The Design and Development Manager builds the future vision of CB2 through innovative product design, development and sourcing. This position will execute to support brand strategies in terms of line plans and sku count growth, with a focus on profitability, quality and design excellence.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Chicago, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

A day in the life as a Design and Development Manager...

• Work closely with the Director of Design & Development on the design and execution of unique and innovative product concepts for the assigned product category

• Manage the Design development process throughout its lifecycle, under the leadership of the Director

• Develop designs through detailed design and creative briefs with 3rd party designers, including design review, approving final line drawings for sampling, and specifying material and finish specifications with manufacturing partners

• Lead the design development of product lines into well positioned price points, contributing to successful business growth as a specialist for your specific product categories

• Executes and advise on vendor strategies utilizing a vendor matrix to support Product Development and Buying strategies (including vendor allocation)

• Negotiates favorable first costs based on imu targets provided by Merchant team and effectively ensures design and materials are aligned to either first cost target or makes adjustments based on design and material direction

• Lead the set-up of design, product and assortment review presentations for your specific categories in partnership with key members across merchandising for style-outs

• Collaborate with, lead and foster the talent of an associate and fellow Design & Development peers

• May manage professionals and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of these associates

• Travel internationally for design inspiration, as well as product development reviews and to explore new sourcing opportunities in markets with vendor partners

• Responsible for identifying and tracking vendor capabilities and performance management, including innovation in design and production (materials and techniques), value the cost and quality, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

• Assess and analyze vendor capacities and partner with planning teams to utilize projections and forecasts

• Responsible for interviewing, recruiting and training associates; planning, assigning, and directing work, as well as appraising performance

What you’ll bring to the table…

• Passion for design, knowledge of trends and committed to quality

• Ability to interact and collaborate with executives and/or vendors/partners with experience negotiating and influencing

• In-depth knowledge of the functional area, business strategies, business priorities and design, raw materials and production processes

• Participates with other senior leaders to establish strategic plans and objectives

• Ability to make decisions on operational matters that impact the effectiveness of the team

• Ability to translate business and design objectives into strategic creative plans for team/function

We’d love to hear from you if you have…

• 5 years experience

• 2+ years sourcing/product development/design, preferably in the home industry

• Bachelor's degree preferred

• Experience leading a team with strong communication and leadership skills

• Strong knowledge and interest in design and product development

• Comfortable leading conversations about the technical aspects of product development and manufacturing

• Experience working in MS Excel and Google Sheets

Starting Rate: $102,000.00 - $135,000.00