This listing pays about $170,000 a year. Across 34 open design director listings that state pay, the middle half runs $130,000 to $172,500 and the median is $151,500. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 12% above the median.

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About the job

We are seeking an accomplished design leader with experience in the baby/toddler category to shape and drive the product vision for a growing lifestyle brand serving babies, children, and families. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the creative direction of apparel, sleepwear, and related product categories while ensuring collections deliver a strong combination of brand relevance, innovation, quality, and commercial success. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional creative instincts, deep product expertise, and the ability to balance trend-right design with the realities of the marketplace. This leader will work cross-functionally with executive leadership and key business partners to bring compelling product assortments to life from concept through execution.

This role is 3 days in-office in Connecticut with convenient access from the Metro North Train Station. The salary range is approximately $170,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities:

Product Vision & Brand Evolution

Develop seasonal product strategies that align with brand objectives and market opportunities.

Direct the creation of color palettes, prints, graphics, fabric concepts, silhouettes, and assortment architecture.

Interpret consumer behavior, cultural influences, lifestyle trends, and competitive insights to inform product direction.

Champion innovation while maintaining consistency with the brand's established identity and values.

Lead the design process from creative inception through final approval and market launch.

Present concepts, seasonal strategies, and product direction to executive stakeholders and key external partners.

Business & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Merchandising, Sales, Product Development, Sourcing, Marketing, and Digital teams to build compelling assortments.

Ensure product offerings align with customer expectations, pricing strategies, channel needs, and overall business objectives.

Collaborate on fabric development, garment construction, fit, quality standards, costing, and production feasibility.

Utilize sales performance, customer insights, and market intelligence to drive informed product decisions.

Contribute to long-range planning and category growth initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing design organization.

Foster a culture of creativity, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Manage seasonal calendars, team priorities, and workflow efficiency to ensure timely execution.

Establish strong partnerships across all functional areas to support successful product commercialization.

Travel

Occasional domestic and international travel required for inspiration, market research, vendor collaboration, and product development activities.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Product Design, or a related field preferred.

10+ years of progressive apparel design experience, within the Children’s category.

Previous experience managing and developing creative teams.

Strong product knowledge across apparel categories, including fabrications, print development, color, fit, and garment construction.

Experience translating market trends and consumer insights into commercially successful product assortments.

Demonstrated ability to balance creative aspirations with business objectives.

Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.

Strong project management and operational planning capabilities.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and modern design platforms.

Experience within children's, baby, or family-focused brands is highly desirable.

Strategic & Consumer-Oriented: Understands evolving customer preferences and market dynamics.

Creative Problem Solver: Brings fresh thinking and innovative product ideas while respecting brand integrity.

Business Savvy: Appreciates the balance between design excellence, profitability, and growth objectives.

Operationally Strong: Establishes effective processes, manages priorities, and drives accountability across teams.

Collaborative Influencer: Builds productive partnerships and gains alignment across multiple stakeholders.

Agile & Growth Minded: Thrives in fast-moving environments and embraces change as an opportunity.

People Leader: Coaches talent, develops future leaders, and creates a positive team culture.

If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in this role, please apply today.

The Solomon Page Distinction

Our teams, comprised of subject matter experts, develop an interest in your preferences and goals and we act as an advisor for your career advancement. Solomon Page has an extensive network of established clients which allows us to present opportunities that are well-suited to your respective goals and needs – this specialized approach sets us apart in the industries we serve.

About Solomon Page

Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of staffing and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. The success of Solomon Page reflects an organic growth strategy supported by a highly entrepreneurial culture. Acting as a strategic partner to our clients and candidates, we focus on providing customized solutions and building long-term relationships based on trust, respect, and the consistent delivery of excellent results. For more information and additional opportunities, visit: solomonpage.com and connect with us on Facebook , and LinkedIn .

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