Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: At Home Location: Coppell, Texas, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Creative & Design Operations Date Posted: 2026-02-10T15:38:04 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role requires a strategic Design Manager to influence and lead product design within specific categories, translating brand concepts into compelling merchandise.
• The position involves close collaboration with Buyers, Brand Concept Teams, and Sourcing to ensure product development aligns with company vision, quality standards, and market insights.
• Key responsibilities include providing clear item directives, managing category calendars, and leveraging both internal and external design resources to drive product innovation.
• Success in this role hinges on a strong understanding of market trends, consumer insights, and the ability to effectively communicate and present design strategies to cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Design Manager," the description clearly indicates a role focused on merchandise design and product development within a retail context. This aligns with a "Creative & Design Operations" category, emphasizing the operational execution of design strategies rather than pure people management or pure GTM strategy. The role requires a blend of creative vision and project management, which are core operational functions within a design department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide clear and actionable item directives to the merchant team for assigned product categories, ensuring alignment with overall strategy.
• Partner closely with the Brand Concept Team to interpret and execute seasonal visions, including color palettes, silhouettes, material selections, and print/pattern development.
• Effectively communicate with and manage external design resources, contractors, and agencies to augment internal capabilities.
• Proactively identify product opportunities by analyzing Concept Team input, trade show findings, market research, and consumer insights to inform design direction.
• Own and manage the assigned category calendar and all associated timeline deliverables, ensuring projects stay on track.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Merchant teams to execute assigned category development, ensuring designs are manufacturable and meet business objectives.
• Influence and leverage At Home's internal product partners, ensuring design directives are accurately interpreted and implemented across teams.
• Travel as required for industry trade shows, market visits, and product development/style-out trips to stay ahead of trends and ensure quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly operational, focusing on the execution of design strategy, project management (calendar, timelines), cross-functional collaboration, and vendor management. These are critical for ensuring design concepts translate into tangible products efficiently and effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in Product Design, Product Development, or Merchandising within the retail or consumer goods industry, with a demonstrated track record of successfully bringing products to market.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and presentations.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for design ideation, mood boards, and technical sketches.
• Exceptional eye for color, pattern, material, and design details, with a keen understanding of aesthetic trends and craftsmanship.
• Proven presentation skills, including the ability to articulate design concepts, strategies, and rationale verbally, in writing, and through compelling visual aids.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with peers and cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Sourcing, Brand Concept).
• Strong influencing skills, with comfort in decision-making, problem-solving, and proposing effective solutions.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and market demands.
• Proven ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize workload effectively to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software or similar systems for managing product data and workflows.
• Familiarity with retail buying processes and merchandise planning.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and material sourcing specific to home goods or relevant product categories.
• Experience working with external design agencies or freelance designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications & Competencies" section directly maps to required and preferred skills. The emphasis on MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite points to critical operational tools. "Presentation skills" and "Influencer" highlight the need for effective communication and driving consensus, key operational competencies. The "5+ years of relevant experience" is interpreted as a mid-level to senior operational role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing successful product design and development projects within assigned categories, demonstrating clear impact on sales or brand perception.
• Case studies detailing the process from concept ideation through to product launch, highlighting problem-solving approaches and creative solutions.
• Examples of trend research, mood boards, color palettes, and material boards that informed product development strategies.
• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., buyers, sourcing) and how these partnerships led to successful product outcomes.
• Visual representations of how designs translated into commercially viable products, including sketches, technical packs, or product renderings.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and streamline the design development process for assigned categories to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Experience in creating and managing project timelines and workflows, ensuring all stages of design and development are clearly defined and tracked.
• Documentation of how consumer insights and market research were translated into actionable design directives and product specifications.
• Examples of processes used to collaborate effectively with external design resources, including brief creation and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should demonstrate not just creative output but also the operational rigor behind it: process management, cross-functional collaboration, and market responsiveness. The emphasis is on showcasing how they achieved results, not just what they designed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a competitive salary range is estimated between $85,000 - $115,000 annually. This range accounts for the Coppel, TX location, the specified experience level, and the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee discount on At Home merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard Full-time: 40 hours per week.
• Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or attend industry events outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimation based on the role, experience level, and location. The Coppell, TX location is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth area, which has established retail and corporate compensation standards. Benefits are typical for full-time corporate roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Furnishings & Decor). At Home operates in a dynamic and competitive retail environment, focusing on offering a wide selection of home décor items at accessible price points. This requires a strong emphasis on product assortment, trend responsiveness, and efficient supply chain operations. Company Size: Large (likely 1,000-10,000+ employees), indicated by the corporate office location and the breadth of responsibilities. This size suggests established processes, dedicated departments, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. Founded: Founded in 1979, At Home has a long history in the retail sector, indicating stability and established market presence. This history likely means a blend of traditional retail practices and evolving strategies to stay relevant.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be a key member of the Brand Concept and Design Team.
• This team likely collaborates closely with Merchandising, Buying, Sourcing, and Marketing departments.
• The reporting structure places the Design Manager under a Design Director, indicating a hierarchical design department with clear leadership.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving regular interaction with buyers, product developers, and marketing teams to align design with commercial goals.

Methodology:

• Data-driven product development, informed by market research, consumer insights, and sales performance data.
• Trend forecasting and analysis to identify emerging styles, colors, and materials relevant to the home décor market.
• Collaborative design process, involving input from various stakeholders to ensure product alignment with brand strategy and commercial viability.
• Focus on execution efficiency, managing timelines and resources to bring designs to market effectively.

Company Website: https://www.athome.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the industry (retail home goods) and the role's responsibilities. A large, established retail company implies a structured environment where design operations are integral to the overall business strategy, requiring strong process adherence and cross-functional teamwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design operations function. It requires significant independent contribution, decision-making, and the ability to influence others, moving beyond individual contributor tasks to managing specific product categories and timelines.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Design Director. This structure indicates a clear path for mentorship and guidance, as well as opportunities to learn about higher-level design strategy and management. The role also involves extensive collaboration with peer-level buyers and sourcing partners, as well as potentially junior designers or external resources.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the company's revenue and brand perception by shaping the product assortment. Successful design strategies lead to increased sales, improved customer engagement, and a stronger brand identity in the competitive home décor market. The ability to identify product opportunities and execute them efficiently is crucial for driving profitable growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager/Director: Potential advancement to manage larger product portfolios, lead larger teams, or oversee broader design initiatives.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific product categories or design trends, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Cross-functional Moves: Leveraging design insight and operational experience to move into roles within Merchandising, Brand Strategy, or Product Development management.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead project teams, and contribute to strategic planning within the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how a Design Manager role fits into a broader operations and career framework, emphasizing the progression from execution to strategic influence and leadership within the design and product development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment. The Coppell, TX address suggests a dedicated corporate headquarters or a significant regional office for At Home. This environment typically supports structured workflows, team collaboration, and access to necessary business resources.

Office Location(s): 9000 Cypress Waters Blvd, Coppell, TX 75019. This location is within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a major hub for retail and corporate operations, offering accessibility and a professional business setting.

Workspace Context:

• The role is on-site, requiring physical presence at the Coppell, TX office.
• The workspace will likely be designed to foster collaboration, with access to design studios, meeting rooms, and common areas for team interaction.
• Essential office technology and design tools (computers, software, potentially physical material libraries) will be readily available to support daily tasks.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with design peers, buyers, sourcing teams, and leadership will be frequent, facilitating real-time feedback and decision-making.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday), totaling 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be required to accommodate travel for trade shows, market visits, or to meet critical project deadlines, potentially involving extended hours or weekend work in specific instances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement is explicitly inferred from the job details and the nature of a corporate design management role. The description emphasizes the collaborative and resource-rich environment expected in a corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience in product design, development, and retail.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a design portfolio showcasing relevant work. This is a critical step to assess creative capabilities, trend awareness, and problem-solving skills.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Design Director or hiring manager, exploring specific project experience, design philosophy, and fit with the team's needs.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Sourcing, or Brand Concept teams to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader business context.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the design or merchandising department for final evaluation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to translate trends into commercially viable products within similar categories to At Home's offerings.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial research and concept development to final product execution. Include mood boards, color palettes, material selections, and any technical sketches or renderings.
• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of how you partnered with buyers, sourcing, or other teams, and the positive outcomes of these collaborations.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, positive customer feedback, contribution to category growth).
• Tailor to At Home: Research At Home's current product lines and brand aesthetic to ensure your portfolio presentation aligns with their market position and customer base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've identified product opportunities based on market trends and consumer insights.
• Practice articulating your design rationale for specific product choices, explaining the "why" behind your creative decisions.
• Familiarize yourself with At Home's product assortment and competitive landscape to discuss potential design opportunities or challenges.
• Be ready to discuss your experience managing project timelines and collaborating with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a design role heavily relies on the portfolio. The advice focuses on making the portfolio a strong representation of both creative talent and operational execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Essential for creating mood boards, concept sketches, technical drawings, and presentation graphics. Proficiency is a must for ideation and visual communication.
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Critical for reporting, data analysis (Excel), creating presentations (PowerPoint), and general communication (Word). Excel will be key for tracking product details, pricing, and timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis related to product performance, trend tracking, and budget management.
• Internal Reporting Tools: While not specified, large retail organizations typically have proprietary or third-party systems for sales performance, inventory, and market trend analysis. Familiarity with interpreting data from such systems is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Software: While not explicitly mentioned, PLM systems are common in product development for managing product data, specifications, and workflows. Experience with any PLM system would be advantageous.
• Project Management Tools: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be used for managing design project timelines and task allocation, though internal systems might also be in place.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite) are standard for design roles. The "Tool & Technology Stack" section infers potential additional tools common in product development and retail operations, like PLM and project management software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: Designs must resonate with the At Home customer, balancing trend-forward aesthetics with affordability and value.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing) to ensure cohesive product strategies.
• Innovation & Agility: The ability to adapt to rapidly changing market trends and consumer preferences in the fast-paced home décor industry.
• Efficiency & Execution: A focus on translating creative concepts into actionable plans and delivering high-quality products on time and within budget.
• Data-Informed Creativity: Utilizing market research and consumer insights to guide creative decisions, ensuring designs are not only appealing but also commercially viable.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Design decisions are made in concert with commercial objectives, requiring close partnership with Buyers and Sourcing to ensure product feasibility and profitability.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and direct communication to resolve design challenges and align strategies across departments.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that values constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders to refine designs and processes.
• Shared Goals: All team members work towards the common objective of creating compelling and successful product assortments that drive business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the retail industry, the company's focus on home goods, and the described responsibilities of the Design Manager. These elements highlight the operational aspect of design within a business context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend and Value: Designing products that are both fashion-forward and affordable for the At Home customer base. This requires a keen understanding of cost implications alongside aesthetic appeal.
• Rapid Market Evolution: Staying ahead of fast-changing trends in home décor and quickly adapting designs to meet emerging consumer demands.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across diverse teams (Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing) who may have different priorities.
• Managing External Resources: Effectively briefing, managing, and integrating the work of external designers and contractors to maintain brand consistency and quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis: Deepening skills in identifying and interpreting market trends and consumer behavior through workshops, industry publications, and trade show analysis.
• Product Development Lifecycle Management: Gaining comprehensive experience across the end-to-end product lifecycle, from ideation to launch and post-launch analysis.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead specific product category initiatives, developing leadership capabilities.
• Strategic Design Input: Contributing to higher-level design strategy discussions and influencing the overall product vision for At Home.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of the retail home goods industry and the specific demands of a Design Manager role, emphasizing both the operational hurdles and the potential for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a new product opportunity based on market research or consumer insight. How did you translate that insight into a successful product design?" (Focus on process, data utilization, and outcome.)
• "How do you ensure your designs align with both brand aesthetic and commercial viability (price point, manufacturability)?" (Highlight collaboration with Merchandising/Sourcing, understanding of cost structures.)
• "Walk us through your process for managing a product development calendar for a specific category. How do you handle potential timeline risks?" (Demonstrate project management, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about At Home and our product assortment? How do you see your design philosophy fitting with our brand?" (Research the company's mission, values, and product lines.)
• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams like Merchandising and Sourcing. How do you build strong working relationships and achieve consensus?" (Provide specific examples of collaboration and conflict resolution.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in home décor and translate them into relevant product designs for a value-conscious consumer?" (Showcase your research methods and understanding of the target market.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by category or by project type, with a clear introduction for each piece.
• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process (research, ideation, refinement), the final outcome, and any quantifiable results.
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images,