Lead Designer

Lead Designer Company: Böhme Location: Draper, UT (or open to relocation) Overview 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