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- Tasks: Lead a creative design team from concept to production in the body armour industry.
- Company: Join Safariland, a leader in protective solutions for law enforcement and military.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, quality, and technology in product design.
- Qualifications: Fluent in English with a strong design background and leadership experience in relevant industries.
- Other info: Position available in Warrington UK or Kaunas Lithuania, with travel to trade shows.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Safariland EU Armor team. As a key member of our newly formed EU Armor Leadership group, this role provides design direction and team management from concept through manufacturability across our international product range. The role provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with our commercial team, specialist distributors and our end users. The successful individual will lead our EU design team in continuing to be creative and solution orientated whilst fostering their passion for performance, fit, quality and technology.
LOCATION: Warrington UK or Kaunas Lithuania
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):
- Build and lead a best in class design team that is streamlined and efficiently supporting international sales
- Manage the team (UK and Lithuania), from first pattern through production, grading, nesting and marker making to product completion
- Work directly with engineering and management to create a baseline of compelling products for the international Law Enforcement, military and defense industries
- Partner with Sales to understand end user needs and provide customized solutions
- Understand and apply innovation in design, technology and materials
- Communicate concepts and ideas through visual, verbal and written means
- Source and develop new technical high-performance materials for shell fabrics, linings, load bearing systems, including soft goods/hard goods load bearing systems
- Attend related trade shows, interact continuously with customers and suppliers
- Collaborate closely with US Armor Category Management
- Expand sourcing options as necessary to meet specific materials needs and goals
REQUIREMENTS:
- Fluent in English
- Strong design background in relevant industry (Body Armor, tactical goods, sportswear industry)
- Engaging leader with previous experience of leading a team of designers
- Knowledge of patternmaking (Gerber, Optitex and/or other PDS systems)
- Illustrator with first class sketch design and patternmaking skills
- Detail orientated, able to multitask and delegate
- Strong team player, able to clearly communicate across internal cross-functional teams, internal and external sales, distributors and suppliers
Locations
Head of Product Design employer: Safariland
Contact Detail:
Safariland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Design
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in body armour and tactical goods. Understanding current innovations and materials will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the design and tactical industries. Attend relevant trade shows or events to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into what makes a successful design team in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed design teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered creativity and collaboration among team members.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Tailoring your conversation to align with our goals will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to our overall vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in product design, particularly in the body armour or tactical goods industries. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous team management roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design and innovation. Mention specific examples of how you've led design teams to success and how you can contribute to the Safariland EU Armor team.
Showcase Your Design Skills: If possible, include a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your design capabilities, especially in patternmaking and the use of relevant software like Gerber or Optitex. Visual examples can make a strong impact.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be sure to mention any past experiences where you successfully collaborated with sales, engineering, or other departments to achieve a common goal.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safariland
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best design work. Include examples relevant to body armour, tactical goods, or sportswear, as this will demonstrate your expertise in the industry.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experience leading design teams. Share specific examples of how you've managed projects from concept to production, and how you fostered creativity and collaboration within your team.
✨Understand the Market Needs
Research the current trends in the law enforcement and military sectors. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor designs to meet the specific needs of end users, showcasing your ability to partner effectively with sales teams.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your design concepts and ideas clearly, both visually and verbally. Being able to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams is crucial, so consider preparing a few key points to convey your thoughts succinctly.
