Design Director, Men’s White Label

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Men’s White Label

Company: Rag & Bone

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Apparel Design & Product Development

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 8-12+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the seasonal design direction and product assortment for Rag & Bone's Men's White Label, focusing on smart casual, denim-led lifestyle.

• Drive the evolution of the modern uniform through innovative denim, shirting, knitwear, outerwear, and accessories.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process, from concept ideation through to final product development, ensuring design integrity.

• Cultivate and mentor a growing design team, fostering creative and technical excellence.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, marketing, and creative, to ensure cohesive brand expression and successful go-to-market strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is within the fashion industry, the emphasis on product development, cross-functional collaboration (merchandising, sourcing), and driving a commercially viable product offering aligns with operational principles found in Go-To-Market (GTM) and product operations roles. The focus on process, consistency, and team leadership is transferable.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive Seasonal Design Direction: Translate overarching brand vision and Head of Men's Design's direction into a clear, differentiated, and commercially viable product assortment for the Men's White Label collection.

• Denim & Lifestyle Expansion: Lead design innovation across denim (fit, fabric, wash) and expand this lifestyle into complementary categories like shirting, knitwear, outerwear, and accessories, building a cohesive wardrobe system rooted in American sportswear and workwear.

• Product Creation & Development Oversight: Manage the entire design lifecycle from concept to final development, partnering closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure design integrity, elevated fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques.

• Brand Expression & Storytelling: Execute a distinct visual and product language for White Label, ensuring consistency across product, styling, and seasonal storytelling that aligns with the broader men's strategy.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, develop, and mentor a growing design team, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and fostering an environment of creative and technical excellence.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with merchandising to align on category growth and business objectives, and collaborate with marketing and creative teams to support compelling go-to-market storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured approach to product creation, cross-functional alignment, and team leadership, which are core to operational excellence. The "Product Creation & Development Oversight" and "Cross-Functional Collaboration" aspects highlight the need for process management and inter-departmental synergy, crucial for operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field is typically expected, though extensive relevant experience can sometimes substitute.

Experience: 8–12+ years of progressive experience in men's apparel design, with a significant specialization in denim and casual lifestyle categories. Proven track record of owning a product category or leading a business segment within contemporary or premium brand environments. Experience working within a larger creative structure while driving execution is essential.

Required Skills:

• Denim Expertise: Deep, hands-on knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, fit engineering, and garment construction techniques.

• Product Vision & Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to translate creative concepts and brand vision into commercially successful and market-relevant product assortments.

• Wardrobe System Development: Capability to build a cohesive and integrated wardrobe system, extending beyond individual pieces to a holistic collection.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Proven experience leading, motivating, and developing a design team, fostering talent and driving performance.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with merchandising, product development, sourcing, marketing, and creative teams.

• Brand Storytelling: Capacity to contribute to and execute a distinct visual and product language that aligns with brand identity.

• Technical Design Proficiency: Understanding of technical aspects of apparel production, including pattern making, grading, and specification development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with trend forecasting and market analysis to inform design direction.

• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and material innovation in apparel.

• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Understanding of global sourcing and manufacturing processes.

• Experience with data analysis to inform design decisions and product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Product Vision & Commercial Acumen," "Cross-Functional Partnership," and "Data Analysis to Inform Design Decisions" highlights areas where operations professionals can demonstrate transferable skills, particularly in understanding market demand, aligning product with business goals, and utilizing data for strategic decision-making.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Denim Innovation Showcase: Detailed examples of denim product development, including fabric selection, wash development processes, fit evolution, and construction innovations. Highlight specific technical challenges overcome.

• Cohesive Wardrobe System Examples: Presentation of how individual pieces integrate into a larger wardrobe system, demonstrating a clear point of view and consistent aesthetic across multiple categories (e.g., denim, shirting, knitwear).

• Design Process Documentation: Visual representation of the design process from concept to final product, including mood boards, sketches, technical flats, material boards, and final samples.

• Commercial Success Metrics: If possible, include examples of product lines or categories led that achieved significant commercial success, with supporting data on sales performance or market impact.

• Team Leadership Examples: Case studies or descriptions of how you have led and mentored design teams, fostering growth and achieving collective goals.

Process Documentation:

• Seasonal Design Workflow: Outline of the typical seasonal design workflow from trend research and concept development through to sample creation, review, and finalization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Examples of how you have established and maintained effective working relationships and communication channels with merchandising, product development, and sourcing teams to ensure timely and accurate product execution.

• Fabric & Wash Development Processes: Documentation of your approach to fabric sourcing, testing, and wash development, including collaboration with mills and wash houses.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for candidates. While the role is design-focused, the expectation of demonstrating process, collaboration, and commercial impact is directly relevant to operations. A strong portfolio showcasing structured workflows, problem-solving, and data-informed decision-making will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and rejuvenation.

• Clothing Allowance to support personal style and brand advocacy.

• Generous Employee Discount on Rag & Bone products.

• Paid Parental Leave for new parents.

• Membership to Calm and access to other comprehensive wellness benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance to support employee health.

• Ancillary benefits providing additional coverage and support.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

Working Hours: Typically a standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, with flexibility expected based on seasonal demands and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is within industry standards for a senior design leadership role in New York City. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is increasingly important in high-demand operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Apparel Manufacturing. Rag & Bone operates within the premium contemporary fashion market, known for its blend of British heritage and New York street style, with a strong emphasis on denim and elevated essentials.

Company Size: Rag & Bone is a well-established brand, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category within the fashion industry, with significant global reach and operations. This size implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: Rag & Bone was founded in 2002, establishing a strong brand identity and market presence over two decades. This history suggests a culture built on enduring design principles and a clear brand ethos.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: This role sits within the Men's Design department, reporting to the Head of Men's Design. The Design Director will lead a team of designers focused specifically on the Men's White Label collection.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Merchandising (for assortment planning and commercial viability), Product Development (for technical execution), Sourcing (for material and manufacturing partnerships), and Marketing/Creative (for brand storytelling and go-to-market execution).

• Creative Leadership: The design team likely operates within a broader creative structure, with the Design Director responsible for translating overarching creative vision into a focused, executable product strategy for their specific category.

Methodology:

• Denim-Centric Approach: A core methodology is building a cohesive wardrobe system anchored in denim, emphasizing American sportswear and workwear influences.

• Data-Informed Design: While creative vision is paramount, the role requires translating this into commercially viable products, implying a need to consider market data, sales performance, and merchandising input.

• Collaborative Execution: The company emphasizes a collaborative structure where individual execution within a defined creative framework is key.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on quality in both product and people, suggesting a focus on detail, craftsmanship, and professional development.

Company Website: https://www.rag-bone.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes authenticity, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view, which translates to a need for disciplined execution and a strong aesthetic sensibility. For operations professionals, understanding how design decisions are translated into tangible products and market strategies is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position within the design function, equivalent to a Director-level role. It requires extensive experience, strategic vision, and team management capabilities. While not a traditional "operations" role, the leadership, process management, and cross-functional collaboration aspects are highly relevant.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports to the Head of Men's Design. They will manage a team of designers, working closely with peers in merchandising, product development, and marketing. This structure offers exposure to senior leadership and key departmental functions.

Operations Impact: While the direct impact is on product creation and brand aesthetic, the success of the Men's White Label collection directly influences Rag & Bone's revenue, market positioning, and overall brand equity. Effective design leadership ensures product-market fit, which is a critical operational outcome.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within Men's Design or potentially broader product leadership within the company, depending on performance and business needs.

• Category Expansion: Opportunity to further shape and grow the Men's White Label category, potentially influencing new product lines or market segments.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the overall men's wear strategy and brand direction, gaining broader exposure to business operations and strategic planning.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Develop strong leadership skills by mentoring and growing a talented design team, a valuable asset for any career path.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals transitioning from or interested in operations, this role offers a unique perspective on how product strategy translates into business outcomes. The emphasis on process, execution, and cross-functional alignment provides a strong foundation for operational thinking, even within a creative domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position based in Rag & Bone's New York City headquarters. The environment is likely a modern, creative studio space typical of fashion houses, fostering collaboration and inspiration.

Office Location(s): New York, NY (10014). This places the role in a prime fashion industry hub, offering access to talent, resources, and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studio: Expect a dynamic studio environment where designers, product developers, and merchandisers work closely together. This fosters rapid iteration and idea exchange.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to design software (e.g., Adobe Suite), physical sample rooms, material libraries, and potentially 3D design tools will be available to support the design process.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior leadership, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard 40-hour work week (Monday-Friday). However, the fashion industry is known for its demanding cycles; expect periods of intense work leading up to collection launches, trade shows, and key deadlines. Flexibility and commitment are essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative studio environment are typical for creative roles. For operations professionals, understanding this dynamic allows for better preparation regarding communication styles and the pace of work, emphasizing the need for efficient workflow management and clear stakeholder engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct initial screens to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant work and discussing their design process, denim expertise, and leadership approach. A design challenge or case study focusing on a specific product category or strategic problem may be included.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with the Head of Men's Design, potentially other design leads, product development, and merchandising team members to assess technical skills, collaborative abilities, and alignment with the team's working style.

• Leadership/Executive Interview: Final interviews may involve senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Denim Focus: Clearly highlight your most impactful denim projects, detailing your specific contributions to fit, fabric, wash, and construction. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Wardrobe System Narrative: Present examples that demonstrate your ability to create cohesive collections, not just individual garments. Explain your thought process for building a "modern uniform."

• Process & Problem-Solving: Showcase your design process, including how you approach challenges, collaborate with other departments, and incorporate feedback. Use case studies to illustrate your problem-solving skills.

• Leadership Examples: Include examples of how you have mentored designers, managed projects, and contributed to team success.

• Brand Alignment: Tailor your presentation to showcase an understanding of Rag & Bone's aesthetic and market position.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a collection within the Men's White Label framework, considering market trends, brand identity, and commercial viability.

• Denim & Lifestyle Expertise: Anticipate questions about current denim trends, fabric innovations, and how to expand a denim-focused line into other apparel categories.

• Leadership Scenarios: Think about how you would manage a design team, provide feedback, and drive consensus on creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation, process demonstration, and problem-solving is highly relevant to operations roles. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies, demonstrate collaborative skills, and highlight how their work drives commercial success, mirroring the expectations in operations interviews.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for technical flats, sketches) and Photoshop (for mood boards, color palettes, rendering) is essential.

• 3D Design Software (Potentially): Experience with tools like Browzwear, CLO3D, or similar for virtual prototyping and visualization may be beneficial.

• PLM Systems (Potentially): Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management systems for managing product data, specifications, and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting (Indirect Use):

• While not a direct user, the Design Director will likely interact with reports generated from:
  • Merchandising/Sales Systems: To understand product performance, sales data, and inventory levels.
  • Trend Forecasting Platforms: Such as WGSN or similar services to gather market insights.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be used by teams to track project progress.

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for day-to-day team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary tools are design-specific, understanding how design integrates with PLM systems and how design decisions are informed by sales/merchandising data is key. Operations professionals often manage or work closely with these systems, providing a bridge of understanding.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Matters: A core value reflected in both product craftsmanship and the caliber of people. This translates to a meticulous approach to design execution and a commitment to professional growth.

• Be a Good Human: Emphasizes authenticity, diversity, equity, and inclusivity. This suggests a collaborative and respectful team environment where individual contributions are valued.

• Have No Fear: Encourages innovation and problem-solving. This implies a culture that supports experimentation and finding creative solutions to design and production challenges.

• Own Every Decision: Promotes accountability and teamwork. Designers are expected to take ownership of their work and contribute effectively to team goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Top-Down Creative Structure: While individual ownership is valued, the design process operates within a defined creative direction from senior leadership. This requires designers to be adaptable and execute within established frameworks.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaboration is essential, requiring designers to work closely with merchandising, product development, and marketing to ensure alignment and successful product launches.

• Process-Oriented Execution: The emphasis on "discipline" and "quality" suggests a structured approach to design development, with clear processes for feedback, iteration, and approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values highlight a blend of creative freedom ("Have No Fear," "Be a Good Human") and disciplined execution ("Own Every Decision," "Make S**t Happen"). For operations professionals, this means understanding the importance of clear processes, accountability, and effective communication to achieve both creative vision and business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Viability: The primary challenge is translating a strong creative point of view and brand vision into a product assortment that is both aesthetically compelling and commercially successful in a competitive market.

• Driving Denim-Led Lifestyle Expansion: Expanding the denim-centric approach into broader lifestyle categories requires a deep understanding of market trends and consumer needs across various apparel types, ensuring cohesion and brand consistency.

• Managing and Developing a Growing Team: Leading and mentoring a design team through periods of growth requires strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to foster both individual talent and collective output.

• Maintaining Design Integrity within a Larger Structure: Executing a distinct White Label vision while adhering to the broader men's strategy and brand guidelines requires careful navigation and strong communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Opportunity to refine strategic thinking by influencing the direction of a key product category and contributing to the overall men's wear strategy.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Deepen understanding of merchandising, product development, and marketing operations through close collaboration.

• Team Building & Management: Develop advanced leadership skills by building, mentoring, and managing a high-performing design team.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Stay at the forefront of fashion trends, denim innovation, and market dynamics within the premium contemporary space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented, such as balancing vision with commercial outcomes and managing cross-functional dependencies, are common themes in operations. The growth opportunities focus on strategic influence and cross-functional acumen, which are directly transferable to operations leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining and evolving the 'modern uniform' concept for the Men's White Label, with denim at its core?" (Focus on strategic vision, segmentation, and product hierarchy.)

• "Describe your process for translating a broad brand vision into a focused, commercially viable product assortment. Provide an example." (Emphasize process, market analysis, and data integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Rag & Bone's brand identity and the Men's White Label collection specifically?" (Research brand history, aesthetic, and market positioning.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team, especially when working within a larger creative structure?" (Discuss leadership style, mentorship, and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story, starting with your overall design philosophy and then diving into specific projects that demonstrate your denim expertise, wardrobe-building skills, and leadership.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to support the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, sell-through rates, positive customer feedback).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, including research, concept development, material selection, technical execution, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you have mentored junior designers, managed projects, and contributed to team success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your understanding of product lifecycle, market dynamics, and team leadership. Preparing to articulate your methodology, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and quantify your impact will be key, aligning with the preparation required for operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Rag & Bone careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest denim design work, examples of cohesive wardrobe systems, and any projects demonstrating leadership or cross-functional collaboration. Tailor it to showcase an understanding of Rag & Bone's aesthetic.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8-12+ years of men's design experience, with specific emphasis on denim, casual lifestyle, and leadership roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your approach to building a denim-led wardrobe, and your leadership style. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Rag & Bone's brand history, current collections, market position, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. While tailored for a design leadership role, it highlights transferable operational skills. All details should be verified directly with Rag & Bone or through your application process.