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Design Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Unum Group

AVP CX Experience Design

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

This role is CX Design leader of a team responsible for translating CX strategy via human-centered design into scalable programs, driving execution through agile delivery, change management, and ...

Unum UK

AVP CX Experience Design

Chattanooga, TN

This role is CX Design leader of a team responsible for translating CX strategy via human-centered design into scalable programs, driving execution through agile delivery, change management, and ...

Jobtailor

Director, Instructional Design

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Direct large-scale instructional design projects that span academic departments and functional units, requiring coordination of personnel, timelines, and resources. * Exercise independent judgment in ...

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Design Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$123.2K

$220.6K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in Tennessee is $123,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $147,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director do?

A Design Director leads and oversees the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization. They manage design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that all visual outputs align with the company's brand and objectives. Design Directors are responsible for setting design standards, mentoring team members, and ensuring the quality and consistency of creative work across various platforms. Their role often includes strategic planning, project management, and communication with clients or upper management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design director?

To thrive as a Design Director, you need deep expertise in design principles, visual communication, and leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field and significant industry experience. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools is essential, along with experience in overseeing brand and creative strategy. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team leadership skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for delivering cohesive design solutions, inspiring creative teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

How does a design director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Design Director, you will regularly work with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and user needs. This role often involves leading design reviews, facilitating brainstorming sessions, and providing clear feedback to your team. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for design principles are essential, as you'll need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Being proactive in building relationships across departments helps streamline workflows and fosters a collaborative environment that leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Design Director vs Art Director?

AspectDesign DirectorArt Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall design strategy, manages multiple projects, and leads design teamsFocuses on visual style, aesthetics, and execution of specific projects or campaigns
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, broad design expertiseVisual creativity, technical skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, agency, or large studio settingsOften in advertising, media, or entertainment industries
Common UsageUsed when referring to senior design leadership rolesUsed for roles focused on visual and artistic direction

The main difference between a Design Director and an Art Director lies in scope and focus. A Design Director oversees overall design strategy and manages teams across multiple projects, while an Art Director concentrates on the visual style and execution of specific projects. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Design Director's responsibilities are broader and more strategic.

Is it hard to become a design director?

Becoming a design director typically requires extensive experience in design, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of managing projects and teams. Many professionals advance to this role after years of working in design roles such as senior designer or art director, often developing expertise in design tools and strategic thinking. The path can be competitive and may involve gaining relevant certifications or advanced education in design or management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Director jobs in Tennessee?

For Design Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Design Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Design Director job openings:

Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,221 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Design Director, Resilient & Laminate

Shaw Industries Inc

Chattanooga, TN

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Shaw Industries rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Title

Design Director, Resilient & Laminate

Position Overview

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a leader in flooring and other surface solutions designed for residential housing, commercial spaces and outdoor environments. Leveraging strengths in design, innovation and operational excellence, the company takes a people-centered, customer-focused, and growth-minded approach to meet diverse market needs. It creates differentiated customer experiences through its expansive portfolio of brands: Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Shaw Floors, Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract, Shaw Sports Turf, Shawgrass, Southwest Greens, Watershed Geo and more. Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with more than $5 billion in annual sales and approximately 18,000 associates worldwide.

Position Summary

The Design Director, Resilient & Laminateis responsible forleading the design strategy, portfolio development, and creative direction for Shaw's resilient and laminate categories across residential brands and channels. This role drives product differentiation, channel growth, and speed-to-market by translating consumer insights into commercially successful collections and product platforms. The role works in close partnership with the Design Studio to accelerate innovation, develop regional and channel-focused solutions, andmaintaina pipeline of market-ready concepts that create competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Leadership

  • Own the long-term design vision and strategy for the Residential Resilient & Laminate categories.

  • Develop category roadmaps that align with consumer trends, businessobjectives, and growth opportunities.

  • Monitor emerging trends, competitive activity, and consumer preferences toidentifyfuture opportunities and innovation spaces.

  • Balance consumer insights, market trends, channel needs, regional preferences, sourcing capabilities, and businessobjectivesto create products that win in the marketplace.

  • Responsible for eloquent execution of New Product Development and New Product Introduction initiatives andDesignKPIs.

Product Differentiation

  • Own the design differentiation strategy across all assigned brands, ensuring each brand has a distinct design point of view, target consumer, and role within the portfolio.

  • Create clear separation between brands by avoiding duplicate visuals, color stories, collection concepts, and product positioning.

  • Partner with Product and Brand teams to ensure every collection has a compelling design story anda clear reasonfor customers to choose it.

Customer & Market Focus

  • Participate in customer visits, dealer councils, Voice of Customer reviews, and market research activities.

  • Translate customer insights into actionable product and design strategies.

  • Stayclosely connectedto competitive activity, emerging trends, and evolving consumer preferences.

Channel & Geographic Expertise

  • Develop a deep understanding of channel-specific and regional design preferences, including Retail, Builder/Multifamily, and Home Center.

  • Understand how consumer preferences, competitive landscapes, price points, and aesthetics vary across geographies and channels.

  • Apply channel and regional insights to create products and collections that are relevant to specific customers, markets, and growth opportunities.

Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with Product, Marketing, Sales, Innovation, Manufacturing, and Sourcing teams to develop successful product strategies and launches.

  • Build strong relationships across the organization and actively seek input from key stakeholders throughout the design and development process.

  • Serve as the design leader for the category, aligning teams around a shared product vision and helping drive business growth through design.

  • Collaborate with the Design Studio to prioritize future design development, Voice of Customer testing, and regional assortment strategies that support category growthobjectives.

Team Development

  • Lead, coach, and developcategory collectiondesigners.

  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, consumer-focused thinking, and continuous learning.

  • Build organizational capability and future design talent.

Position Qualifications:

  • An ideal candidate willpossessproven experience in design leadership, preferably in thehard surfaceflooring, softsurface flooring,or tile industry

  • Strong portfolioshowcasinga track recordof successful product design and teamleadership

  • Excellent collaborative skills to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, Textile Design, or related field; advanced degree orspecialized design certifications desirable

  • 5+ Years product design experience

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, Textile Design, or related field; advanced degree orspecialized design certifications desirable

  • AVA CAD/CAM skills are desired, but notrequired

  • Experience with brand strategy is preferred and will be an important part of the position

  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to work globally

  • Innate aesthetic sense and intuitive understanding of color and design principles

Example KPIs:

  • Consistency and coherence of design language across all product lines

  • Timely delivery of design projects aligned with product launch dates

  • Positive market reception and customer feedback onnew designs

  • Contribution of design innovations to overall brand growth and market share

Competencies:

  • Deliver Compelling Communication

  • Initiate Action

  • Drive Execution

  • Innovate

  • Build Trusting Relationships

  • Create Strategic Plan

  • Demonstrate Customer Orientation

  • Delegate Authority

  • Thought Leadership

Work Shift

8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM
Shaw Industries is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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