Location: Northbrook, Illinois
We inspire purpose-filled living that brings beauty and quality to the modern home. Together, we achieve. Associates across our business drive results, innovate, and inspire. Drawn together by our shared values and passion for our customers and our brands, we deliver home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced, and bring timeless style and function to people’s homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is over 60 years in the making—and our story is still unfolding.
We’re here for it. We think you should be too.
The Associate Director, Furniture Design leads the creative and strategic development of seasonal assortments from concept to market. Partnering with the VP of Design, they execute brand-aligned product strategies while driving cross-functional collaboration and operational excellence. This role manages the design team and vendor relationships, leveraging expertise in materials and trends to deliver innovative, high-quality products that fuel business growth.
This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.
A day in the life as an Associate Director, Furniture Design...
Partner with the Vice President of Design to translate seasonal direction into commercially viable product strategies aligned with brand vision and business goals
Serve as the creative lead for our team of designers for assigned product categories, driving the development and execution of cohesive, trend-right assortments across all categories
Lead and manage the end-to-end product development process, from concept through final approval, ensuring design integrity, quality, and adherence to timelines
Establish and evolve processes and workflows to improve efficiency, communication, and overall team performance cross-functionally
Own the structure, cadence, and outcomes of key product meetings, ensuring clear alignment across design, merchandising, sourcing, and external partners
Drive accountability to seasonal calendars, proactively identifying risks and communicating timeline changes or challenges to executive leadership
Review and approve all design concepts and technical specifications prior to vendor handoff, ensuring accuracy and readiness for development
Collaborate with overseas vendors and agents to resolve development challenges, providing thoughtful solutions that balance design intent, cost, and feasibility
Build and maintain strong relationships with collaborators through presentations, communication, and product approvals
Travel internationally as needed to review product development
Lead, mentor, and develop design team members by setting clear objectives, providing ongoing feedback, and supporting professional growth
What you’ll bring to the table…
Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across design, merchandising, sourcing, and executive teams
Deep passion for design, interiors, and product development, combined with a strong awareness of market trends, materials, and the evolving competitive landscape
Understanding of design history, trends, and market positioning
Proven ability to effectively communicate, influence, and align stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, external partners, and vendors, with strong negotiation and decision-making skills
Strategic thinker with a strong understanding of business priorities, able to translate high-level concepts into actionable design strategies that align with commercial viability
Experience establishing and improving processes to drive efficiency and elevate team performance
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Detail-oriented with a high standard for quality, accuracy, and execution
Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
We’d love to hear from you if you have…
Must provide a link to portfolio (including password) on resume or provide PDF samples
10 years of experience in product design and development within the furniture and lighting industry
5 years of proven experience leading and developing a high-performing design team
BFA or MA in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, or a related design field, or equivalent practical experience
Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop), and Google/Microsoft Suite applications
Expert of the product design and development process, including deep technical expertise in materiality, product engineering, manufacturing best practices, and production processes for furniture and lighting
Demonstrated ability in trend research and driving innovative cross-category product development
Extensive experience traveling and working with factories in-country on product development projects, as well as travel for design inspiration
Starting Rate: $117,000.00 - $160,000.00
Pay ranges will be adjusted upward as needed to comply with applicable state and local law. In addition to your salary, based on your role, associates may be eligible for other compensation including bonuses, sales incentives, and long term incentives.
Job ID R24723 Date posted 06/23/2026 Position Type Full Time
Our commitment to our associates is of the utmost importance. One of the reasons the company attracts such a diverse group of associates is that we offer a full menu of benefits that are relevant to their lives, both on and off the job. We are proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to support eligible part time and full time associates and their families, including:
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Life insurance and Disability
- Retirement and 401(k) match
- Paid time off, wellness time and volunteer time
- Merchandise discount and EAP resources
- Tuition Reimbursement
Many of these benefits begin on day one, and extend to eligible dependents. To learn more about available benefits please click https://jobs.crateandbarrel.com/benefits
Euromarket Designs, Inc., which does business as Crate & Barrel, Crate & Kids, CB2 and Hudson Grace, will be referred to as “the Company”. The Company is deeply committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the location you are applying to here and ask to speak with a manager regarding the nature of your request.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US.
State / City Compliance: The Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Job Applicant Privacy: For details about how the Company collects and uses your personal information, please see our Job Applicant Privacy & Communications Notice.
Questions? Please reach out to [email protected]
