Design Director Jobs in New York
Design Director jobs in New York sit at the center of one of the most active creative markets in the world, with demand concentrated in fashion, advertising, publishing, tech, and consumer brands at every level from senior designer making a first leadership move to seasoned creative executives. Most hiring happens in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City, where studios, agencies, and in-house teams at companies like Condé Nast, Estée Lauder, and NBCUniversal maintain consistent design director headcount. The most in-demand specialties are brand identity, UX and digital product design, and packaging and retail experience. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 129+ Design Director jobs
Overview
rag & bone is seeking a Design Director to lead Men’s Denim and some of the White Label driving the evolution of our smart casual, denim-led lifestyle and defining a clear, modern point of view for the collection. Reporting to the Head of Men’s Design, this role is responsible for translating the broader creative vision into a focused, commercially viable product offering. The Design Director will own the development of a cohesive wardrobe anchored in denim, while expanding into a broader expression of the modern uniform. The ideal candidate brings a strong design perspective, deep expertise in denim and fabrication, and the ability to execute with clarity, discipline, and consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Denim Execution
- Drive seasonal design direction for Men’s Denim and some White Label in alignment with the Head of Men’s Design
- Translate overarching brand vision into a clear and differentiated product assortment
- Own Denim & Lifestyle Expansion
- Lead design across denim, including fit, fabric, and wash innovation
- Expand the denim lifestyle into shirting, knitwear, outerwear, accessories, and third pieces
-
Build a cohesive wardrobe system rooted in American sportswear, workwear, and denim-first styling
-
Product Creation & Development
- Oversee the design process from concept through final development
- Partner closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure design integrity and execution
-
Elevate fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques across categories
-
Support Brand Expression
- Execute a distinct visual and product language for White Label within the broader men’s strategy
-
Ensure consistency across product, styling, and seasonal storytelling
-
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a growing design team
-
Provide clear direction, feedback, and mentorship to drive creative and technical excellence
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with merchandising to align on category growth and business objectives
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to support go-to-market storytelling
Qualifications
- 8–12+ years of men’s design experience, with a strong focus on denim and casual lifestyle
- Proven experience owning a category or leading a business segment within a contemporary or premium brand
- Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction
- Strong ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product
- Experience working within a larger creative structure while owning execution
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
What We’re Looking For
- A designer with a clear, confident point of view, grounded in product
- Someone who understands how to build a denim-led wardrobe system, not just individual pieces
- A leader who can bring focus, discipline, and consistency to a growing category
- A strong executor who thrives within a collaborative, top-down creative structure
Why rag & bone
At rag & bone, we are grounded in the belief that great design comes from authenticity, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view. This role is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within the men’s design team, bringing the White Label vision to life and shaping the future of a modern, New York-based wardrobe.
Rules We Live By I Rules You Live By
- Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity
- Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
- Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
- Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
- Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Overview
rag & bone is seeking a Design Director to lead Men’s Denim and some of the White Label driving the evolution of our smart casual, denim-led lifestyle and defining a clear, modern point of view for the collection. Reporting to the Head of Men’s Design, this role is responsible for translating the broader creative vision into a focused, commercially viable product offering. The Design Director will own the development of a cohesive wardrobe anchored in denim, while expanding into a broader expression of the modern uniform. The ideal candidate brings a strong design perspective, deep expertise in denim and fabrication, and the ability to execute with clarity, discipline, and consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Denim Execution
- Drive seasonal design direction for Men’s Denim and some White Label in alignment with the Head of Men’s Design
- Translate overarching brand vision into a clear and differentiated product assortment
- Own Denim & Lifestyle Expansion
- Lead design across denim, including fit, fabric, and wash innovation
- Expand the denim lifestyle into shirting, knitwear, outerwear, accessories, and third pieces
-
Build a cohesive wardrobe system rooted in American sportswear, workwear, and denim-first styling
-
Product Creation & Development
- Oversee the design process from concept through final development
- Partner closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure design integrity and execution
-
Elevate fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques across categories
-
Support Brand Expression
- Execute a distinct visual and product language for White Label within the broader men’s strategy
-
Ensure consistency across product, styling, and seasonal storytelling
-
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a growing design team
-
Provide clear direction, feedback, and mentorship to drive creative and technical excellence
-
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with merchandising to align on category growth and business objectives
- Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to support go-to-market storytelling
Qualifications
- 8–12+ years of men’s design experience, with a strong focus on denim and casual lifestyle
- Proven experience owning a category or leading a business segment within a contemporary or premium brand
- Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction
- Strong ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product
- Experience working within a larger creative structure while owning execution
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
What We’re Looking For
- A designer with a clear, confident point of view, grounded in product
- Someone who understands how to build a denim-led wardrobe system, not just individual pieces
- A leader who can bring focus, discipline, and consistency to a growing category
- A strong executor who thrives within a collaborative, top-down creative structure
Why rag & bone
At rag & bone, we are grounded in the belief that great design comes from authenticity, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view. This role is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within the men’s design team, bringing the White Label vision to life and shaping the future of a modern, New York-based wardrobe.
Rules We Live By I Rules You Live By
- Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity
- Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
- Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
- Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
- Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Clothing Allowance
- Generous Employee Discount
- Paid Parental Leave
- Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
- 401k
rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
See All 129+ Design Director Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Director JobsDesign Director Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Director Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- D'Youville University7
- Amazon6
- Zeta Charter Schools5
- The New York Times4
- The Ogilvy Group4
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software18
- Education17
- Retail16
- Marketing & Advertising15
- Construction & Real Estate10
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design director jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in graphic design, industrial design, or a related creative field
- Seven or more years of progressive design experience with at least two in a leadership role
- Portfolio demonstrating brand identity, digital, or product design work at a strategic level
- Proven ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams across complex projects
- Experience collaborating with marketing, product, and executive stakeholders in New York-scale organizations
- Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and presentation tools used in agency or in-house environments
Design Director Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design director in New York?
Becoming a design director in New York typically starts with a bachelor's degree in graphic design, industrial design, communication design, or a closely related field from a program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. New York does not require a state-issued license for design directors. Employers here place the greatest weight on a strong portfolio, progressive leadership experience, and familiarity with the specific industry, whether that is fashion, media, advertising, or technology.
Which companies hire design directors in New York?
Employers hiring design directors in New York right now include D'Youville University, Amazon, and Zeta Charter Schools, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's density of global brand headquarters, major media companies, and large advertising agencies means that in-house and agency design director roles open consistently throughout the year.
Which New York cities have the most design director jobs?
New York, Buffalo, and Brooklyn have the most design director openings in New York. Manhattan dominates because it is home to the headquarters of major fashion houses, media conglomerates, and advertising agencies, while Brooklyn's growing creative and tech studio scene drives demand there, and other metros reflect the presence of regional corporate campuses and design-focused employers outside the core city.
Are there remote design director jobs in New York?
Yes, and more than most creative leadership roles. About 24% of design director openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the strategic and screen-based nature of much of the work. Digital product design and brand strategy roles tend to offer the most location flexibility, while roles tied to physical retail, packaging, or on-site production teams are more likely to require a regular presence.
How can I get hired as a design director in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is to move into a design director role from a senior designer or associate creative director position at a New York agency or large in-house team, rather than targeting director titles from the start. Companies like Ogilvy, BBDO, and large retail brands regularly hire senior designers who take on project leadership. Building a portfolio that shows strategic thinking alongside execution, and completing an accredited design program at a New York institution such as Parsons or Pratt, gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to design director jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to design director jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the ones that interest you.
See All 129+ Design Director Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Director Jobs