Design Manager - Special ProjectsPolène Paris · Paris - HQ

Design Manager - Special Projects

🗓️ Posted 2026-09-25 Paris - HQ Fulltime Hybrid Design Architecture
💰 Salary 40 EUR/mo (480 EUR/yr) 📊 Market 4,500 EUR–6,500 EUR/mo

About the Company

Born in Paris in 2016, crafted in Ubrique and open to the world, Polène is much more than a leather goods Maison: it is a culture, a way of being and a way of creating. Each of our creations reflects the meeting point between technical precision and the poetry of shape. Today, Polène brings together 1,500 employees, including 900 exceptional artisans based in Ubrique, Spain, and operates across 3 continents, with an ambitious expansion plan of 7 new boutique openings per year. Retail Apparel and Fashion Specialties: Maroquinerie, Confection, Qualité

Responsibilities

  • ● Lead the creation of all special projects within our Studio, reporting directly to the Head of Design and managing a team of 2 Designers.
  • ● Drive and oversee the creative process for special projects, including:
  • ● Collaborative products and upcycling initiatives (such as the Plèi collections).
  • ● Exceptional objects designed for key communication campaigns in partnership with the Press team (influencer gifting and VIP activations) and the Image team.
  • ● Oversee product development alongside a Product Manager, liaising with our internal prototyping workshops in Paris and Spain.
  • ● 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:
  • ● At least 5 years of experience in a similar role within object, fashion, or accessory design, ideally in the fashion or luxury industry.
  • ● Proven leadership experience managing or supervising a creative team.
  • ● 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.
  • ● Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  • ● Autonomy, rigor, and strong organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • ● Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the confidence and collaborative spirit needed to lead cross-functional projects.
  • ● A highly developed artistic and aesthetic sensibility, and fluent English communication skills. Proficiency in French and/or Spanish is a plus.
  • ● You will join a 12-person Design team, reporting directly to the Head of Design. As the direct manager of 2 Designers, you will work closely with the Collection, Image, and Branding teams, our workshops in Paris and Spain, as well as external partners and suppliers.
  • ● In this role, you will be at the heart of designing a diverse range of objects, playing a pivotal part in their operational implementation and successful execution.
  • ● The Recruitment Process
  • ● Meeting with Talent Acquisition: discover the Maison, our values, and share your background and ambitions.
  • ● Interview with your future manager (Head of Design): dive into the role, its responsibilities and the challenges facing the Design team.
  • ● Case study: work through a practical case and share your thinking and approach to product design.