Design Manager

Job Overview:

The Design Manager will report directly to CEO and is responsible for giving Design direction for the fashion season, manages all aspects of the design process, from research and ideation to creative conceptualisation and design. She /He collaborates with stakeholders to research and develop cohesive design plans, concepts and prototypes while coaching the team to deliver outstanding results.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Line Management, including:

• Managing a growing team of 4 designers, plus freelancers
• Managing technical assistants
• Undertaking performance reviews, and probation reviews
• Identify development objectives for the team, support them to make improvements and ensures a high standard of work produced.

Manages the design process, including:

• Study fashion trends and anticipate designs that will appeal to consumers. Decide on a theme for a collection. Researches and creates mood boards to identify new trends, targeting prints and colours.
• Develops ideas for ranges including price points and keeping best sellers in mind.
• Manages and mentors the team, ensuring clear briefing on work and working with them to continually improve and produce the best output.
• Works with the social team, organising brainstorming sessions to collate new ideas and feedback on design ranges for further development.

Coordinates with PD and Technical Manager to manage the technical process, including:

• Set up the critical path with new ranges and decide on blocks and fabrics for each style.
• Maintain the critical path throughout the design process.
• Attend fit sessions and record comments for any improvements or amends.
• Input design comments for all fitted garments before comments are sent off (fabric/ trim/ print comments).
• Keep abreast of customer feedback relating to fit and fabrication, etc.
• Liaising with Retail head to manage the number of options per drop to ensure that the target number of styles are landing on site, and sales revenue are met.

Requirements:

• Have 8+ years of experience as an Established Womenswear Designer
• Experience managing and developing a team.
• Excellent computer skills, including CAD, Photoshop, Adobe & Illustrator
• Previous experience with Mac beneficial.
• Confidence and ability to work at pace, ability to make print selection and setting-up print placements for factories.
• Ability to manage the team and their workload to multiple deadlines.
• Identifies development objectives for the team, supports them to make improvements and ensures a high standard of work produced.
• Trend-focused with an eye for detail
• Capable of working autonomously and making strong creative decisions.
• Flexible working approach, diligent and able to adapt to the needs of the team.
• Great understanding of the House of CB brand and customer
• Strong Team player and passionate for the brand and its success
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to recognise bestsellers