Away is a global lifestyle brand with a mission to transform travel through products and content that inspire people to get away more. In support of our mission, we’re seeking a Vice President of Design to innovate and commercialize our luggage, bags, and accessories product lines.
The VP, Design is a critical brand evangelist that ensures our evergreen and seasonal products are modern, imaginative, and fresh. We’re looking for someone that is forward-thinking and has a pulse on the zeitgeist; if that’s you, you know how to advocate for and incorporate futuristic features that customers are looking for before they even know to ask. The ideal candidate is one that not only brings this level of strategy to the brand, but is also excited about being hands-on and executional with their team across all aspects of the design lifecycle, providing mentorship and guidance at each stage of the process.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a widely celebrated brand that is looking to continue to innovate and iterate. We’re keen to take thoughtful risks that provoke and excite our customers past, present, and future. The VP, Design leads our technical, luggage, and bags/accessories design teams, and reports to the Co-Founder and CEO. This is a hybrid role that is onsite at our Soho office at least three times a week.
As a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Away seeks individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this opportunity. We’re creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Our customers are global and diverse, so we’re building a team that is too. Through initiatives like our Employee Resource Groups, anti-racism training, and bias prevention initiatives, we’re building the cultural foundation that gives people the emotional and physical space to bring their authentic selves to work.
What you’ll do as the VP, Design:
- Lead our long-term product strategy, making final product decisions in partnership with the CEO
- Provide a compelling perspective of new products that can drive our brand forward using knowledge of trends, the competitive landscape, and consumer insights
- Steer the technical, luggage, and bags/accessories design teams from strategy to concept, including ongoing oversight on how current products can be improved to drive brand love and sales
- Bring innovative product ideas into the fold, including new materials, construction, features, colors, and silhouettes
- Hire, mentor, and lead a diverse team of designers that are eager to contribute and bring unique ideas to the table
- Partner cross-functionally with Production, Merchandising, Marketing, Insights and E-Commerce teams, ensuring product features are clearly articulated and celebrated across each touchpoint of the customer journey
- Ensure environmentally conscious practices are at the forefront of our design philosophy, furthering Away’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable world
Who you are:
- Innovative leader with extensive experience leading design for luggage, bags, and/or accessories categories at distinctive brands
- Compelling portfolio of work that demonstrates how you’ve balanced innovation with commercialization
- Experience diving into all facets of the design lifecycle, including checking tech specs, concept presentation, being proficient in AI, Photoshop, and 3D softwares is strongly beneficial
- Exceptional ability to execute and be across multiple needs at once, keeping cross-functional stakeholders abreast of updates and advocating for change whenever necessary to protect the integrity of the brand
- Team player with a “no task is too small” attitude
- Enjoys working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
- Passionate about transforming travel (but that’s a given!)
Compensation Package:
Our salary ranges are based on paying competitively for our size and industry, and are one part of our total rewards program that also includes benefits, bonus, equity and various social and professional investment opportunities at Away. Pay decisions are based on a number of factors, including scope and qualifications for the role, experience level, skillset, and balancing internal equity relative to other Away employees. We expect the majority of the candidates who are offered roles at Away to fall healthily within the range based on these factors.
Salary Range: $280,000.00 - $310,000.00 annually
This role is eligible to participate in Away’s Annual Company Performance Bonus Plan, the terms of which are determined on an annual basis at the discretion of the company
Equity Grant: commensurate with level determined at the discretion of the company
Benefits Overview:
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- Life and AD&D insurance
- 401(k) with a company match
- Flexible spending, health savings and commuter benefits
- Paid Time Off (vacation, personal well being, volunteer, paid holidays, floating holidays, bereavement and jury duty)
- Paid Parental Leave, Short & Long-term disability
- Product stipends and recognition awards
Away is a global lifestyle brand with a mission to transform travel through products and content that inspire people to get away more. The company launched in 2016 with one perfectly designed carry-on and has since expanded to offer an array of luggage and travel essentials built for the modern traveler. Headquartered in New York City, with teams in London and Toronto, Away currently ships products to three countries around the world. Away has been named one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies”, has been recognized on TIME’s list of “Best Inventions”, and Inc's Best Led Companies. To learn more, visit awaytravel.com.
You’ll love working at Away because:
- We travel. We encourage you to take time to recharge outside of the office. You’ll have generous PTO to explore new places and access to Away products to ensure your travels are seamless.
- We’re not just employees. We’re people. We deeply value the talent our team brings to the table, and believe that fair and equitable total rewards packages are part of our commitment to everyone who works here. We offer insurance coverage (health, vision, and dental), tax savings plans for retirement, dependent care, commuter benefits, generous and inclusive parental leave, and a stocked kitchen.
- We’ll invest in your career. Our company’s growing quickly, and we’ll give you the opportunity to do the same. You’ll have access to a number of professional development opportunities, as well as access to one-on-one professional coaching services, so we can support you as the company's needs evolve.
- We’re creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Our customers are global and diverse, so we’re building a team that is, too. Through people-focused initiatives like our Employee Resource Groups, monthly cultural programming, our hybrid approach to ways of working, and our newly designed HQ that centers intentionality & collaboration, we're building the cultural foundation that gives people the emotional and physical space to bring their best selves to work.
- And so much more…! You can bring your dog to work. We organize ways to give back to our local communities.
EEOC Statement:
Away is dedicated to hiring a diverse workplace that celebrates an inclusive culture and a sense of belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information or disability.
Away is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].