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- Tasks: Lead a creative design team to develop innovative sportswear collections.
- Company: Join a top vertical apparel manufacturer working with leading global brands.
- Benefits: Relocation to China, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of fashion.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of design innovation while driving commercial success in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in apparel design, strong leadership skills, and a degree in Fashion Design required.
- Other info: Must be willing to relocate to China for this exciting opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Y2S Consulting have partnered up with a well-reputed vertical apparel manufacturer catering to some of the leading global brands. We are on the hunt for a talented leader with a strong creative sense but also very commercially aware. This is a multi-product role, however key focus will be on sports/activewear knits and will require relocating to China.
JOB PURPOSE
The Senior Manager Fashion Design plays a pivotal role in shaping the products aesthetic and driving commercial success. They lead a high-performing design team, translating emerging trends into innovative and commercially successful collections. This strategic leader fosters strong cross-functional collaboration, mentors the team, and optimizes design processes for profitability and efficiency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct in-depth trend research and analysis, identifying long-term trends and their application to the
- company\’s vision.
- Develop and present a strategic trend direction aligned with brand/retailer needs, seasonal forecasts,
- and competitive landscape.
- Champion design innovation, encouraging exploration of new ideas and pushing boundaries while
- maintaining brand identity.
- Lead the design team in creating innovative, on-trend collections that reflect the brand\’s aesthetic and
- standards while exceeding customer expectations.
- Oversee the entire design process, from concept and trend research to final production-ready
- specifications.
- Build a high-performing design team by providing clear direction, fostering creativity, and offering
- mentorship opportunities for professional development.
- Delegate effectively and empower team members to take ownership of projects.
- Partner strategically with Merchant, Product Development, and Production teams to ensure a smooth
- and aligned product development cycle, contributing to key decisions.
- Lead the design team in the development of mood boards, color palettes, design boards, fabric boards,
- trim boards, and final tech packs with all apparel specifications.
- Cultivate strong partnerships with PD (Product Development) and technical teams, ensuring seamless integration of design with fit and production processes.
- Lead the design team in fabric and trim selection for all product ranges, considering performance, cost,
- market trends, and sustainability.
- Develop and implement design methodologies that optimize cost-effectiveness while maintaining
- design integrity and brand aesthetic.
- Play a key role in product cost analysis and value engineering to ensure profitability.
- Continuously refine product designs through print/graphic creation and refinement, ensuring optimal
- use of artwork and brand consistency.
- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure design team performance, product
- success, and brand impact.
- Analyze market data and sales trends to inform design decisions and ensure collections resonate with
- target audiences.
- Continuously improve design processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor\’s degree in Fashion Design (Master\’s Degree preferred)
- 15+ years of experience leading and managing apparel design teams within the active/performance/lifestyle category
- Proven track record of leading the development of successful and profitable apparel collections
- Extensive knowledge of fashion trends with a proven ability to identify long-term trends and their
- application to the brand vision
- In-depth knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, and production processes
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop) and 3D CAD applications
- Experience with design process optimization and cost-analysis tools (desirable)
- Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building abilities
- Excellent strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team
- Data-driven approach with the ability to analyze market trends and translate them into actionable design strategies
COMPETENCIES
- Strong trend forecasting and execution skills.
- Excellent communication across all levels and locations.
- Highly organized with a keen eye for detail.
- Exceptional time management and self-motivation.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while fostering a patient and collaborative
- team environment.
- Mentorship skills to guide and develop junior designers.
- Strategic thinking and involvement in design-related business calls for effective resource optimization.
- Ability to conduct training and deliver presentations to large audiences.
Head of Design - China employer: Y2S Consultancy
Contact Detail:
Y2S Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design - China
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your leadership experience in design. Highlight any previous roles where you successfully led a team, especially in the activewear or apparel sector. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire a high-performing design team.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in sports and activewear. Being able to discuss current market trends and how they can be applied to the company's vision will set you apart as a candidate who is not only creative but also commercially aware.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Since this role requires working closely with Product Development and Production teams, having examples of successful partnerships will show that you can ensure a smooth product development cycle.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to present your approach to optimizing design processes for profitability. Discuss any methodologies you've implemented in the past that improved efficiency while maintaining design integrity, as this aligns with the company's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design - China
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of Design position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in leading design teams and your knowledge of the activewear market.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your leadership experience and ability to mentor a design team. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led projects and fostered creativity within your team.
Highlight Trend Analysis Expertise: Demonstrate your ability to conduct in-depth trend research and analysis. Include examples of how you've identified long-term trends and applied them to successful collections in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that showcases your best work, particularly in sports and activewear. Make sure to highlight collections that reflect your understanding of market trends and your ability to create commercially successful designs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Y2S Consultancy
✨Showcase Your Creative Vision
Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and how you translate trends into commercially successful collections. Bring a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially in sports and activewear.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Share examples of how you've built and led high-performing design teams. Highlight your mentorship experiences and how you've empowered team members to take ownership of their projects.
✨Understand the Market
Research the company and its competitors thoroughly. Be ready to discuss market trends and how they can influence design decisions, showcasing your ability to align with brand vision and customer expectations.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully partnered with other departments like Merchandising or Production. Emphasize your communication skills and ability to foster teamwork.
