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- Tasks: Lead the design team from concept to finished product, ensuring innovative collections.
- Company: Russell & Bromley is a luxury footwear brand with a rich heritage and a focus on style.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, creative freedom, and the chance to shape future collections.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand at an exciting time, influencing design and mentoring talent.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in footwear design, strong leadership skills, and expertise in Adobe Suite required.
- Other info: Expect travel for factory visits and trade fairs; flexible hours may be needed.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Design to lead our in-house Footwear & Accessories Design team at Russell & Bromley. This role will oversee the full design process from initial concept to final product, ensuring our collections represent the brand’s DNA while staying ahead of trends. You’ll collaborate closely with the Creative Director, mentoring the team to produce innovative collections that resonate with our customers. The ideal candidate will have exceptional leadership skills, extensive design experience, and a passion for creating world-class footwear and accessories.
About the Company
Russell & Bromley is the destination luxury fashion footwear & accessories brand for the everyday. A leading force in British fashion with over 40 stores operating across the UK and Ireland. Combining European craftsmanship with a British glint in the eye, Russell & Bromley offers iconic style and on-trend design that empowers people to feel exceptional every day. Founded in Lewes in 1880, borne from a love story between Albion Russell’s daughter, Elizabeth, and George Bromley - today the business remains family-owned, operated, and proudly independent.
The Russell & Bromley business is entering an exciting period of growth with Vision 2030, an ambitious five-year roadmap to fuel our future success, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Bromley. Strategic actions that include a commitment to brand and product transformation, continued growth of our UK & IRE retail footprint, and accelerated international expansion. An exciting opportunity to join at a huge inflection point for the business, coinciding with the launch of our first seasonal collection with new Creative Director, Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw and the relocation of our Global HQ to Kingly St. W1 in the heart of Soho, now home to our in-house design, creative, and product studios. Do you want to be part of our next chapter?
About the Role
- Lead the Footwear & Accessories design team from concept through to finished product.
- Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to drive the design vision, ensuring collections align with brand identity and market demands.
- Research and incorporate seasonal trends, creating innovative collections that excite our customers.
- Oversee the development of concept boards, colour palettes, material sourcing, and product development in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Manage the design team’s workloads and critical deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of collections.
- Provide mentorship and constructive feedback to the design team, fostering a positive and creative environment.
- Work with the product team to ensure designs meet budget and margin targets.
- Present design concepts to senior leadership and contribute to business strategy discussions.
- Visit factories and attend trade fairs as required, ensuring products meet high-quality standards.
About You
- 7-10 years of footwear and accessories design experience, ideally within a luxury or premium brand.
- A degree in Footwear Design or related discipline is preferred.
- Strong leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage and mentor creative teams.
- Expertise in Adobe Suite and other creative platforms.
- Experience managing in-house design teams and delivering collections on time and within budget.
- Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
- Excellent communicator, able to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
- Strong knowledge of global markets, trends, and materials.
Additional Requirements
- Domestic and international travel to factories and trade fairs will be required.
- Flexibility to work outside office hours when necessary.
Due to the high volumes of applications that we receive, we are regrettably unable to personally reply to them all. Therefore, we will only contact successful applicants within a period of two weeks.
Head of Design employer: Russell & Bromley
Contact Detail:
Russell & Bromley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the luxury fashion industry, especially those who have experience in footwear and accessories design. Attend industry events or trade fairs to meet potential colleagues and learn more about current trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed design teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire creativity and innovation within a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with Russell & Bromley’s brand identity and recent collections. Understanding their design philosophy will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to balancing creativity with budget constraints. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully delivered collections on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in footwear and accessories design. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles where you managed a design team or collaborated closely with creative directors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design and your understanding of Russell & Bromley's brand identity. Mention specific collections or trends that inspire you and how you can contribute to the company's Vision 2030.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your design process from concept to final product. Highlight innovative collections you've created, focusing on how they align with market demands and customer preferences.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you approach mentoring a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects and met deadlines in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Russell & Bromley
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work in footwear and accessories. Be prepared to discuss the design process behind each piece, as this will demonstrate your expertise and thought process.
✨Understand the Brand's DNA
Research Russell & Bromley thoroughly before the interview. Familiarise yourself with their collections, brand values, and recent trends. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with the company's direction.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As a Head of Design, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored teams in the past, focusing on how you foster creativity and meet deadlines.
✨Discuss Market Trends and Innovations
Be ready to talk about current trends in the footwear and accessories market. Share your insights on how you would incorporate these trends into innovative designs that resonate with customers, showcasing your forward-thinking approach.
