Lead Jewelry Designer

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing brand with global ambition as its creative leader in design. HART is a Charleston-based fashion jewelry brand known for soulful, personalized, long-lasting jewelry at an attainable price, and is entering its next chapter of growth.

The role

The Lead Jewelry Designer will lead HART's design function end to end, from concept development through technical specification. This is a full-time role and HART's first dedicated design lead.

The role reports directly to the Chief Creative Officer, who sets the creative vision for the brand, and partners closely with the Product Development team to bring each design into production.

We are seeking a designer with a distinct creative vision who is ready to take ownership of the work. The ideal candidate brings original concepts and works well independently, yet also loves to collaborate with creative leadership on inspiration and ideas.

The position can be based full-time in Charleston, South Carolina, hybrid, or fully remote. Remote and hybrid candidates will travel to Charleston quarterly for 2–3 day in-person collaborative work sessions. All travel expenses paid by HART, including airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and meals (according to GSA per diem rates).

Responsibilities

Concept and collections

• Lead concept development for all collections, from research and inspiration through final design and tech packs renderings.




• Originate new concepts for the Chief Creative Officer's review, including new icons, story groups and extensions of existing franchises.




• Maintain the balance between design classic, enduring icons and a measured share of zeitgeisty newness.




• Present concepts with clear rationale, supported by research, references, sketches and narrative.




• Manage workload and priorities independently.

Design across categories

• Design across the full assortment, including charms, pendants, and medallions, finished necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.




• Ensure designs work cohesively across categories to support layering and personalization.




• Partner with the Chief Creative Officer, Product Development and Merchandising teams to identify assortment gaps and set design priorities.

Tech packs and development

• Produce complete, accurate tech packs for every design, including specifications, dimensions, materials, finishes, stones and engraving details.




• Maintain HART’s excellent commitment to our high quality standards.




• Partner with Product Development on sampling, revisions and approvals through production.




• Review factory CADs and samples for design accuracy and quality. CAD development is handled by our factory partners.




• Work with the Product Development team to manage the design calendar and meet all development deadlines.

Collaboration

• Work in close partnership with the Chief Creative Officer, advancing the brand's creative vision while contributing an independent point of view.




• Travel globally at least once a year to nurture relationships and get design inspiration with our top vendors in India and Thailand.




• Clear, strong communicator with original ideas, keen eye for detail and an innate curiosity.




• If not based in Charleston, travel there quarterly for 2–3 day in-person work sessions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of jewelry design experience, with at least two years leading design direction for a brand.




• A portfolio demonstrating a distinct point of view and original concept development.




• Experience designing across categories, including charms, pendants, necklaces and earrings.




• Strong tech pack skills, with working knowledge of jewelry manufacturing, materials, finishes, stones and engraving.




• Experience working with overseas factories and reviewing CADs and samples.




• Strong sketching and presentation skills; proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.




• Ability to articulate the concept and narrative behind a collection.




• Self-directed, with a proven ability to manage priorities and deadlines independently, including in a remote setting.




• A confident collaborator who can advocate for a point of view while working in close partnership with creative leadership.




• Prepared to take on significant responsibility and full ownership of a growing design function.




• Fine jewelry design experience is a plus; we incorporate fine jewelry details into many of our pieces.

Details

• Title: Lead Jewelry Designer




• Reports to: Chief Creative Officer




• Works closely with: Product Development team




• Type: Full-time (40 hours / week); exempt




• Location: Charleston, SC (full-time on site), hybrid, or fully remote (US)




• Travel: Quarterly 2–3 day work sessions in Charleston for remote and hybrid candidates;All travel expenses paid by HART, including airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and meals (according to GSA per diem rates). Global travel to meet with our international vendors, as well as attend global tradeshows for sourcing.




• Salary: 100,000 - 125,000

Benefits & Perks

• Paid time off




• Medical, dental, and vision insurance




• Short-term and long-term disability coverage




• Life insurance




• 401(k) with company matching




• Generous employee discount




• Opportunity for international travel to visit and collaborate with global vendor and manufacturing partners

Additional benefits provided as required by applicable state and local law based on the employee’s work location.

How to apply

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter and portfolio to [email protected]

Portfolios should include

• Two to three collections you have led, including the concept and narrative behind each.




• At least one sample tech pack (redacted or personal work is welcome).




• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in HART and your perspective on how you would like to move the brand's design direction forward.

HART is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.