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Design Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MillerKnoll

Design Director

Stamford, CT · On-site

The Product Design Director combines exceptional design leadership with strategic business thinking, ensuring every product reflects Design Within Reach's commitment to authentic modern design ...

dancker

Design Director

Somerville, NJ · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Design Director Location: Somerville, NJ The difference you'll make: We're looking for a strategic and collaborative Design Director to join our leadership team at dancker. In this role, you'll ...

Millerknoll

Design Director

Stamford, CT · Hybrid

The Product Design Director combines exceptional design leadership with strategic business thinking, ensuring every product reflects Design Within Reach's commitment to authentic modern design ...

Anchour

Design Director

New Gloucester, ME · On-site +1

Overview Anchour is seeking a talented and experienced Design Director to join our team in a hybrid capacity, based primarily out of our Maine headquarters. This role is pivotal in shaping and ...

AbelCine

Design Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Design Director to join our team as a full-time employed consultant supporting one of our key clients. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape creative work for a globally ...

OLBERDING

Design Director

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

The Design Director will work with our cross-functional internal team to support our client in helping to market the brands they produce and consumers have come to love. Design Directors design ...

F. Schumacher & Co.

Design Director

New York, NY

Design Director- Schumacher Classics Role Overview The Design Director leads product development for fabric, wallcovering, and trim, driving the overall aesthetic vision of the brand while balancing ...

Notary Loop

Design Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Notary Loop is searching for a Design Director to lead our dynamic Creative department. This full-time, on-site position presents a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape and enhance ...

PBK

Design Director

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

Morgan Street Holdings

Design Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

Design Director $175,000-$185,000 Workplace Type: Hybrid ABOUT US tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With 1,200+ employees ...

Perkins and Will

Interior Design Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Interior Design Director's overall responsibility is to champion design excellence for all projects in the interiors discipline, including integrated and stand-alone projects. In partnership with ...

PBK

Design Director

North Charleston, SC

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

dancker

Design Director

Somerville, NJ · On-site

Design Director Location: Somerville, NJ The difference you'll make We're looking for a strategic and collaborative Design Director to join our leadership team at dancker. In this role, you'll ...

PBK

Design Director

Saint Petersburg, FL

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

PBK

Design Director

Tampa, FL · On-site

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

Perkins & Will

Interior Design Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Interior Design Director's overall responsibility is to champion design excellence for all projects in the interiors discipline, including integrated and stand-alone projects. In partnership with ...

F. Schumacher & Co.

Design Director

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Design Director- Schumacher Classics Role Overview The Design Director leads product development for fabric, wallcovering, and trim, driving the overall aesthetic vision of the brand while balancing ...

PBK

Design Director

Tampa, FL

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

AbelCine, Inc.

Design Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Design Director to join our team as a full-time employed consultant supporting one of our key clients. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape creative work for a globally ...

AbelCine

Design Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Design Director to join our team as a full-time employed consultant supporting one of our key clients. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape creative work for a globally ...

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Design Director information

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How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in the United States is $135,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $163,000.00 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.
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Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,763 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Design Director

Stamford, CT • On-site

MillerKnoll
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about MillerKnollexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

MillerKnoll rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Why join us?
At Design Within Reach, home comes first. We believe in creating and sourcing pieces that move with you and are meant to be enjoyed over a lifetime - from home to home, generation to generation. For us, that means exceptionally crafted, built-to-last, and beautifully designed furnishings.
Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It's the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Design Within Reach means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Design Within Reach to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.
About This Opportunity:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Creative Director, the Product Design Director leads DWR Studio and sets the creative direction for Design Within Reach's original product portfolio. This role is responsible for shaping product vision, defining collection briefs, leading a multidisciplinary industrial design team, and partnering across merchandising, product development, sourcing, engineering, and manufacturing to bring commercially successful, design-led products to market.
The Product Design Director combines exceptional design leadership with strategic business thinking, ensuring every product reflects Design Within Reach's commitment to authentic modern design, impeccable craftsmanship, commercial success, and enduring relevance.
This individual will cultivate a culture of design excellence, champion innovation, and develop products that strengthen Design Within Reach's position as the leading destination for modern home furnishings.
Key Responsibilities
Creative Leadership
  • Partner with the SVP, Creative Director to define and execute the long-term creative vision for DWR Studio.
  • Serve as the primary design leader for DWR Studio, translating brand strategy into a cohesive product vision and portfolio direction.
  • Create and steward design briefs for all original product collections across furniture, lighting, accessories, and textiles, ensuring alignment with brand, customer, and business objectives.
  • Lead the conceptual development of new collections that advance the Design Within Reach point of view while supporting strategic business objectives.
  • Provide clear recommendations on product direction, design tradeoffs, and collection priorities to support portfolio growth and long-term brand equity.
  • Ensure a consistently high standard of design quality, craftsmanship, usability, and aesthetic rigor throughout the portfolio.
  • Foster a culture where thoughtful critique, experimentation, and innovation are central to the design process.

Product Strategy
  • Translate consumer insights, market intelligence, and cultural trends into a differentiated product strategy.
  • Partner with Merchandising to define category opportunities, product roadmaps, and long-term portfolio evolution.
  • Balance creative ambition with commercial performance, identifying opportunities that strengthen both brand equity and business growth.
  • Inform and influence investment decisions across new product development, assortment planning, and portfolio management.
  • Partner with Merchandising and Product Development to evaluate assortment performance, identify lifecycle opportunities, and support category growth strategies.
  • Ensure design decisions appropriately balance customer desirability, brand differentiation, quality expectations, and commercial viability.

Design Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the industrial design team while creating an environment that attracts and retains exceptional creative talent.
  • Establish clear goals, performance expectations, feedback mechanisms, and development plans that enable individual and team success.
  • Build strong cross-functional partnerships that enable efficient product development and successful commercialization.
  • Establish best practices for design process, creative reviews, and product storytelling.
  • Inspire a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing creative culture.
  • Drive succession planning and talent development to build long-term organizational design capability.

Product Development
  • Oversee the design process from concept through production, ensuring design intent is maintained throughout engineering and manufacturing.
  • Collaborate closely with Product Development, Engineering, Sourcing, and Quality teams to achieve excellence in execution.
  • Partner with domestic and international manufacturing partners to identify opportunities for innovation in materials, construction, sustainability, and production methods.
  • Embed sustainability, durability, repairability, and responsible material choices into design briefs and product development decisions.

External Partnerships
  • Develop and maintain relationships with independent designers, design studios, manufacturers, and strategic partners.
  • Evaluate and cultivate external partnerships that expand DWR's design perspective, innovation capabilities, and market relevance.
  • Identify and cultivate opportunities for new collaborations that strengthen the DWR product portfolio.
  • Represent Design Within Reach within the global design community and at key industry events.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from an accredited university.
  • Minimum 12 years of progressive industrial design experience, with at least five years leading design teams.
  • Demonstrated success designing and bringing premium furniture or consumer products to market.
  • Exceptional portfolio demonstrating world-class industrial design, product thinking, and creative leadership.
  • Deep knowledge of furniture manufacturing, materials, construction techniques, ergonomics, and product engineering.
  • Proven ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing creative teams.
  • Strong understanding of premium consumer brands and modern design history.
  • Outstanding communication, presentation, and executive-level influencing skills.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in Industrial Design or related discipline.
  • Experience within premium or luxury furniture, interiors, or consumer lifestyle brands.
  • Experience collaborating with internationally recognized designers or design consultancies.
  • Global manufacturing experience across North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Knowledge of sustainable materials, circular design principles, and responsible manufacturing.

Leadership Competencies
  • Exceptional creative judgment and design taste.
  • Visionary leadership with a strong commercial mindset.
  • Ability to inspire, coach, and develop creative talent.
  • Strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills.
  • Deep curiosity about design, architecture, art and culture.
  • Highly collaborative leader who builds trust, provides clear feedback, and creates conditions for exceptional creative work.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity while driving clarity and execution.
  • Passion for modern design and Design Within Reach's mission.

Success in this Role
The Product Design Director will elevate Design Within Reach's original product portfolio by delivering collections that are commercially successful, culturally relevant, beautifully executed, and true to the principles of enduring modern design. This is an opportunity to shape the next generation of original DWR products and influence how modern design lives in customers' homes.
Who We Hire?
Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Design Within Reach is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We're committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.
This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. In general, MillerKnoll positions are closed within 45 days and are open for applications for a minimum of 5 days. We encourage our prospective candidates to submit their application(s) expediently so as not to miss out on our opportunities. We frequently post new opportunities and encourage prospective candidates to check back often for new postings.
MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com.

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