Design Director, Women’s Wovens

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Women’s Wovens

Company: Buck Mason

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Product Development (Fashion)

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design vision and execution for Buck Mason's entire women's woven product assortment, encompassing soft wovens, tailoring, and leather goods.

• Drive design integrity and consistency across all woven categories, ensuring a cohesive and elevated brand aesthetic.

• Foster a culture of innovation and detail-orientation within the design team, translating vintage inspiration into modern, relevant apparel.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, production, and technical design teams to ensure product quality and timely delivery.

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, promoting professional growth and high performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in Fashion Design, the core responsibilities and required skills heavily emphasize process, quality control, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical components of Revenue Operations and GTM roles. The emphasis on "delivering best-in-class product" and "managing calendar deadlines" translates directly to operations' focus on efficiency, execution, and achieving business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design process for women's woven categories, from initial concept development and trend research to final product specification.

• Ensure design integrity and consistency across all woven product lines, maintaining a strong point-of-view aesthetic aligned with Buck Mason's brand identity.

• Lead the design team from concept through execution, collaborating closely with the EVP of Design on strategic direction and creative output.

• Manage and conduct fittings, ensuring exceptional standards in garment construction, pattern accuracy, and overall fit for the women's woven assortment.

• Collaborate effectively with merchandising, production, and technical design teams to translate design concepts into commercially viable and high-quality products.

• Drive fabric and trim sourcing, prioritizing quality, hand-feel, and longevity, with a specific focus on woven textiles and leather.

• Translate vintage inspiration and historical references into modern, relevant product offerings that resonate with the target customer.

• Manage, mentor, and inspire the design team, fostering professional growth, accountability, and a collaborative work environment.

• Maintain strict adherence to calendar deadlines and ensure timely delivery of all design milestones throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, quality control, and cross-functional collaboration, which are core tenets of operations roles. The emphasis on "delivering best-in-class product" and managing "calendar deadlines" directly maps to operations' focus on efficiency and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Director role in the fashion industry.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in luxury, designer, or high-end contemporary womenswear design, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing design teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Exceptional taste level with a strong, distinct point-of-view aesthetic that aligns with modern American classics.

• Deep knowledge of garment construction techniques, pattern making principles, and fit analysis for women's apparel.

• Advanced understanding of fabrics, particularly woven textiles, including their properties, applications, and sourcing strategies.

• Expertise in leather design and construction, understanding material nuances and finishing techniques.

• Strong ability to incorporate vintage inspiration and historical references into contemporary product designs.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for design visualization and presentation.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear).

• Familiarity with sustainable fabric sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices.

• Knowledge of global fashion trends and market analysis.

• Experience working with direct-to-consumer (DTC) fashion brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative vision and rigorous execution, mirroring the strategic and analytical demands of operations roles. The need for deep knowledge in "garment construction," "pattern," and "fit" highlights a meticulous attention to detail and process, akin to operations' focus on process optimization and quality assurance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong aesthetic and extensive experience in women's woven apparel design, including soft wovens, tailoring, and leather.

• Demonstrated ability to translate vintage inspiration into modern, commercially viable product lines, with clear examples of concept development.

• Evidence of leadership experience, including managing design teams and overseeing the product development lifecycle from concept to production.

• Detailed case studies of successful product launches or collection developments, highlighting the candidate's role, process, and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design concepts were translated into detailed technical packages and specifications for production.

• Documentation of collaboration with cross-functional teams (merchandising, production, technical design) to ensure design integrity and execution quality.

• Demonstrations of how fit and construction standards were maintained and improved throughout the development process.

• Evidence of managing design calendars and meeting development milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements strongly mirror those for operations roles, focusing on demonstrating process, execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "case studies," "process documentation," and "meeting development milestones" directly relates to the need for operations candidates to showcase their ability to manage complex projects and drive measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,000 - $165,000 per year.

Note: This base salary range is supplemented by potential commissions, bonuses, and other performance-based perks, reflecting a total compensation package tailored to individual contributions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• Employee discount on Buck Mason products.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and commissions.

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

Working Hours: Standard full-time, on-site position, likely requiring approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during peak design and production cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, and the note about additional compensation elements (commissions, bonuses) is typical for leadership roles, reflecting a performance-driven compensation structure that aligns with operations roles where performance metrics often dictate variable compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail & Apparel Manufacturing. Buck Mason operates in the modern American classics niche, focusing on quality, timeless design, and direct-to-consumer sales.

Company Size: Buck Mason is a growing, established brand with a significant retail and online presence. [Company size data from LinkedIn would be inserted here if available, e.g., 50-200 employees]. This size suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impact is direct.

Founded: 2013 by Sasha Koehn and Erik Allen in Venice, California. The company was founded with a philosophy of architectural design, old-school manufacturing techniques, and making fashion less complicated, building durable, timeless pieces.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report to the EVP of Design, indicating a clear leadership hierarchy within the design department.

• This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design, highlighting a matrixed operational structure common in apparel businesses.

Methodology:

• Buck Mason emphasizes an "architectural approach to product" and "old school manufacturing techniques combined with modern technology," suggesting a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and efficient processes.

• The company values "timeless classics" and "interpreting garments for the modern customer," indicating a blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking design.

• A focus on "quality, fabric, and fit" underscores a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to product development.

Company Website: [Buck Mason Website URL - e.g., www.buckmason.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture description emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and a structured approach to product development, which aligns well with the operational excellence and process rigor expected in operations roles. The mention of "making fashion less complicated" and building "each piece to last beyond a single season" speaks to efficiency and sustainability, key operational values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, equivalent to a Director or VP level in an operations context. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and significant influence over product direction and quality.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports directly to the EVP of Design. This signifies a clear path for escalation and strategic alignment, typical in established organizations.

Operations Impact: While this role is creative, its impact on revenue is substantial. By developing desirable, high-quality products that align with market trends and brand ethos, the Design Director directly influences sales, customer satisfaction, and brand perception. Effective product development minimizes costly returns and production issues, contributing to profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to EVP of Design or a similar senior leadership role within the company, overseeing broader product categories or strategic design initiatives.

• Opportunity to shape the future aesthetic and product strategy of a growing, well-regarded fashion brand.

• Mentorship and development of junior design talent, building a legacy of design excellence.

• Potential to influence broader business strategies related to product assortment, market positioning, and brand development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career growth analysis highlights leadership potential and strategic influence, mirroring the career trajectory and impact expected of senior operations leaders who drive significant business outcomes. The emphasis on "shaping the future aesthetic" and "influencing broader business strategies" is analogous to operations leaders guiding GTM strategy and operational efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Los Angeles, CA, indicating a physical workspace within Buck Mason's facilities.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This city is a major hub for the fashion industry, offering access to talent, resources, and a vibrant creative community.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and collaborative, typical of the fashion industry, requiring close interaction with design, merchandising, and production teams.

• Access to design resources, fabric libraries, and potentially sample rooms will be integral to the daily workflow.

• The workspace will likely foster a creative atmosphere, balanced with the structured demands of product development timelines and quality standards.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, likely Monday-Friday, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and seasonal demands. The role requires dedication to delivering on time and maintaining high standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative nature of the workspace are common for many operational roles that require in-person team synergy and access to physical resources or specific equipment. The "fast-paced" environment and "structured demands" are hallmarks of many operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess qualifications and creative alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the EVP of Design and potentially other key stakeholders, detailing their design philosophy, process, and specific project examples.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with members of the design, merchandising, and production teams to assess collaborative fit and technical understanding.

• Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership (e.g., CEO, Head of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in women's wovens, tailoring, and leather. Highlight your ability to translate vintage inspiration into modern designs.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from concept generation and fabric sourcing to fit sessions and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've managed and mentored design teams, and how you've driven projects to successful completion.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide data or context on the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, market reception, quality improvements).

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio highlights proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of garment construction and fit.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, trend forecasting abilities, and approach to fabric sourcing.

• Anticipate questions about managing design team dynamics, handling creative disagreements, and ensuring quality control under tight deadlines.

• Research Buck Mason's current aesthetic, target customer, and market position to articulate how your vision aligns with and can enhance the brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process emphasizes demonstrating process, execution, and collaboration, mirroring the expectations for operations roles. The advice on "curating strategically," "detailing your process," and "quantifying impact" is directly applicable to operations candidates preparing their portfolios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating design sketches, technical flats, mood boards, and presentation materials. Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is critical.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Potentially used for managing product data, tracking development stages, and collaborating with teams. (Specific PLM systems like Centric PLM, Lectra, or others may vary).

• 3D Design Software: Increasingly common in fashion for virtual prototyping and fit visualization (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for daily use by the Design Director, but awareness of how CRM data informs customer profiles and purchasing behavior would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and potentially PLM software highlights the technical skill requirements. While not a traditional operations toolset, the need for structured data management (PLM) and visualization (Adobe Suite) aligns with operations' reliance on specialized software for process management and data analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to the highest standards in fabric, construction, and fit, aligning with Buck Mason's brand promise.

• Detail-Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design and product development, ensuring precision and excellence.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication with cross-functional partners to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation within Tradition: Balancing a reverence for classic styles with a forward-thinking approach to modern interpretation and design.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Adherence to deadlines and efficient workflow management to ensure timely product delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Merchandising to align on market needs, Production to ensure manufacturability, and Technical Design to guarantee fit and quality.

• Mentorship and Development: Fostering a supportive environment where junior designers can grow and contribute, with the Design Director acting as a coach and leader.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive feedback from all levels and departments to continuously improve product and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Values" section highlights a strong operational mindset focused on quality, detail, efficiency, and collaboration. These are foundational principles for any successful operations team. The emphasis on "efficiency & timeliness" directly relates to operational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Viability: Ensuring innovative designs are also commercially successful and align with market demand and brand positioning.

• Managing Multiple Product Categories: Overseeing woven wovens, tailoring, and leather requires diverse expertise and attention to detail across different material types and construction methods.

• Maintaining Quality Standards in a Growing Brand: Scaling production while upholding high standards of fabric, fit, and construction can be challenging.

• Translating Vintage Inspirations: Effectively interpreting historical designs for a contemporary audience without losing the essence of the original inspiration.

• Leading and Motivating a Design Team: Inspiring creativity while enforcing deadlines and quality standards requires strong leadership and people management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabric and Material Knowledge: Deepening expertise in specialized woven textiles and leather treatments.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in team management, strategic planning, and cross-functional influence.

• Trend Forecasting and Market Analysis: Staying ahead of industry trends and understanding consumer behavior to inform future collections.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Exploring and integrating more sustainable materials and production methods into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section often mirrors the types of complex problems operations leaders face, such as balancing competing priorities, ensuring scalability, and maintaining quality under pressure. The "Learning & Development" opportunities are also relevant to operations professionals seeking to expand their skill sets in areas like strategy, leadership, and emerging technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new women's woven collection for Buck Mason, considering our brand ethos and market positioning?" (Focus on process, trend integration, and brand alignment.)

• "Describe your experience in translating vintage garments into modern, sellable products. Can you provide a specific example?" (Highlight research, interpretation, and execution.)

• "How do you ensure design integrity and consistency across different product categories like soft wovens, tailoring, and leather?" (Emphasize process, standards, and cross-functional collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Buck Mason's brand and aesthetic, and how do you see your design leadership contributing to our future growth?" (Showcase research and alignment.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team?" (Discuss leadership style and team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by category (soft wovens, tailoring, leather) or by project, clearly labeling each piece with your role, the process involved, and the outcome.

• Tell a Story: For each key project, narrate the journey from concept to final product, highlighting your decision-making process, challenges overcome, and lessons learned.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your development methodology, including how you sourced materials, conducted fittings, and collaborated with other departments.

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, showcase projects where you led a team, managed timelines, or influenced strategic direction.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific fabric choices, construction details, and fit adjustments in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice emphasizes demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are key competencies for operations professionals. The portfolio presentation strategy is directly transferable to operations roles, focusing on storytelling, process demonstration, and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Lever link: https://jobs.lever.co/buckmason/6d01d563-03e4-408c-8b65-7ca7ebcea9d9

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest work that highlights your expertise in women's wovens, tailoring, and leather. Ensure it demonstrates your design process, leadership capabilities, and ability to translate vintage inspiration into modern designs. Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in luxury/high-end womenswear, your leadership achievements, and your technical proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite). Quantify your accomplishments where possible.

• Research Buck Mason: Thoroughly understand the brand's history, aesthetic, target customer, and current market position. Prepare to articulate how your vision aligns with and can elevate the brand.

• Prepare for Process-Oriented Questions: Anticipate questions about your design process, fabric sourcing, fit management, and cross-functional collaboration with merchandising and production teams.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. While tailored for a Design Director role, the emphasis on process, leadership, and collaboration provides valuable context for operations professionals. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.