product storytelling," strongly indicates a focus on Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy execution through creative assets. The emphasis on "operational leadership" and "cross-functional collaboration" suggests a need for strong GTM operations integration, ensuring creative initiatives align with and support sales and marketing objectives. The requirement for experience with "global lifestyle brands" and "trend forecasting" further reinforces its GTM relevance, as these elements are crucial for market penetration and consumer engagement in competitive sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute compelling brand narratives and seasonal storytelling across the company's diverse product portfolio, ensuring distinct brand voices while maintaining overarching brand integrity.

• Synthesize insights from fashion, beauty, home design, sport/lifestyle, packaging, art, music, and digital media to cultivate a forward-thinking design approach and drive innovation.

• Inspire, mentor, and guide a diverse team of creative professionals, directly connecting their work to business objectives and fostering a culture of innovation and high performance.

• Drive the creation of impactful visual assets and compelling product storytelling that elevate brand identities across all consumer touchpoints, ensuring consistent quality and aesthetic appeal.

• Implement professional development programs and performance management strategies to enhance team skills, foster individual growth, and improve overall team productivity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, product development, sales) to ensure creative strategies are integrated with business goals and support Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives.

• Set clear goals and realistic timelines for creative initiatives, managing project pipelines and advocating for necessary resources to ensure successful execution.

• Develop strategic solutions to complex design and operational challenges both within the creative department and across other organizational functions.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels and global locations, fostering alignment and driving consensus on creative direction and operational plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and operational management. The emphasis on "integrating creative strategies with business goals," "supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives," and "communicating effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels" points to a critical role in GTM execution. The requirement to "develop solutions to complex problems both within and across departments" and "strategically plan and advocate for necessary resources" directly relates to operational efficiency and resource allocation, key components of GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related creative discipline.

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master's) in a design or business-related field is preferred. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive design and creative leadership experience, with a strong emphasis on global lifestyle brands.

• 8+ years of proven experience in guiding, mentoring, and inspiring design teams, with a track record of fostering collaborative and high-performing environments.

• Demonstrated ability to drive brand innovation and maintain a competitive edge in dynamic markets.

• Experience in developing and executing innovative design strategies that propel brands forward. Required Skills:

• Creative Vision & Brand Strategy: Ability to conceive, articulate, and implement innovative design strategies and brand narratives.

• Trend Forecasting & Synthesis: Deep understanding of current and emerging trends across fashion, beauty, home design, art, music, and digital media.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and manage diverse creative teams.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet, and Digital Asset Management (DAM) tools.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to partner effectively with marketing, product, sales, and other GTM teams.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional verbal and visual presentation abilities, with a track record of conveying complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

• Operational Acumen: Experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, goal setting, and timeline management for creative projects.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions for complex challenges within and across departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-assisted design tools and emerging creative technologies.

• Understanding of how design directly influences consumer engagement and brand growth.

• Comfort in balancing high-concept creative vision with meticulous execution details.

• Cultural awareness and a strong connection to contemporary trends across relevant industries.

• A positive attitude and a genuine sense of humor, contributing to a positive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is comprehensive, emphasizing not just creative execution but also strategic thinking, leadership, and operational management. The inclusion of "Smartsheet" and "digital asset management tools" points towards specific operational systems common in GTM environments. Proficiency in "AI-assisted design tools" indicates a forward-looking approach to creative operations and efficiency. The emphasis on "cross-functional collaboration" and "communication with stakeholders at all organizational levels" is critical for a role that bridges creative output with business objectives, a core function in GTM.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design expertise, including brand identity development, seasonal storytelling, product concept development, industrial design, graphic design, and packaging design for global lifestyle brands.

• Include case studies that highlight strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the impact of design on brand growth and consumer engagement.

• Showcase experience in managing creative workflows from concept to final production artwork, illustrating process efficiency and attention to detail.

• Provide examples of how design solutions have been integrated with broader business goals and Go-To-Market strategies. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate experience in establishing and optimizing design workflows, including concept ideation, iterative development, stakeholder feedback loops, and final asset delivery.

• Present examples of process improvements that have led to increased efficiency, reduced turnaround times, or enhanced creative output within a design team.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with other GTM functions, such as marketing campaign planning, product launch timelines, and sales enablement materials.

• Showcase familiarity with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Smartsheet) for tracking creative initiatives, managing resources, and ensuring on-time delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to a senior creative leadership role with significant operational and GTM implications. The emphasis on "brand growth," "consumer engagement," "Go-To-Market strategies," and "process efficiency" aligns with the expectations for a Design Director who must translate creative vision into tangible business results. The request for "case studies" and "process improvements" is standard for operations-focused roles where demonstrating impact and methodology is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Starting salary between $175,000 - $185,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Family Support: Paid parental and medical leave programs.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with a company match and profit sharing.

• Work-Life Balance: 15 days of paid time off (PTO) plus company holidays.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance programs.

• Employee Engagement: Inclusive employee resource groups.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence in Seattle with flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range is competitive for a Design Director role in a major metropolitan area like Seattle, reflecting the senior-level experience and leadership responsibilities. The benefits package is robust, with standard offerings like health insurance and 401(k), but also includes strong support for work-life balance and professional development, which are attractive to experienced professionals in creative and operations roles. The mention of a "hybrid work model" and "on-site presence" indicates a structured approach to work arrangements, common in organizations with established operational frameworks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Marketing, Sourcing, Consulting, and Creative Services. tms operates at the intersection of these sectors, offering integrated solutions for global brands.

Company Size: 1,200+ employees across 26 countries. This indicates a significant global presence with a substantial operational infrastructure.

Founded: Not specified, but the company's description suggests a well-established entity with a broad reach.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director reports to the SVP of Global Product & Creative, indicating a senior position within the creative leadership hierarchy.

• The role involves leading an "in-house design team," suggesting a dedicated creative department responsible for various design disciplines.

• Close collaboration with cross-functional teams (marketing, product, sales, sourcing, technology) is expected, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure. Methodology:

• Creative Ecosystem Elevation: Focus on trend-forward thinking and inspiring leadership to drive brand growth.

• Integrated Solutions: Uniting technology, marketing, and sourcing to deliver transformational change.

• Data-Driven Insights: Synthesizing market trends and consumer insights to inform creative strategy and product development.

• Collaborative Approach: Fostering a culture of authenticity, diversity, and inclusion where ideas are heard and realized.

Company Website: tmsw.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's multidisciplinary approach (technology, marketing, sourcing) suggests a complex operational environment where GTM functions are highly integrated. The "Design Director" role plays a pivotal part in translating these integrated strategies into compelling visual narratives that support sales and marketing efforts, requiring strong collaboration with GTM operations. The company's global reach implies a need for scalable design solutions and efficient creative operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, equivalent to a Director level, responsible for managing a significant creative function and impacting the strategic direction of brand presentation. It requires a blend of creative expertise, strategic vision, and operational management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the SVP of Global Product & Creative, indicating a direct line to executive leadership. This position will also likely manage a team of designers, art directors, and production artists, forming a core part of the creative operations structure.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly influences brand perception, consumer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance. By driving innovative design strategies and compelling product storytelling, this role supports GTM objectives, enhances brand equity, and contributes to market differentiation. Effective management of creative operations ensures that marketing campaigns and product launches are visually compelling and strategically aligned.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the creative vision and brand direction for a portfolio of leading global brands, expanding influence within the organization.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into higher executive creative leadership roles (e.g., VP Creative, Chief Creative Officer) or expand scope to oversee broader aspects of brand experience.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in emerging design technologies, AI-assisted design, and integrated GTM strategies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to lead cross-functional initiatives that bridge creative, marketing, product, and technology teams, enhancing understanding of the broader business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis positions the Design Director role as a critical hub within the GTM ecosystem, emphasizing its impact on business outcomes and its potential for career advancement. The growth opportunities are framed around increasing strategic influence and leadership scope, common aspirations for senior operations and creative professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with on-site presence required in Seattle. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, USA (98121).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves leading a team and working closely with cross-functional departments, implying a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Technology-Rich: Expectation of access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Smartsheet) and digital asset management tools, supporting efficient creative operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior leadership, fostering a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and business needs. The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and collaborative environment description are standard for modern creative and operations roles. The emphasis on "technology-rich" workspace and "team interaction" is relevant for operations professionals who rely on efficient systems and strong communication channels to drive GTM success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess creative leadership experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with company values.

• Creative Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio walkthrough or a specific creative challenge related to brand narrative, trend integration, or operationalizing a creative strategy. This assesses problem-solving skills and GTM alignment.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the SVP of Global Product & Creative, direct reports, and key cross-functional partners (e.g., Marketing, Product) to evaluate leadership style, collaboration capabilities, and operational fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic vision, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the Design Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership in brand storytelling, trend integration, and driving business results through design. Showcase a range of work across different categories if applicable.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges faced, your role in the solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., increased engagement, brand growth, operational efficiency). Use case study format.

• Showcase Operational Acumen: Include examples of how you've managed creative workflows, led teams, collaborated cross-functionally, and utilized tools like Smartsheet or DAM systems.

• Tailor to tms: Research tms's current brand presence, client roster, and stated values. Frame your portfolio and presentation to show how your vision and operational approach align with their GTM objectives and company culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: Be prepared to discuss how design contributes to broader business goals, GTM strategies, and revenue generation.

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your methodology for tackling creative briefs, developing strategies, and managing projects from concept to completion.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Be ready to provide examples of how you've led teams, mentored talent, and fostered a collaborative and innovative environment.

• Focus on GTM Integration: Practice explaining how your creative direction supports marketing campaigns, product launches, and sales enablement efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing for the interview process, emphasizing the blend of creative and operational skills required for the role. The focus on "GTM alignment," "portfolio impact," and "operational acumen" is key for candidates aiming to impress in a GTM-focused creative leadership position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, illustration, and layout (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for documentation, presentations, and general productivity.

• Smartsheet: A project management and collaboration tool, crucial for operational oversight, workflow tracking, and resource management in a GTM context.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Tools: For organizing, storing, and distributing creative assets efficiently across global teams and campaigns.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, a Design Director in this role would likely interact with analytics dashboards related to campaign performance, brand engagement, and consumer insights to inform design decisions. Familiarity with common analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design assets integrate with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns, landing pages) is advantageous for ensuring cohesive GTM execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools highlight the operational aspect of this creative leadership role. Smartsheet, in particular, is a strong indicator of the need for process management and operational efficiency, common in GTM operations. DAM tools are also critical for managing creative assets in a large, global organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Diversity: A core company value, encouraging employees to be their true selves and contributing to a rich, inclusive environment that fuels creativity and innovation.

• Excellence & Accountability: A commitment to achieving great things, recognizing individuals for their contributions, and holding each other accountable for customer and company success.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a culture where brilliant people are better together, ideas are heard, and access and equity are realized for all.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Encouraging continuous learning, staying ahead of trends, and driving transformational change through creative solutions.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Operating effectively within a dynamic global structure, utilizing resources strategically to achieve business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between creative, marketing, technology, and sourcing teams to deliver integrated solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging diverse voices and ensuring ideas are shared and considered across all levels and departments.

• Mentorship & Development: A culture that supports the growth of individuals through professional development programs and mentorship.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on driving breakthrough, business-driving ideas that lead to tangible outcomes for clients and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and culture emphasize collaboration, innovation, and results, which are critical for a Design Director operating within a GTM framework. The focus on "authenticity," "diversity," and "inclusion" suggests a progressive workplace that values individual contributions and diverse perspectives, important for creative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Effectively translating forward-thinking design concepts into commercially viable and strategically aligned GTM assets.

• Managing Global Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand identity and storytelling across diverse markets and product lines while allowing for local relevance.

• Navigating a Complex Organization: Collaborating effectively across multiple departments (technology, marketing, sourcing) with potentially different priorities and operational processes.

• Staying Ahead of Trend Cycles: Continuously identifying and integrating emerging trends into design strategies in a rapidly evolving market.

• Leading and Developing a Diverse Team: Mentoring and inspiring creative professionals with varied skill sets and career aspirations within a hybrid work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic GTM Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into the interconnectedness of design, marketing, sales, and technology within a comprehensive GTM strategy.

• Emerging Technology Adoption: Opportunity to explore and implement AI-assisted design tools and other innovative technologies to enhance creative operations.

• Executive Leadership Development: Potential to advance into broader leadership roles, influencing global brand strategy and operations.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Access to resources and networks for continuous learning in fashion, design, digital media, and consumer trends.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Learning from experts in technology, marketing, and sourcing to broaden understanding of integrated business solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the strategic challenges and growth potential for a Design Director, framing them within the context of GTM operations and continuous professional development. The challenges are directly related to the complex interplay of creative strategy, business goals, and operational execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a brand narrative that significantly impacted consumer engagement. What was your process, and how did you measure success?" (Focus on storytelling, strategic thinking, and impact metrics.)

• "How do you stay ahead of design trends across multiple industries (fashion, tech, lifestyle), and how do you translate those trends into actionable design strategies for a global brand portfolio?" (Assess trend forecasting, synthesis, and strategic application.)

• "Walk us through your approach to managing creative resources and timelines for large-scale GTM campaigns, ensuring both creative excellence and operational efficiency." (Evaluate operational leadership, project management, and resource allocation.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to align a bold creative vision with conflicting business objectives or stakeholder feedback. How did you navigate this, and what was the outcome?" (Tests problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of tms, how would your leadership style foster a culture of authenticity and inclusion within the design team?" (Assess cultural fit and leadership philosophy.)

• "How do you see design operations integrating with marketing and sales functions to achieve shared GTM goals?" (Evaluate understanding of cross-functional operations and GTM strategy.)

• "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in the future of design, and how would you incorporate it into our creative processes?" (Gauge innovation mindset and technological adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions, the creative solution, and the quantifiable business impact (e.g., brand growth, consumer engagement, operational efficiency).

• Highlight Operational Aspects: When presenting projects, emphasize your role in workflow management, team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the use of tools like Smartsheet or DAM systems.

• Connect to tms: Frame your examples to illustrate how your experience and approach align with tms's mission, values, and the specific challenges of leading creative for global lifestyle brands.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your creative process, leadership decisions, and how you handle challenges within a complex organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide focuses on how candidates can demonstrate their strategic thinking, operational capabilities, and GTM alignment, which are crucial for a Design Director role within an organization like Morgan Street Holdings. The emphasis on "process," "impact," and "cross-functional collaboration" reflects the operational demands of the position.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers.morganstreet.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating your leadership in brand narrative development, trend synthesis, and GTM strategy execution for global lifestyle brands. Tailor your selection to highlight operational efficiency and team management.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize leadership achievements, strategic impact, and proficiency in relevant operational tools (e.g., Smartsheet, DAM systems), with keywords aligned to creative leadership and GTM.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, leadership philosophy, and how you drive business results through design. Prepare specific examples for strategic, operational, and cultural fit questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Morgan Street Holdings, understanding their integrated business model, client roster, and commitment to innovation and inclusion. Focus on how design contributes to their overall GTM success.

⚠️ 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.