Design Manager - Special Projects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Special Projects

Company: Polène Paris

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of exceptional special projects, including collaborative products, upcycling initiatives, and objects for key communication campaigns.

• Manage a team of two designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment within the Studio.

• Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle for special projects, from concept ideation to technical specification and liaison with workshops and artisans.

• Ensure seamless information flow and technical precision to meet delivery milestones for diverse materials and luxury craftsmanship.

• Drive operational implementation and successful execution of unique design concepts that align with Polène's brand vision and ambitious development plan.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while primarily design-focused, has significant operational implications. The "Special Projects" aspect, especially involving upcycling, collaborations, and objects for communication campaigns, requires robust project management, cross-functional coordination, and a deep understanding of production workflows. The "Design Manager" title, combined with the responsibility for managing designers and overseeing product development with workshops, positions this role as a critical link between creative vision and operational reality, aligning it with GTM operations principles by ensuring timely and high-quality product launches for specific initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction and execution of all special projects within the Design Studio, reporting to the Head of Design.

• Directly manage, mentor, and guide a team of two Designers, overseeing their project contributions and professional development.

• Drive the creative process for collaborative products (e.g., Plèi collections) and upcycling initiatives, ensuring innovative and brand-aligned designs.

• Oversee the design and development of unique objects for influencer gifting, VIP activations, and key communication campaigns in partnership with the Press and Image teams.

• Collaborate closely with a Product Manager to manage product development, ensuring seamless integration between design concepts and manufacturing capabilities.

• Liaise with internal prototyping workshops in Paris and Spain, as well as external artisans, to ensure technical feasibility and quality craftsmanship.

• Ensure the accurate and comprehensive completion of technical specification sheets, facilitating clear information transfer to all stakeholders.

• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams (Collection, Image, Branding) and external partners to guarantee project timelines and delivery milestones are met.

• Uphold Polène's commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and aesthetic excellence across all special project designs.

• Contribute to the operational implementation and successful execution of diverse object designs, ensuring they align with the Maison's strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on "technical specification sheets," "liaising with internal prototyping workshops," and "meeting delivery milestones" are crucial operational components. For candidates, demonstrating experience in translating creative concepts into actionable production plans and managing cross-functional dependencies will be key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (Product Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design), or a related creative field is typically expected for a Design Manager role.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in object, fashion, or accessory design.

• Demonstrated experience within the fashion or luxury industry is highly preferred.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing creative projects from concept to completion. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and inspire a creative team, manage design projects, and oversee creative workflows.

• Product Development: Comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping to technical specification and manufacturing liaison.

• Leadership Experience: Direct experience managing, mentoring, or supervising a creative team.

• Leathercraft Expertise: Advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in leathercraft, alongside experience with multi-materials such as wood, glass, and metal.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for design creation, technical drawings, and presentation materials.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal skills, confidence, and a collaborative spirit to effectively lead and engage with diverse internal teams and external partners.

• Artistic & Aesthetic Sensibility: A highly developed artistic eye and a strong understanding of contemporary aesthetics and luxury design principles.

• Communication Skills: Fluent English communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and operational requirements clearly.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in French and/or Spanish.

• Experience with upcycling initiatives or sustainable design practices.

• Familiarity with luxury goods production processes and supply chains.

• Knowledge of 3D design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced knowledge and expertise in leathercraft" alongside other materials, coupled with "Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite," indicates a need for a hands-on manager who can both guide creative direction and understand technical execution. The "leadership experience" and "exceptional interpersonal skills" are critical for managing the team and cross-functional collaboration, essential for the operational success of special projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A curated selection of past projects demonstrating expertise in object, fashion, or accessory design, with a strong emphasis on luxury aesthetics.

• Special Projects Focus: Examples of specific "special projects" such as limited editions, collaborative pieces, or unique objects that highlight innovative thinking and execution.

• Materiality & Craftsmanship: Demonstrations of work involving diverse materials, with a particular focus on leathercraft and intricate detailing.

• Technical Proficiency: Visual examples of technical specification sheets, detailed drawings, or prototypes that showcase a thorough understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Leadership Examples: If possible, include examples of projects where you led a team or significantly influenced the creative direction and operational execution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you have structured and optimized design workflows, from initial concept to final production.

• Cross-functional Integration: Documentation or case studies illustrating how you have managed information flow and collaboration between design, product development, production, and marketing teams.

• Problem-Solving: Case studies detailing how you have overcome design or production challenges, emphasizing your problem-solving approach and the resulting operational efficiencies.

• Project Management Documentation: Evidence of project planning, timeline management, and milestone tracking for complex design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving "Special Projects" and direct management, a portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also demonstrate a structured approach to design management and operational oversight. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for managing complexity, ensuring technical accuracy, and collaborating effectively to bring unique projects to life.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Paris, France), the experience level (5-10 years), and the industry (luxury fashion/accessories), a Design Manager - Special Projects role at a company like Polène Paris would typically command a competitive salary. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Paris, the estimated annual gross salary range is likely between €55,000 and €80,000. This estimate considers the responsibilities of managing a team, overseeing specialized projects, and the luxury sector context.

Benefits:

• Paid Annual Leave: 25 days per year.

• RTT Days: 10.5 additional days off (Régime de Temps de Travail) for reduced working hours.

• Wellness Membership: ClassPass subscription for sports and wellness activities.

• Employee Discounts: Exclusive access to Polène collections, including private sales and preferential rates after one year of service.

• Childcare Support: Access to daycare networks (People and Baby and Les Petits Chaperons Rouges).

• Health Insurance: Alan health insurance with a tailor-made plan for employees, with a significant 60% employer contribution.

• Commuting Allowance: Sustainable mobility allowance of up to €40/month or 50% reimbursement of public transportation costs.

• Meal Vouchers: Swile meal vouchers valued at €10 per day.

Working Hours:

The role is on-site with standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with an additional 10.5 RTT days providing flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Design Managers in Paris within the luxury sector, considering the specified experience level and responsibilities. The benefits package provided by Polène Paris is comprehensive and reflects a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is attractive for operations-adjacent roles that may require dedication and long-term commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Goods, Fashion, Leather Goods. Polène Paris operates within the high-end segment of the fashion and accessories market, known for its craftsmanship, design aesthetic, and direct-to-consumer model.

Company Size: Polène employs approximately 1,500 people globally, with a significant portion (900) being artisans in Ubrique, Spain. This indicates a growing, yet artisanal-focused, organization. The Design team itself consists of 12 individuals.

Founded: Polène was founded in 2016, positioning it as a relatively young but rapidly expanding Maison in the luxury space. This growth trajectory suggests a dynamic, innovative, and fast-paced work environment.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The candidate will join a 12-person Design team, reporting directly to the Head of Design.

• Direct Reports: The role includes direct management of 2 Designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with the Collection, Image, and Branding teams, as well as internal workshops in Paris and Spain, and external partners/suppliers.

Methodology:

• Design Philosophy: A blend of technical precision and artistic poetry, with a focus on quality craftsmanship and unique design.

• Operational Approach: Emphasis on operational implementation and successful execution of diverse projects, including upcycling and collaborations.

• Growth Strategy: The company has an ambitious development plan, targeting 7 new openings per year, indicating a culture of expansion and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://www.polene-paris.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's rapid growth and artisanal foundation suggest a culture that values both innovation and traditional craftsmanship. For operations professionals, this means understanding the interplay between scalable growth and maintaining high-quality production standards, especially in a role overseeing specialized projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior level within the design function, specifically focusing on management and specialized project leadership. It bridges creative direction with operational execution for unique product lines.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager - Special Projects reports directly to the Head of Design and manages two junior designers. This indicates a clear hierarchy within the design department, with opportunities to influence strategy through specialized project leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the brand's image, innovation pipeline, and customer engagement through unique product offerings. Successful execution of special projects can drive marketing campaigns, foster customer loyalty (e.g., through upcycling initiatives), and expand the brand's product portfolio beyond core collections. This role is crucial for translating creative concepts into tangible products that support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for specific campaigns or product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in managing complex design projects and leading creative teams, potentially moving into a Senior Design Manager or Head of Special Projects role.

• Broader Design Influence: As the company expands, opportunities may arise to influence broader design strategy and product development processes across the Maison.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Develop a strong understanding of operations, marketing, and branding, potentially leading to roles in product management, brand strategy, or GTM operations within the luxury sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior designers, honing leadership and management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership and operational oversight. The "special projects" focus provides a platform for innovation and impact, which can be a strong stepping stone for career advancement within a growing luxury brand. The operational aspects of managing production, timelines, and cross-functional teams are transferable skills valuable in broader GTM and operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Polène's Paris offices, located in the 2nd arrondissement on rue du Louvre. This suggests a professional, urban office environment.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Paris office. The role also involves liaison with workshops in Paris and Spain, implying potential travel or remote coordination with these sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for the 12-person Design team, fostering collaboration and idea exchange.

• Creative Environment: Likely equipped with tools and resources conducive to design work, including access to design software and potentially prototyping facilities or materials.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with other departments like Branding, Image, and Collection teams, facilitating integrated project work.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week) with 25 days of paid annual leave and 10.5 RTT days, indicating a commitment to work-life balance within a standard professional schedule. The on-site requirement means consistent presence in the Paris office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a central Paris location, combined with collaboration across different operational sites (Paris and Spain workshops), emphasizes the need for strong communication and project management skills to bridge geographical and functional divides.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Meeting with Talent Acquisition: An initial screening to assess cultural fit, understand background and ambitions, and introduce the Polène Maison.

2. Interview with Head of Design: A deep dive into the specific role, responsibilities, and challenges within the Design team. This stage will likely assess technical design skills and leadership potential.

3. Case Study: A practical exercise designed to evaluate problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, and approach to product design for special projects. This will likely involve presenting a solution or concept.

4. Final Interview with Management: A broader discussion about Polène's product vision and potential career development opportunities within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate experience in special projects, object design, luxury craftsmanship, and team leadership. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you managed operational aspects like technical specifications and workshop liaison.

• Materiality Focus: Ensure examples clearly showcase your expertise with various materials, especially leather, and your understanding of their properties and production requirements.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the success of your projects (e.g., impact on campaigns, customer engagement, successful product launches).

• Prepare for Case Study: Understand the typical format for design case studies in the luxury industry. Be ready to present your thought process, creative ideation, and pragmatic execution strategies for a given brief.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Case Study: Expect a brief that requires you to conceptualize a special project, considering brand identity, material constraints, and production feasibility. Focus on demonstrating your creative problem-solving and understanding of operational realities.

• Leadership Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a team, handle creative disagreements, and motivate designers to achieve project goals.

• Technical Knowledge: Be ready to discuss your experience with technical specifications, prototyping, and working with artisans or manufacturing partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a case study, which is common for design roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative flair but also a structured, operations-minded approach to bringing designs to life, particularly for the "special projects" aspect.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for design creation, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• CAD Software (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software may be beneficial for 3D modeling or detailed technical drawings, especially for objects.

• Project Management Tools (Likely): Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira may be used internally for workflow management, task tracking, and cross-functional coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Performance Metrics: While not directly "operations" tools, understanding how design impacts sales, brand perception, and customer engagement may involve reviewing sales data, campaign performance, and customer feedback reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams are likely used for day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems (Potentially): Larger organizations may use PLM systems to manage product data, from design to manufacturing, though this is not explicitly mentioned for Polène.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Suite. However, given the operational aspects of the role (managing product development, liaising with workshops, meeting milestones), familiarity with project management tools and a general understanding of how design data flows through an organization would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A core value, evident in the Maison's artisanal approach and the focus on quality in design and production. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in all operations.

• Innovation & Creativity: The "special projects" and rapid expansion indicate a drive for new ideas, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining brand integrity.

• People-Centricity: Polène emphasizes that "people are at the heart of the project," suggesting a supportive and collaborative work environment where employee well-being is valued.

• Efficiency & Agility: The ambitious growth plan and focus on operational implementation imply a need for efficient processes and the ability to adapt quickly to new opportunities and challenges.

• Aesthetic & Poetry: The brand's philosophy of blending "technical precision and the poetry of form" permeates its culture, encouraging a balance between rigorous execution and artistic expression.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with multiple departments (Branding, Image, Collection, Product Management) and external partners, indicating a highly integrated and communicative work environment.

• Artisan Partnership: A strong emphasis on working closely with artisans in Paris and Spain, valuing their expertise and fostering a respectful, collaborative relationship.

• Feedback Culture: While not explicitly stated, a growing company with a focus on innovation likely encourages constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights on materials, techniques, and design trends, especially within the Design team and with cross-functional partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a dynamic blend of luxury craftsmanship, entrepreneurial spirit, and a people-focused approach. For operations professionals, understanding and aligning with these values, particularly the emphasis on craftsmanship and collaborative execution, will be crucial for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Operations: Effectively translating highly creative "special project" concepts into feasible, cost-effective, and timely production realities, managing the inherent tension between artistic vision and operational constraints.

• Managing Diverse Materials and Techniques: Overseeing projects that involve a wide range of materials (leather, wood, glass, metal) and potentially complex artisanal processes requires broad technical knowledge and strong supplier/workshop management.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination between design, product development, marketing, and production teams, especially given the unique nature of "special projects."

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to Polène's fast-paced expansion and continuous opening of new locations while maintaining design quality and operational efficiency for niche projects.

• Leading a Creative Team: Inspiring and guiding a team of designers, fostering their individual growth while ensuring alignment with brand objectives and project requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management: Developing strategic leadership skills in managing complex, cross-functional design projects within the luxury sector.

• Material & Craftsmanship Expertise: Deepening knowledge of diverse materials, artisanal techniques, and sustainable design practices through hands-on project involvement.

• Operational Process Optimization: Gaining practical experience in optimizing workflows for specialized product development, from ideation through to final delivery.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Contributing to Polène's unique business project and ambitious development plan, understanding how design innovation fuels GTM strategies.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Honing leadership capabilities by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are characteristic of roles that bridge creative innovation with operational demands in a fast-growing luxury company. Focusing on how one would navigate these challenges will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design and operational execution of a unique or 'special' project. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration).

• "How do you balance creative vision with the practical constraints of production, materials, and timelines, especially in a luxury context?" (Highlight your understanding of operational realities and your ability to manage trade-offs).

• "Imagine we want to launch an upcycling initiative for a specific leather accessory line. Walk us through your initial design and operational considerations." (Demonstrate your ideation process, material knowledge, and understanding of production feasibility).

• "How would you manage and motivate a team of two designers working on diverse projects, ensuring both creative output and adherence to project goals?" (Focus on leadership style, communication, and performance management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you most about Polène's brand, its aesthetic, and its growth trajectory?" (Show you've researched the brand's philosophy and market position).

• "How do you see your role contributing to Polène's unique blend of 'technical precision and the poetry of form'?" (Connect your skills and approach to the company's core values).

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams like Branding, Image, and Product Management?" (Emphasize your cross-functional communication and partnership skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, tell a clear story: the brief/challenge, your creative process, the operational steps taken, the challenges overcome, and the final impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals. For technical aspects, present clear spec sheets or drawings. For operational execution, show prototypes, material samples, or how you worked with workshops.

• Focus on Special Projects: Dedicate significant time to showcasing relevant "special projects" that demonstrate your ability to innovate and manage unique initiatives.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to walk through your design methodology, your approach to material selection, and how you ensure quality and feasibility in production.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If possible, highlight instances where you led a team or influenced project direction, showcasing your management and decision-making capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of the role, encompassing creative vision, leadership, and crucial operational awareness. The case study is a key opportunity to showcase these combined skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Special Projects position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best represent your experience in object/fashion/accessory design, particularly highlighting any "special projects," upcycling initiatives, or collaborations. Ensure these showcase your material expertise (especially leathercraft) and understanding of technical specifications.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your leadership experience, years in the luxury/fashion industry, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience managing product development or working with workshops/artisans.

• Prepare for the Case Study: Research Polène's current collections and special projects. Think about how you would approach a design challenge for a unique object or an upcycling initiative, focusing on both creative concept and practical execution.

• Research Polène: Understand the brand's history, aesthetic, values, and ambitious growth plan. Be ready to articulate why you are a good cultural fit and how you can contribute to their unique business project.

⚠️ 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.