Director of Design

1 week ago

Costa Mesa, CA, United States 5.11 Tactical Full time

Born in Yosemite, forged in Quantico and built for adventure. 5.11 is a purpose-driven lifestyle brand, rooted in performance, durability, and versatility. Since 1979, we’ve created gear and apparel for people who live life without limits, delivering gear and apparel that empower them to push boundaries every day.

As the Design Director, you will lead the creative vision and execution across all product categories: Apparel, Footwear, and Gear, ensuring every design reflects 5.11’s purpose-built DNA and delivers innovation, function, and style. You’ll define the design language, seasonal direction, and brand aesthetic across categories and consumer groups (Tactical, Adventure, Fitness), while mentoring a team of designers and graphic artists from concept through commercialization in alignment with the product calendar and company strategy.

Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership

  • Define and champion 5.11’s design vision to align with brand identity and consumer expectations.
  • Lead and inspire the Apparel, Footwear, Gear, and Graphic Design teams to deliver cohesive seasonal collections.
  • Establish design standards for silhouette, color, material, and branding across product lines.
Product Creation Partnership
  • Collaborate with Merchandising, Development, and Technical Design to ensure concepts meet cost, function, and quality goals.
  • Drive innovation in materials, construction, and design to enhance performance and durability.
  • Participate in seasonal gate reviews and product milestones to ensure creative alignment and design excellence.
Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of designers and graphic artists; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and creativity.
  • Set clear goals, workflows, and feedback processes to drive team performance.
  • Partner with HR and the CPMO to identify and develop high-potential design talent.
Brand Consistency & Consumer Relevance
  • Translate consumer insights and market trends into actionable design strategies.
  • Partner with Marketing and Merchandising to ensure cohesive storytelling across all channels.
  • Maintain category distinction while ensuring a unified 5.11 brand experience.
Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of progressive design experience in apparel, footwear, or gear; minimum 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating function-driven design and innovative material use.
  • Proven success leading design teams within a vertical retail or consumer brand environment.
  • Deep understanding of the product creation process from concept to commercialization.
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems, and 3D design tools.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and cross-functional leadership skills.
Key Outcomes
  • Seasonal collections delivered on time, within margin targets, and aligned to brand strategy.
  • Consistent design language and elevated consumer perception across categories.
  • Innovation milestones achieved (new materials, features, sustainability initiatives).
  • High team engagement and performance results.


Pay Range: $145,000-$190,000 annually plus bonus based on experience

5.11 offers a best-in-class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.

*If you are a regular full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*

You can find out what personal information we collect, correct any inaccuracies, or ask us to delete your personal information (with some exceptions). To check out our policy, click HERE. If you want to make a request about your personal data, CLICK HERE.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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