Vice President of Design
Orange County, CA
Design /
Full Time /
Hybrid
Job Title:
Vice President, Design
Location:
Hybrid (with global travel)
Reports to:
Senior Vice President / Brand Director
Overview
A leading global consumer brand is seeking a visionary and experienced Vice President of Design to lead the brand’s global creative direction. This individual will shape the visual identity, product design, and seasonal storytelling across all categories and regions, while guiding a high-performing design team and collaborating closely with cross-functional partners.
This is a leadership-heavy role requiring deep design expertise, commercial acumen, and a strong ability to operate within a fast-moving, matrixed global organization. The ideal candidate brings a performance-meets-lifestyle design mindset, a love for product, and the ability to deliver innovation at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Define and lead the global creative vision and design DNA across product categories and consumer segments.
Develop seasonal creative direction from concept and trend forecasting to execution.
Drive innovation in design through partnership with internal R&D and innovation teams.
Deliver best-in-class product design, with a focus on performance, fit, functionality, and cultural relevance.
Align with marketing, product, digital, and communication teams to ensure cohesive brand expression.
Manage and mentor a multi-disciplinary design team across functions and levels.
Champion and implement the use of generative AI and digital tools in the design process.
Represent the brand's design voice externally with partners, collaborators, and key markets.
Operate effectively in a matrixed structure—balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented creative culture.
Qualifications & Experience
10+ years of experience in design and creative leadership roles for global consumer brands.
Background in performance fashion, activewear, lifestyle, or adjacent industries preferred.
Proven success delivering both creative vision and commercial impact.
Strong understanding of global markets, regional nuance, and consumer segmentation.
Experience in managing large, cross-functional creative teams.
Familiarity with generative design, digital tools, and AI-powered creative workflows.
Excellent storytelling ability, with a sharp eye for concept development and brand nuance.
Comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity in high-growth environments.
Passion for design, innovation, and delivering products with purpose.
$275,000 - $325,000 a year