Director, Design & Development

The Director, Design & Development, is responsible for leading a diverse fashion creative team and driving a creative vision rooted in the contemporary consumer, while supporting and owning category growth objectives. This role provides creative and strategic leadership across a broad portfolio, overseeing all Fashion & Living responsibilities spanning Universal Studios, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, TV and E-commerce businesses for licensing and Parks. In addition, the role fosters a professional and inspiring creative environment that encourages smart, innovative design solutions at every level.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the creative vision across multiple categories, ensuring brand consistency, innovation, and elevated design execution; Develop innovative concepts, visual storytelling, and brand-right creative solutions that resonate with target consumers and strengthen brand equity; Act as the creative bridge between licensors, licensees, retail partners, and internal teams to maximize brand value through design; Ensure alignment between creative vision, brand strategy, and commercial objectives across all product categories; Influence cross-functional stakeholders across Category Management, Retail Development, Licensing, and Parks to align creative strategies with business priorities; Maintain exceptional standards of design quality, craftsmanship, and execution across all creative outputs; Drive informed creative solutions by leveraging global and local market trends, consumer insights, and emerging cultural influences; Partner with Retail Buying teams, licensees, and Category Leadership to develop strategically aligned and commercially viable product assortments; Lead and manage all creative aspects of fashion and product design, ensuring trend-forward development and timely execution; Actively participate in concept development, sketching, illustration, and visual asset creation; Interpret and evolve style guides while creating original graphic assets, design applications, and innovative expressions of IP; Translate trends in materials, silhouettes, fashion aesthetics, and consumer behavior into compelling licensed products; Create impactful presentations and creative assets for regional and internal stakeholders, licensors, licensees, and retail partners; Manage end-to-end licensor approvals, ensuring all products meet brand standards, contractual obligations, and creative expectations; Interpret and elevate licensor feedback, refining product design while maintaining authenticity and brand integrity; Partner closely with intellectual property holders to create differentiated and market-leading product experiences; Balance creative excellence with commercial viability to deliver elevated products that perform in the marketplace; Partner with Category and Retail Leadership to drive quarterly and annual business performance and sales results; Own and communicate creative budget management aligned with key business priorities and initiatives; Track and manage budgets related to product development assets, creative resources, and design execution; Align creative investments with strategic business goals and growth opportunities; Lead, mentor, and develop the Fashion Design team, fostering innovation, accountability, and creative excellence; Drive annual performance management by establishing clear team and individual goals and maintaining a consistent cadence of quarterly 1:1 development conversations; Create and support meaningful career pathways and succession plans; Lead creative reviews and critiques with professionalism, actionable feedback, and high standards; Set the tone through strong ownership, collaboration, attention to detail, and a culture of continuous improvement; Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned; Ability to travel as required to support business and operational needs

Requirements

10+ years of experience in creative design, product development, and creative leadership within fashion, consumer products, entertainment, or licensing environments; 5+ years of experience leading and managing creative teams of 5–20 employees; Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Design or a related creative discipline; Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, technical expertise, and commercial product success; Strong knowledge of clothing construction, garment engineering, fit development, patternmaking, and apparel manufacturing processes; Experience working with domestic and international factories, production partners, and sourcing teams; Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PLM systems, and CAD tools; Experience leveraging emerging design technologies, including AI-assisted design tools, digital product visualization, and creative workflow innovation; Deep understanding of textiles, trims, fabrication, washes, finishing techniques, and production methods; Experience with manufacturing of both soft and hard goods for fashion, accessories and footwear product categories; experience in branding and packaging for consumer goods; Strong track record of managing style guides and the licensor approval workflow; Exceptional illustration, conceptual development, and trend-forecasting skills; Demonstrated leadership skills; highly organized, proactive self-starter; Be available for domestic and international travel; Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple shifting priorities; Mac proficient with advanced skills in Adobe Suite, Keynote and Microsoft applications

Nice to have

Global Design Industry experience a plus

Benefits

Company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k); paid leave; tuition reimbursement; a variety of other discounts and perks; bonus and long-term incentive eligible