Design Director -Vertical Surfaces

Description

Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.

An accomplished pattern designer / engineer with project management experience and relationships with mills worldwide is sought to manage and enhance Wolf-Gordon’s product line. This position requires excellent organization of complex product development processes and periodic oversight of outside designers. The candidate must, by their portfolio, demonstrate a progressive and trend-conscious product development history with a color sensibility appropriate to both standard, high sale items and more design forward palettes.

The Design Director, Vertical Surfaces, will work with the Chief Creative Officer to identify product needs and conceptualize collections, ensuring that all products work toward strengthening the Wolf-Gordon brand. The role will be responsible for delivering products in time for multiple introductions each year.

Requirements

• Direct the development of all Wolf-Gordon branded products for vertical surfaces, including Wallcovering, Wall Protection, Wood and Acoustical.
• Work with Chief Creative Officer (CCO) to propose cohesive product release plans covering all product categories.
• Have a clear understanding of the Wolf-Gordon brand (and brand standards) and possess the ability to strengthen the brand through innovative and inspiring designs.
• Coordinate with various manufacturing partners to ensure that each WG product developed is executed correctly and precisely.
• Coordinate with various manufacturing partners to ensure that the targeted number of releases and schedules are met each year.
• Take a leading role in the Company’s Stage Gate Process, working closely with the CCO and Technical Products Director to set the agenda and compile all metrics (inventory, costs, etc.).
• Manage Designer / Colorist (in-house) to ensure proper work load, guiding each developed project to completion.
• Oversee color and trend forecasting process with Designer / Colorist and CCO.
• Manage process for creating mood / inspiration boards that provide conceptual and visual justification for the development of each vertical surface product.
• Work with outside designers to shepherd unique products to successful execution.
• Provide creative insight and design skills for all Wolf-Gordon products.
• Manage all product releases from initial concept to completed product.
• Evaluate and establish appropriate product types and number of colorways.
• Select appropriate mills for the manufacture of each vertical surface.
• Coordinate with the Marketing team on upcoming product releases, providing clear timelines, inspiration, and visual insights for all products.
• Work with Marketing to develop presentations for sales team that appeal to interior designers, promote sales and reinforce the Wolf-Gordon brand.
• Work with the Technical Product Director to ensure all products meet category specifications and testing requirements.
• Ensure clear and open communication between all individuals involved in product releases.
• Practice continuous improvement of product release process to build a better project flow for all parties involved.
• Navigate the release schedule with insight from the finance team.
• Engage with account executives in an orderly process for collecting input and intel on our product line.
• Travel occasionally to territories to collect input and intel on our product line directly from customers.
• Put PowerPoint presentations together for periodic internal product plan updates (national sales meetings, sales manager meetings in NYC, presentations for CCO to give to editors, etc.).
• Participate in end of year budget process for all relevant line items.
• In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, this role may involve other tasks or projects as needed to support the success of our products and the growth of the company

Skills

Keys to Your Success

Programs Used

Compensation / Benefits

Location : Hybrid

Wolf-Gordon headquarters is in NYC’s Fashion District; however, our workforce is located throughout the New York tri-state area. Like the rest of our design and marketing team, you will have :

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