Lead Designer

About Böhme

Böhme is a fast-growing, fashion-forward women’s apparel brand with a strong retail footprint and expanding eCommerce business. Built by founders with a strong point of view and deep customer connection, the brand has historically partnered with overseas vendors to bring product to life. We are seeking a Lead Designer to become Böhme’s first internal design hire, owning the creative vision and product direction end-to-end.

Responsibilities

Creative Direction & Product Design

• Own and define the overall design vision across select product categories (apparel, dresses, knits, etc.)
• Translate founder vision and brand DNA into cohesive seasonal assortments
• Lead concept development, trend research, color palettes, fabric direction, and silhouette strategy
• Elevate product to feel more differentiated, elevated, and brand-right

Partnership with Founders

• Work closely with founder to align on creative direction and assortment strategy
• Act as a thought partner in evolving the brand aesthetic and positioning
• Bring new ideas while maintaining the core identity that resonates with the customer

Overseas Vendor Collaboration (China)

• Partner directly with overseas factories and development teams to execute product
• Provide clear direction on design intent, materials, construction, and fit
• Review samples, iterate on revisions, and ensure final product meets brand standards
• Balance design vision with cost targets, MOQs, and production realities

Product Development & Execution

• Oversee the design process from concept through final approval
• Collaborate with production and merchandising on timelines and delivery
• Ensure alignment between design, costing, and margin targets
• Manage seasonal calendars and sample timelines

Building the Design Function

• Establish design processes, tools, and workflows from the ground up
• Help define how design integrates with merchandising, production, and sourcing
• Over time, build and mentor a small internal design team as the business grows

Requirements

• 7–12+ years of experience in women’s apparel design
• Background in contemporary, DTC, or retail-driven brands with strong product identity
• Experience working with overseas factories (China preferred) and managing development remotely
• Strong understanding of construction, fabrics, fit, and production processes
• Ability to balance creativity with commerciality (designing for a real customer + price point)
• Experience owning or heavily influencing an entire category or brand aesthetic

Ideal Profile

• Entrepreneurial and excited to be the first design hire
• Strong taste level with the ability to elevate product while staying commercially viable
• Comfortable working directly with founder in a highly collaborative environment
• Hands-on and detail-oriented—willing to own everything from concept to sample approvals
• Strong communicator with overseas partners and internal stakeholders
• Organized and process-driven, but flexible in a fast-moving environment

Why This Role

• Opportunity to own and shape the design function at a growing brand
• Direct access to founders and influence on overall product direction
• High visibility, high impact role with room to build a team
• Blend of creative ownership + operational execution