Job Description

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. This role will partner closely with

the founders and collaborate with overseas manufacturing partners (primarily in China)

to elevate product, refine brand identity, and build a more intentional, design-led

assortment.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly entrepreneurial environment and build

the design function from the ground up.

Key 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

Qualifications

 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