Senior Manager of Design and Development

Senior Design and Development Manager

About Us:
WWAKE is an award-winning fine jewelry brand based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2013, we are committed to transparency, using artistic design to enact meaningful change within the communities that source our materials. Our jewelry signifies a bond between the wearer, the earth, and every hand involved in its creation.

Role Overview:
The Senior Design and Development Manager at WWAKE plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision and execution of our product designs from inception through to market launch. This position reports directly to the owner and is responsible for overseeing our design and development team. You will ensure that our products are not only aesthetically compelling but also embody the brand’s ethos, maintaining a seamless alignment with market demands and production capabilities.

Role and Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Oversight:

• Lead and oversee the design and development team, setting high standards for design quality and adherence to brand identity.
• Manage the design calendar to ensure timely product launches that support our brand and revenue goals.

Strategic Design Development:

• Utilize market data and sales feedback to make informed design decisions, focusing on maximizing product appeal and profitability.
• Initiate and lead creative sessions for launch kick-offs, continuously review and adapt designs based on cross-departmental feedback.

Budget and Resource Allocation:

• Collaborate with the finance team to set and manage the department’s budget, optimizing resource use for maximum efficiency.
• Coordinate SKU management and adjustments with production teams to ensure inventory meets market demands.

Cross-Departmental Communication:

• Ensure continuous and clear communication with marketing, sales, and production teams to guarantee that design intentions are correctly executed.
• Systematically integrate feedback from all relevant departments to refine designs and align them with strategic company objectives.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 8-10 years of jewelry design and development, particularly in the fine jewelry sector.
• Proven ability to manage and inspire a design team, with robust experience handling external vendors.
• Proficiency in using design software (CAD, Adobe Illustrator) and data analysis tools.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, capable of effectively managing a semi-remote team and multiple department interactions.
• Deep understanding of current market trends and consumer preferences in fine jewelry.
• Detail-oriented with a data-driven approach to design.
• Interest in antique jewelry and integrating personal storytelling into product designs is highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary ranging from $85,000 to $95,000 depending on experience.
• Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 50% of premiums paid by WWAKE.
• Annual leave totaling 35 days, including 15 days PTO (increases with tenure), 10 federal holidays, 5 days at year-end, and 5 sick days.
• Eligibility for WWAKE’s 401K plan, including a 3% company contribution and potential profit-sharing.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave with a flexible return-to-work policy.
• Additional perks include an annual jewelry allowance, employee discount, hybrid work options, and Summer Fridays.