Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Company: Johnny Was Location: Los Angeles, Johnny Was Headquarters, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail Date Posted: 2025-09-25 Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design and creative process for the Johnny Was brand, translating the company's free-spirited, bohemian California lifestyle and aesthetic into commercially successful product lines.
• Establish and present the seasonal brand direction, including color palettes, prints, embroidery, fabrications, and silhouettes, ensuring alignment with market trends and business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of design professionals, fostering creative development and ensuring the integrity of the Johnny Was brand and customer experience across all product classifications.
• Strategically partner with merchandising, product development, production, and sales teams to ensure on-time delivery, cost-effective production, successful line adoption, and overall profitability.
• Act as a key leader across the organization, building effective relationships and contributing to the strategic growth of all product lines while maintaining a high degree of autonomy and accountability for business resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly positioned as a senior leadership position within the product design function, requiring a blend of creative vision, strategic execution, and people management. The emphasis on the "Johnny Was lifestyle" and "bohemian aesthetic" indicates a need for a candidate who deeply understands and can embody the brand's unique identity, translating it into actionable design direction. The scope includes not just creative output but also significant cross-functional collaboration and business acumen for profitability and strategic growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and articulate the seasonal design direction for the Johnny Was brand, encompassing color palettes, prints, embroidery, fabric, trim, and silhouette trends, informed by market research and brand DNA.
• Direct and guide the design team in the conceptualization and creation of product designs, ensuring the brand's aesthetic integrity and customer relevance across all product categories.
• Collaborate closely with the merchandising team to align design initiatives with merchandising strategies, aiming for successful line implementation and enhanced profitability.
• Oversee the design team's prioritization of seasonal initiatives to ensure adherence to the corporate calendar and timely delivery of product for market readiness.
• Partner with the Product Development team to manage the sample process, ensuring critical market week deadlines are met and working with Production to design within achievable cost targets.
• Review garment fits from a design aesthetic perspective, collaborating with technical designers and actively participating in fit sessions to ensure quality and brand standards.
• Provide comprehensive product knowledge and serve as an informational resource for marketing, retail, and sales teams, supporting product presentation across all sales channels.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the design staff, focusing on cultivating strong creative leaders and building bench strength within the department.
• Foster effective relationships across all organizational levels and departments, as well as with external vendors, consultants, and partners, to drive collaborative success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and operational execution. The Design Director is expected to not only set the creative vision but also manage the complex process of bringing those designs to market, requiring strong project management, cross-functional collaboration, and budget awareness. The expectation to manage and develop a team indicates a significant leadership component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in senior apparel design roles.
• At least 5 years of direct experience in a supervisory or management capacity, leading design teams.
• Proven experience in creative fashion design services, including trend forecasting, concept development, and line building.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, successfully delivering design projects within timelines and budget constraints.
• Experience with aspirational brands and luxury or premium retail environments is highly preferred.
• A strong background and practical experience in technical design, particularly with embroidery and embellishments, is essential.
• Experience managing and designing across multiple product categories and full assortments is required.

Required Skills:

• Fashion Design Expertise: Deep understanding of apparel design principles, construction, and current fashion trends, with a strong ability to translate these into the Johnny Was aesthetic.
• Creative Leadership: Proven ability to set a compelling creative vision, inspire a team, and drive innovative design solutions.
• Market Research & Trend Analysis: Skill in conducting market research, analyzing trends, and translating insights into actionable design directions and product assortments.
• Product Development & Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive understanding of the product development cycle from concept to final production, including sample management and timeline adherence.
• Technical Design Proficiency: Background in technical design, understanding fit, construction, and embellishment techniques like embroidery.
• Color & Fabrication Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of color theory, seasonal palettes, and a wide range of fabrications, including their properties and applications.
• Team Building & Mentoring: Strong leadership capabilities focused on team development, mentoring junior designers, and fostering a collaborative creative environment.
• Adobe Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design ideation, presentation, and technical specification development.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas, provide feedback, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational & Multi-tasking Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and make decisive judgments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with aspirational brands and retailing.
• A strong eye for quality and a proven track record in creative fashion design.
• Ability to deeply connect with and understand the target customer and consumer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent, technical knowledge, and leadership capabilities. The explicit mention of "aspirational brands" and "customer/consumer relatability" highlights the need for a designer who understands brand positioning and market appeal. Proficiency in Adobe Suite is a critical technical requirement for design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of the Johnny Was brand aesthetic, demonstrating a history of successful seasonal collection development from concept to completion.
• Examples of market research, trend analysis, and how these insights were translated into cohesive design directions and product assortments.
• Demonstrations of print, embroidery, and fabric development, illustrating creativity and technical execution relevant to the brand's signature style.
• Case studies detailing the process of leading a design team, including managing projects, collaborating cross-functionally, and achieving specific design or business outcomes.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with merchandising and product development teams, highlighting contributions to line profitability and on-time delivery.
• Visual documentation of fit sessions or garment reviews, showcasing an understanding of garment construction, fit refinement, and quality standards.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate proficiency in documenting design processes, including trend forecasting methodologies, concept development workflows, and seasonal line planning.
• Showcase experience in creating and utilizing design specifications, technical packs, and mood boards to clearly communicate design intent to cross-functional teams.
• Examples of process improvements or optimizations implemented within a design department, focusing on efficiency, collaboration, or creative output.
• Evidence of managing and adhering to a product development calendar, including key milestones for design, sampling, and production readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is implicitly required for a Design Director role. The enhancement focuses on what elements a candidate should include to best represent their capabilities in fashion design leadership, process management, and brand alignment, particularly within a lifestyle-oriented brand context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is $110,000 - $160,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days.
• Employee discounts on Johnny Was products.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, generally expected to align with standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours per week), though flexibility may be required to meet business needs and project deadlines, especially during peak seasons or market weeks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated. Benefits are typical for a full-time corporate role. The working hours are specified as full-time, implying a standard 40-hour week, but the nature of a Design Director role in fashion often necessitates additional hours during critical periods.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail, Apparel Design, Lifestyle Brand Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Johnny Was is part of a retail organization that likely operates multiple stores and has a significant corporate presence, suggesting a medium to large enterprise structure. This size implies a need for structured processes but also opportunities for cross-functional impact. Founded: Not specified, but its established presence in the market suggests a history of brand building and customer loyalty.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a team of design professionals, likely including designers, assistant designers, and potentially print or embroidery specialists.
• This role reports to senior leadership, likely a Creative Director or Head of Product, and collaborates closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Production, Marketing, and Retail Operations teams.
• The team structure necessitates strong cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive brand messaging and product execution from concept through to customer.

Methodology:

• The company's mission statement emphasizes "free-spirited optimism through beauty, authenticity, comfort and artistic expression," and a "relaxed modern bohemian lifestyle." This suggests a creative and collaborative work environment.
• Design processes will likely involve seasonal trend research, mood board creation, concept sketching, fabric and trim sourcing, print/embroidery development, and close partnership with technical design and merchandising for line adoption and costing.
• Automation and efficiency practices would focus on streamlining the design-to-production cycle, potentially utilizing digital tools for design, spec submission, and sample tracking.

Company Website: johnnywas.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and emphasis on lifestyle are key cultural indicators. A Design Director must be able to embody and translate this ethos. The size of the company influences the complexity of processes and the potential for impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, directly responsible for a critical function (product design) that significantly impacts the company's revenue and brand identity. It sits at a Director level, often a stepping stone to VP or Chief Creative Officer roles in larger organizations. Reporting Structure: The Design Director likely reports to a senior executive such as the Chief Creative Officer, VP of Merchandising & Design, or CEO, depending on the company's organizational structure. They will manage a team of designers. Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly influences product assortment, brand aesthetic, customer appeal, and ultimately, sales performance and profitability. Their strategic direction sets the course for the company's product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific product categories or expand into broader creative leadership roles within the company.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management and strategic planning skills, potentially leading larger teams or more complex projects.
• Brand Influence: A chance to significantly shape the creative direction and visual identity of an established lifestyle brand, impacting its market position and customer perception.
• Cross-functional Advancement: Potential to move into roles with broader oversight, such as Head of Product or Chief Merchandising Officer, by leveraging their understanding of the entire product lifecycle and business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career advancement for a senior designer, offering leadership and strategic impact. Growth paths are likely within creative leadership or broader product management functions, leveraging the deep understanding of the brand and market gained in this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Johnny Was Headquarters in Los Angeles, indicating a corporate office environment. This setting is likely to be creative and collaborative, reflecting the brand's aesthetic. Office Location(s): Los Angeles, Johnny Was Headquarters. This location offers a vibrant fashion industry hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be dynamic and creative, fostering collaboration among design, merchandising, and product development teams.
• Access to necessary design tools, including Adobe Suite software, and potentially fabric libraries, sample rooms, and trend forecasting resources, will be crucial.
• Opportunities for team interaction will be high, given the collaborative nature of product design and development, with regular meetings, reviews, and brainstorming sessions.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment, typically Monday through Friday, with a standard 40-hour workweek. However, the fashion industry often requires flexibility to meet seasonal deadlines, market weeks, and project milestones, which may involve working extended hours or weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on a creative, collaborative office environment in a key fashion market. The need for flexibility in work hours is a common characteristic of senior roles in the fashion design industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, creative vision, and alignment with the Johnny Was brand aesthetic.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion focused on design philosophy, leadership style, experience with seasonal direction setting, and team management. May include behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.
• Creative/Portfolio Review Presentation: A formal presentation of the candidate's portfolio to key stakeholders (e.g., Creative Director, Merchandising leads, Senior Management). This is a critical step to evaluate design capability, trend interpretation, and ability to articulate design strategy.
• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with leaders from Merchandising, Product Development, and potentially Marketing to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader business context.
• Final Interview: Discussion with executive leadership to evaluate strategic fit, leadership potential, and overall alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature work that aligns with the Johnny Was brand: bohemian, free-spirited, artistic, and California-inspired.
• Include a mix of high-level concept work, detailed seasonal direction (mood boards, color palettes, prints), and examples of executed product lines.
• Showcase your process: how you research trends, develop concepts, select fabrics/trims, and work with technical teams.
• Highlight your leadership experience by including examples of managing design teams, mentoring junior talent, and driving team projects.
• Quantify your impact where possible: mention successful product launches, impact on sales, or efficiency improvements in the design process.
• Be prepared to discuss your creative philosophy, your approach to translating brand identity into product, and your strategies for team management and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge or case study, which might involve creating a mini-collection concept, developing a print, or outlining a strategy for a specific product category based on provided brand direction or market trends.
• Practice presenting your work concisely and articulately, focusing on the "why" behind your design choices and their potential market impact.
• Prepare to discuss how you would manage a design team, prioritize tasks during busy periods, and collaborate effectively with departments like merchandising and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior design role heavily emphasizes the portfolio and the ability to articulate creative vision and leadership. Candidates should tailor their portfolio and preparation to the specific brand identity and operational needs of Johnny Was.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all aspects of design, including Photoshop (for print manipulation, mood boards), Illustrator (for technical flats, pattern creation), and potentially InDesign (for line sheets, presentations).
• 3D Design Software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear): Increasingly important in fashion for creating realistic 3D prototypes, reducing physical sampling needs, and improving collaboration. While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency would be a significant advantage.
• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Tools like Centric PLM, Lectra, or similar platforms are used to manage product data, specs, and development timelines. Experience with these systems is often beneficial for efficient workflow.
• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and utilization of services like WGSN, Fashion Snoops, or similar platforms for market research and trend identification.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data Analysis Tools: While not directly used by designers, understanding how to interpret sales reports, customer feedback, and merchandising performance data is crucial for informing design decisions and ensuring commercial viability. This might involve Excel, BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), or internal reporting systems.
• E-commerce Analytics: Understanding website traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior data can provide insights into product popularity and market demand.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email for daily communication and collaboration.
• Project Management Software: Tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be used for tracking design projects and team tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design software is paramount. Familiarity with PLM systems and trend forecasting tools would be highly advantageous, reflecting modern design operations. An understanding of how to leverage sales and customer data to inform design is also key for commercial success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Artistic Expression: A core value, as stated in the mission, driving innovation and unique product offerings.
• Authenticity: Staying true to the brand's bohemian, free-spirited ethos and customer base.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals, from design conception to product delivery.
• Customer Focus: Deeply understanding and catering to the Johnny Was customer's lifestyle and preferences.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Maintaining high standards in design, fabrication, and execution, reflecting the brand's premium positioning.
• Free-Spirited Optimism: Infusing positivity and a relaxed, artistic approach into the work environment and product.

Collaboration Style:

• Emphasis on cross-functional partnerships with Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to ensure cohesive product lines that meet both creative and commercial objectives.
• A culture that encourages open communication, feedback exchange, and shared problem-solving among design team members and with other departments.
• Proactive engagement with sales channels to gather market insights and present product effectively.
• Potential for collaborative brainstorming sessions and workshops to foster innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values heavily influence the expected team culture. A Design Director must embody these values and foster them within their team, promoting a collaborative and brand-centric approach to design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Viability: Ensuring that innovative designs are also commercially successful, cost-effective, and align with merchandising strategies.
• Managing Diverse Product Categories: Overseeing the design direction for a full assortment of apparel, accessories, and potentially other lifestyle items, requiring broad creative and technical knowledge.
• Pacing and Seasonality: Navigating the demanding, fast-paced fashion calendar with multiple seasons and collections to manage simultaneously.
• Team Development: Effectively managing, mentoring, and retaining creative talent, fostering a high-performing and motivated design team.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and interpreting emerging trends while maintaining the unique Johnny Was brand identity, avoiding simply chasing fleeting fads.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Evolution: Opportunity to contribute significantly to the evolution of a well-established lifestyle brand's aesthetic and market position.
• Cross-functional Mastery: Deepen understanding of merchandising, production, retail operations, and marketing by working closely with these departments.
• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Develop advanced leadership, strategic planning, and team management capabilities in a senior role.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry trade shows, fabric fairs, and trend forecasting seminars to stay current and expand professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in fashion design, requiring strong organizational, creative, and leadership skills. The growth opportunities are significant, offering substantial impact and professional development in a creative industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for establishing a seasonal design direction. How do you balance market trends with a brand's core aesthetic?" (Focus on research, mood boards, concept development, and brand alignment.)
• "How do you manage and mentor a team of designers to foster creativity and ensure productivity? Provide examples of developing talent." (Highlight leadership style, feedback mechanisms, and team-building strategies.)
• "Walk us through a successful product launch you led from concept to market. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Use the STAR method to showcase your process, problem-solving, and impact.)
• "How do you collaborate with merchandising and product development teams to ensure designs are commercially viable and manufactured within cost targets?" (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and understanding of the business side of design.)
• "How do you ensure the integrity of a brand's aesthetic while also innovating and staying relevant?" (Discuss your approach to brand guardianship and creative evolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the Johnny Was brand and its customer? How would you contribute to its unique lifestyle aesthetic?" (Demonstrate research and genuine connection to the brand.)
• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or tight deadlines. How did you approach it?" (Showcase organizational and time management skills.)
• "How do you stay inspired and current with fashion trends, and how do you translate that inspiration into actionable design concepts?" (Discuss your personal process and resources.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story about your design journey and how you approach creating collections.
• Brand Alignment: Select pieces that clearly demonstrate your understanding of and ability to execute the Johnny Was aesthetic.
• Process Emphasis: Show the "how" – your research, inspiration, development stages, and collaboration.
• Impact & Results: If possible, include data or anecdotes that highlight the commercial success or positive reception of your designs.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on your most relevant and impactful work. Prepare to answer questions about any piece presented.
• Professional Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure a confident and engaging delivery. Be ready to discuss your creative choices and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should be heavily focused on showcasing creative vision, leadership, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the Johnny Was brand. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Johnny Was careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience with lifestyle brands, bohemian aesthetics, and the full product design lifecycle. Emphasize your leadership experience and ability to manage creative teams.
• Resume Optimization: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased product line profitability by X%," "Successfully launched Y collections on time"). Use keywords from the job description, such as "fashion design," "creative direction," "trend analysis," "product development," and "team leadership."
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Johnny Was's brand history, current collections, marketing campaigns, and target customer. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit during interviews.
• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Anticipate a portfolio review and prepare a concise, impactful presentation that showcases your best work, specifically curated to align with the Johnny Was brand and the requirements of this role. Practice articulating your design process and strategic thinking.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights based on the provided information and industry standards for a Design Director role in fashion. Specific details about the interview process, team structure, and day-to-day responsibilities should be confirmed directly with Johnny Was during the application and interview stages.