Design Manager
Posted 25 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Design Manager - Special Projects”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 5+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
No salary listed for this role.
In the context of its ongoing transformation, Polène is currently recruiting a Design Manager - Special Projects to lead the design and development of our exceptional products (charms, upcycling, objects, gifts, etc.) and manage a team of two designers.
You will thrive in this role if you want to:
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Lead the creation of all special projects within our Studio, reporting directly to the Head of Design and managing a team of 2 Designers.
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Drive and oversee the creative process for special projects, including:
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Collaborative products and upcycling initiatives (such as the Plèi collections).
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Exceptional objects designed for key communication campaigns in partnership with the Press team (influencer gifting and VIP activations) and the Image team.
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Oversee product development alongside a Product Manager, liaising with our internal prototyping workshops in Paris and Spain.
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Ensure technical specification sheets are completed and maintain seamless information transfer between internal teams and artisans to guarantee all delivery milestones are met.
You will excel in this role if you have:
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At least 5 years of experience in a similar role within object, fashion, or accessory design, ideally in the fashion or luxury industry.
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Proven leadership experience managing or supervising a creative team.
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A highly creative and hands-on mindset, with a passion for working with multi-materials (wood, glass, metal) alongside advanced knowledge and expertise in leathercraft.
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Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
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Autonomy, rigor, and strong organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
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Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the confidence and collaborative spirit needed to lead cross-functional projects.
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A highly developed artistic and aesthetic sensibility, and fluent English communication skills. Proficiency in French and/or Spanish is a plus.