Catbird is seeking a Senior Jewelry Designer to join our Design & Product Development team. The Senior Designer is a key creative role, responsible for shaping collections and limited editions that reflect Catbird’s signature aesthetic. You’ll bring ideas from concept to production, blending historical jewelry knowledge, trends, and Catbird’s heritage into designs that delight our customers and uphold the brand’s values. This position reports to the Design Manager and works in close partnership with them to align design strategy, priorities, and execution across all collections. It is ideal for someone who thrives on creativity, precision, collaboration, and leading design projects with attention to detail and strategic vision.
*Please submit a portfolio in order to be considered for this position.
About Catbird
In over 21 years in business, Catbird has become an icon, the ultimate destination for gifts and jewelry. Founded in Brooklyn, NY, Catbird is a mecca for an international cast of shoppers who come to visit the brick and mortar stores of their beloved website. Both our stores and website are filled with a carefully curated selection of designers, including our in-house line of jewelry. Our Catbird line is made in our Brooklyn studio and with a few trusted partners, using ethically sourced materials and conflict-free stones. Highly trained Catbird jewelers oversee every step of the process. We are dedicated to a return to local manufacturing – what our neighborhood was famous for. Catbird is a proud member of the CFDA, certified Made in New York, and No Dirty Gold.
The key to our success is remaining true to our values:
-We believe in being an anti-racist organization and actively championing diversity, inclusion, and equity
-We believe in making and selling things people will want to keep forever and will bring continuous joy.
-We believe in doing everything we can ourselves.
-We believe in always thinking of the long game and not focusing on a quick profit.
-We believe we are the best at what we do and we work hard to make sure we know how to sustain it as we grow.
-We believe in treating everyone (coworkers, customers, vendors) with deep respect, kindness, and honesty.
Key Responsibilities
Partner on the design and development of core collections, special projects, and limited edition jewelry, from concept sketches through production-ready deliverables.
Translate Catbird’s aesthetic, heritage, trend and historical/archival research, and merchandising plans into design concepts that align with commercial goals and category strategies.
Produce high-quality sketches, renderings, technical specifications, and presentations that communicate design intent to internal teams and external partners.
Partner with CAD designers, sample makers, and production teams to ensure designs are technically accurate, manufacturable, and align with costing strategy to meet margin goals.
Collaborate closely with the Design Manager on design strategy, prioritization, and project planning.
Mentor and work with our designers and sample makers, providing feedback and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
Research materials, techniques, and construction methods to continually enhance Catbird’s craftsmanship and innovation.
Maintain oversight of multiple concurrent projects and ensure timely completion of all design deliverables.
Our Ideal Candidate
8-10+ years of professional jewelry design experience, fine jewelry preferred.
Degree in Jewelry Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent professional experience.
Exceptional hand-drawing and rendering skills; proficiency in CAD (Rhino, Matrix) and Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
Experience with gemstone sourcing, strong knowledge of gemology, jewelry manufacturing techniques, metals, and pricing considerations.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Awareness of the competitive retail landscape, with genuine interest in market trends, brand positioning, and shifts in customers tastes evolving preferences of our customers.
Collaborative with excellent communication skills, comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback.
Deeply passionate about jewelry, with a strong appreciation for Catbird’s aesthetic, historical influences, and contemporary design trends.
Curious, creative, and committed to craftsmanship and design excellence.
Perks & Benefits
8-10+ years of professional jewelry design experience, fine jewelry preferred.
Degree in Jewelry Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent professional experience.
Exceptional hand-drawing and rendering skills; proficiency in CAD (Rhino, Matrix) and Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
Experience with gemstone sourcing, strong knowledge of gemology, jewelry manufacturing techniques, metals, and pricing considerations.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Awareness of the competitive retail landscape, with genuine interest in market trends, brand positioning, and shifts in customers tastes evolving preferences of our customers.
Collaborative with excellent communication skills, comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback.
Deeply passionate about jewelry, with a strong appreciation for Catbird’s aesthetic, historical influences, and contemporary design trends.
Curious, creative, and committed to craftsmanship and design excellence.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Catbird, you’ll join a close-knit, collaborative team dedicated to creating jewelry with meaning and story. You’ll shape designs that resonate deeply with our customers, with the freedom to explore your creativity, contribute to the brand’s direction, and mentor a talented team of designers. You’ll work in a studio that values curiosity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, while collaborating closely with the Design Manager, Director of Design & Development and Chief Creative Officer to ensure all projects align with Catbird’s creative vision and business priorities.
