Design Director

THE COMPANY: BIRDY GREY

Birdy Grey is a direct-to-consumer brand whose mission is to celebrate and elevate friendships during one of the most important milestones in a person’s life: THE WEDDING. 

Founded in 2017 by best friends Grace Lee (CEO & Founder) and Monica Ashauer (President & Co-Founder), Birdy Grey offers affordable bridesmaid dresses starting at $100, and fun gifts and accessories for everyone in the bridal party. Brides and bridesmaids alike count on Birdy Grey for their most important day—so much so that we’ve dressed over half a million bridesmaids (and counting) in less than 5 years.

THE OPPORTUNITY: Design Director / Head of Design

REPORTS TO: CEO

LOCATION: LA

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA with an office in New York, NY, Birdy Grey supports hybrid work for eligible roles. This role will be in-office, working out of our DTLA office 5 days a week. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  #LI-Hybrid

Birdy Grey is seeking a Design Director/Head of Design who will lead the creative vision and design direction for our bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and additional growing categories. This role is pivotal in developing cohesive and innovative designs that resonate with our target market, set trends, and elevate our brand's positioning in the market. You will inspire and lead the design team to deliver concepts that align with our brand's aesthetic and core bridal customer, ensuring excellence in every aspect of product development from concept to final production. This role must work collaboratively with Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, Product Development and Creative. We are seeking a player-coach who will oversee the high-level design vision while also directly design seasonal collections.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with CEO, Design and Merchandising teams to conduct trend and category research, including analysis of the market relevant to the area of responsibility.
• Establish the brand's seasonal fashion direction, ensuring consistent aesthetic integrity.
• Research and interpret seasonal trends, fashion direction, and cultural influences, sourcing inspiration from various outlets such as runways, brands, and tradeshows.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision that prioritizes customer needs while meeting sales and profit objectives, leveraging technical expertise to identify opportunities and develop assortments, working closely with Merchandising, Production, and Creative.
• Take ownership of product design from concept to production, leading the design team in the development and execution of product designs, from sketch to handoff.
• Collaborate with the Technical Design and Production on fabric and material selection, understanding the rationale behind decisions.
• Interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for the season, selecting and approving styles, materials, trims, and colors.
• Ensure designs align with overall product strategy and adhere to SKU plans and assortment strategies set by merchants.
• Work with the Product Development team to ensure designs meet cost guidelines and collaborate with Strategic Sourcing for vendor allocation.
• Lead fit sessions with Tech Design and Product Development teams throughout the season, ensuring clear communication and alignment on fit standards.
• Create cohesive product presentations, including boards, tear sheets, and samples, to effectively communicate design concepts to merchants.
• React to current product selling performance based on customer feedback and sales results, incorporating learnings into future designs.
• Adhere to seasonal timelines and action calendars for the area of responsibility, ensuring timely execution of design tasks.
• Demonstrate comfort and effectiveness in leading through complexity, combining visionary thinking with a focus on speed.
• Cultivate relationships with technical designers, merchants, and sourcing divisions to exchange ideas and streamline processes.
• Serve as the primary contact with the Vendor Community (Overseas/Domestic) and communicate regularly with overseas offices to share line development direction.
• Anticipate potential obstacles and actively seek solutions while providing context and rationale for decision-making.
• Foster a collaborative environment, building trust and relationships across all levels of the organization to influence decision-making.
• Develop engaged and high-performing teams, coaching and motivating design staff while identifying and nurturing talent.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions, mentoring others outside direct reports to foster their growth.
• Lead and manage team of designers, providing guidance and cultivating career growth

THE RIGHT CANDIDATE: QUALIFICATIONS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree Required 

EXPERIENCE / REQUIREMENTS:

• 11+ years of experience in a Fashion Design, including 7+ years recent experience in dresses, special occasion, or bridal
• 7+ years of management experience
• Possess advanced design skills and expertise within the designated category, demonstrating proficiency in conceptualizing and executing product designs.
• Exhibit strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with the Director of Design, lead design teams, and influence decision-making processes. Develop and motivate design teams, fostering engagement, and high performance while identifying and nurturing talent for future growth.
• Ability to conduct thorough trend and category research, analyze retail market trends, and interpret seasonal fashion directions.
• Possess a strong sense of color and print, with the ability to interpret specific color palettes, patterns, and prints for each season.
• Proficiency in design software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM, as well as Microsoft Office and Excel for communication and organization.
• Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform data deep dives to surface actionable insights.
• Proactive problem solver with the ability to troubleshoot and/or escalate issues effectively.
• Hard working and willing to roll sleeves up - no job is too big or too small.
• You have an entrepreneurial spirit. You thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, fluid environment. You are comfortable with ambiguity and take initiative to lead projects.

NICE TO HAVES:

• Start-up experience 
• Interest in bridal