Vice President Design (temporary/interim)

Description

About Clare V.

Clare V. is a line of accessible-luxury pieces born and based in sunny Los Angeles, California. Led by founder Clare Vivier, Clare V. is a distinctive reflection of Clare’s unique background, passions, and vision. More than 10 years ago, Clare started making the types of bags she wanted but couldn’t find anywhere. As the brand grew, she proudly kept production local to Los Angeles, meanwhile forging partnerships with local and global organizations working to make a positive difference in the world. Today, Clare V. remains committed to conscious practices while creating collections that are bold yet enduring, elevated yet accessible, and irresistibly charming yet rooted in everyday practicality. The brand headquarters is located in the Silver Lake/Frogtown area of Los Angeles and is actively led by Clare Vivier.

The Interim Vice President of Design is responsible for managing the design team and ensuring

development execution of the Creative Director’s seasonal design vision and strategy across the

handbag, SLG, and apparel collections. This role translates the Creative Director’s vision into

commercially successful collections while balancing creativity, innovation, operational efficiency,

and business objectives.

The Interim VP of Design partners closely with Merchandising, Product Development,

Production, Planning, and Executive Leadership to ensure collections align with brand strategy,

calendar milestones, profitability goals, and customer needs.

This is an interim appointment from mid-October 2026 to mid-March 2027, including a defined

overlap period at both the commencement and conclusion of the term to facilitate a

comprehensive transition with the full-time VP. Clare V. is seeking a candidate with established

familiarity with the brand and a thorough understanding of product development processes,

enabling them to contribute meaningfully from the outset.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership & Design Strategy

• Implement the seasonal design direction for handbags, small leather goods, apparel,
• and accessories in partnership with the Founder and Creative Director
• Translate creative vision into commercially viable assortments aligned with brand
• positioning and business objectives
• Drive strategic thinking around product assortments, category growth, customer needs,
• and long-term brand evolution

Product Development & Cross Functional Partnership

• Partner with Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and Planning teams to
• establish annual and seasonal calendars, milestones, and development priorities
• Ensure design concepts are aligned with cost targets, margin expectations, development
• ratios, and operational capabilities
• Oversee the design development lifecycle, including sketches, CADs, tech packs, fittings,
• sample reviews, and market presentations
• Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize assortments, SKU productivity, and seasonal
• product strategies based on sales analysis and business performance
• Lead collection reviews, milestone meetings, and market presentations with clarity,
• organization, and strategic direction
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, coach, and mentor the Design team to ensure strong performance, accountability,
• collaboration, and professional growth
• Foster and maintain a creative, inclusive, collaborative, and solution-oriented team
• culture
• Manage internal and freelance design resources, ensuring workload optimization and
• efficient execution across categories

Operations & Business Management

• Drive operational efficiency and profitability through optimization of development
• ratios, sample counts, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation
• Ensure teams are working effectively against calendar deadlines while maintaining
• design integrity and quality standards
• Balance creative innovation with financial responsibility and operational execution

Skills & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Fashion Design, Fine Arts, or related design field
• Minimum 15+ years of relevant industry experience designing and developing
• handbags/accessories
• Progressive experience in handbag, accessories, or fashion design, including leadership
• experience managing creative teams
• Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept through
• commercialization
• Expert knowledge of handbag construction, leather, materials, sourcing, and
• manufacturing processes
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing creative teams
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional leadership abilities
• Demonstrated experience balancing creative vision with business objectives and
• profitability goals
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Excel, and PLM systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with domestic and international factories and development
• partners
• Experience in luxury, contemporary, or accessories-focused fashion brands
• Experience with assortment planning, merchandising strategy, and SKU optimization
• Familiarity with WFX PLM or similar product lifecycle management systems
• Strong understanding of the Clare V. brand aesthetic and customer lifestyle

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a
• computer, reviewing samples, or participating in meetings
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, tablets, office equipment, and
• handle materials, samples, and prototypes
• Ability to visually inspect colors, materials, hardware, construction, and product details
• with close attention to accuracy and quality
• Frequent movement throughout office, showroom, warehouse, and factory
• environments
• Ability to lift, carry, and/or move sample bags, materials, boxes, and supplies up to 25
• pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, climb stairs, and access shelving or storage areas as needed

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions of this role.

Additional Information

• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities
• Responsibilities may change based on business needs

Compensation & Perks:

Bi-Weekly salary range of $5,000 to $7,700 and generous employee discounts.

Studio Life & Culture:

This position is based out of our Frogtown Studio Offices, located in one of L.A.’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods-known for its arts scene, local cafes, and laid-back riverside charm.

For our studio-based team members, we foster a work environment that supports creativity, connection, and community.

Perks include:

• A fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and beverages
• Monthly catered lunches to bring the team together
• Quarterly team-building events, including meaningful volunteer outing throughout the Los Angeles community

Clare V. is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We believe that diverse perspectives make for stronger teams and better ideas. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone can thrive.

In compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws-including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)--we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need support during the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

Our company conducts background checks as part of the hiring process after a conditional offer has been made. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify you from employment. We consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and its relevance to the position.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Notice to California applicants: https://privacy.clarev.com/job-applicant-privacy-notice

Salary Description

$5,000-$7,700 bi-weekly