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Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry
full-timeNew York$175k - $250k

Summary

Location

New York

Salary

$175k - $250k

Type

full-time

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About this role

About Us

 

Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty.  Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box.  Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.

Specific Responsibilities Would Include

The Vice President of Design & Merchandising for Jewelry is responsible for leading all aspects of the seasonal design and merchandising strategy, from concept through commercialization. This role oversees a cross-functional design and product development organization to create original, trend-relevant jewelry assortments that align with brand DNA, market demand, and financial objectives. The VP partners closely with Production, Merchandising, Sales, and Brand Management to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of high-quality product while driving innovation and growth. This position oversees licensed and owned brands including, but not limited to, Michael Kors, AllSaints, Kurt Geiger, Coach, Kate Spade, and Jennifer Fisher Jewelry.

 

Strategy & Innovation

  • Source market inspiration, competitive samples, and trend intelligence; conduct research to identify relevant trends, materials, techniques, and finishes for each brand and jewelry category.
  • Review and provide strategic direction on competitive analysis, concept boards, material boards, CAD mock-ups, color and finish callouts, and inspirational materials for internal and external presentations.
  • Oversee development of initial seasonal jewelry design concepts within the context of overall assortment strategy, brand positioning, and cost structure.
  • Review and approve seasonal style plans, ensuring balance across categories such as fashion jewelry, demi-fine, and statement pieces, as applicable.
  • Coordinate across design teams to ensure cohesive brand storytelling and consistency while maintaining distinct brand identities.

Operations & Results

  • Supervise creation and approval of sketches, CADs, specification sheets, and line sheets.
  • Review product development logs and seasonal boards to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to timelines.
  • Approve materials, components, stones, finishes, and trims; ensure quality, cost, and aesthetic alignment with brand standards.
  • Review and sign off on samples, color standards, plating, and finishes in accordance with licensor and brand directives.
  • Oversee prototype and development reviews; identify and resolve technical, construction, durability, and quality issues.
  • Partner with Production to ensure jewelry is engineered, tested, and delivered on time, within cost targets, and to required quality and compliance standards.

Customers & Relationships

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with licensors, brand partners, suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Attend trade shows, markets, and industry events to remain current on trends, materials, techniques, and competitive landscape.
  • Partner with Merchandising and Sales to identify new product opportunities and ensure assortments support sales strategies and customer needs.
  • Collaborate with Sales on showroom merchandising and line presentations; present seasonal collections to senior leadership, key accounts, and buyers.
  • Partner with Brand Management and Sales on product storytelling and collateral to support wholesale and retail needs.
  • Manage ongoing communication with global manufacturers and suppliers to support development, sourcing, and innovation initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of full-time, part-time, and freelance jewelry designers.
  • Assess and plan staffing needs across brands and categories; manage resources effectively.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture and contribute positively to the broader leadership team.
  • Attract, develop, and retain top design talent; set performance goals, provide ongoing feedback, and establish succession plans.
  • Monitor and evaluate individual and team performance to ensure accountability and results.

Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have

  • Extensive experience in jewelry design and development, including materials, construction, stones, finishes, and manufacturing techniques.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Jewelry Design, or a related field.
  • 10–12 years of design experience with significant leadership experience in jewelry or closely related categories.
  • Strong creative vision combined with technical expertise in sketching, CAD, jewelry construction, and production processes.
  • Demonstrated merchandising sensibility and ability to balance creativity with commercial objectives.
  • Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; collaborative and team-oriented.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD systems, and Mac-based environments.

Salary Range: $175,000-250,000

 

At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent.  Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment.  The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process.  Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs. 

 

Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.

 

Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-CP1

 

 

Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

 

 

Other facts

Tech stack
Jewelry Design,Product Development,Trend Analysis,Creative Vision,Technical Expertise,Merchandising,Collaboration,Communication,Project Management,Team Leadership,Quality Assurance,Market Research,Brand Management,Sketching,CAD,Attention to Detail

About Centric Brands

Centric Brands LLC is a global leading lifestyle brand collective that has unparalleled expertise in product design, development and sourcing, retail and digital commerce, marketing, and brand building. Centric designs, sources, markets, and sells high-quality products in the kids, men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, beauty, and entertainment categories. The Company’s portfolio includes licenses for more than 100 iconic brands, including Airwalk®, Calvin Klein®, Tommy Hilfiger®, Nautica®, and Under Armour® in the kid’s category; Buffalo®, Faherty®, Hervé Léger®, IZOD® and Joe’s Jeans® in the men’s and women’s apparel category; All Saints®, Coach®, Frye®, Hunter®, Kate Spade®, Michael Kors®, and Vince® in the accessories category; and in the Sports & Entertainment category, Disney®, Marvel®, Messi®, Nickelodeon®, and Warner Brothers® among many others. The Company also owns and operates Avirex®, Fiorelli®, Hudson®, Robert Graham®, and Taste Beauty® and operates joint venture brands, Favorite Daughter, Jennifer Fisher, and Preston Lane. The Company’s products are sold through leading mass-market retailers, specialty and department stores, and online. The Company is headquartered in New York City, with U.S. offices in Los Angeles and Greensboro, and international offices in Asia, Europe, Montreal, and Toronto. Centric Brands social impact efforts are centered around our commitment to serve and uplift the communities where we live and do business. Through our collective volunteerism and contributions, we are dedicated to making a caring and lasting impact on the world around us.

For more information about Centric Brands, please visit www.centricbrands.com.

Team size: 1,001-5,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion

What you'll do

  • The Vice President of Design & Merchandising for Jewelry leads the seasonal design and merchandising strategy, overseeing the creation of trend-relevant jewelry assortments. This role requires collaboration with various departments to ensure timely and budget-friendly delivery of high-quality products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Centric Brands pay for a Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry?

Centric Brands offers a competitive compensation package for the Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry role. The salary range is USD 175k - 250k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry do at Centric Brands?

As a Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry at Centric Brands, you will: the Vice President of Design & Merchandising for Jewelry leads the seasonal design and merchandising strategy, overseeing the creation of trend-relevant jewelry assortments. This role requires collaboration with various departments to ensure timely and budget-friendly delivery of high-quality products..

Why join Centric Brands as a Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry?

Centric Brands is a leading Retail Apparel and Fashion company. The Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry position at Centric Brands remote?

The Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry position at Centric Brands is based in New York, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry position at Centric Brands?

You can apply for the Vice President, Design & Merchandising - Jewelry position at Centric Brands directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Centric Brands on their website.