Lead Designer- Licensed Nightwear

I am partnering with a great business based in Manchester, who are bringing in a brand-new role! They are looking for a Design Lead, who will be responsible for driving a new division in their business of Licensed Adults Nightwear. Reporting directly to the Divisional Design Manager and working in close partnership with the broader Design teams, as well as the Sales Account Manager, Merchandising and Production teams. The Design Lead will actively contribute to the team's objectives, support commercial goals, and assist in driving the organisation's growth in accordance with their overall business strategy. The right person will be ready for a challenge, as well as have experience designing across the Licensed Nightwear for Adults. This role is Hybrid- 2-3 days office based.

The Role:

• Manage the day-to-day Design and tech pack workload of your direct reports.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Provide creative direction, guidance, and feedback to support the growth and development of the design function.
• Develop creative and original designs working to a customer CP per phase, considering market trends, target audience, and brand identity.
• Coordinate with the Design Manager and Account Manager to ensure price needs are met at the design stage.
• Develop fabrics and print techniques to produce innovative and unique designs.
• Generate and maintain a high standard of design within the customer brief and customer profile.
• Create concept boards and ranges for each phase.
• A design-to-sample hit rate of 50%, ensuring range efficiency and design relevance.
• A design-to-sold style ratio of 1:5, reflecting product effectiveness and market impact.
• Have a strong understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with the production team and factories to ensure the feasibility, quality of designs and cost effectiveness during the production process.
• Work closely with suppliers to understand and source appropriate material and trims, considering capabilities and limitations.
• Regularly attend customer meetings to maintain strong relationships.
• Develop a high standard of design to showcase newness for each season, fabric, shape, graphics and trend.
• Consider sustainability and ethical practices when selecting materials.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and designs are delivered on time.
• Collaborate with production team to refine designs and resolve technical issues.
• Liaise with Licensors on new films/anniversaries.
• Support the design team to ensure all key dates are achieved.
• Regular store visits/shop reports.
• Stay informed about industry regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements.
• Assist the Design Manager in providing guidance and mentorship to assistant designers and junior designers, assisting them in their professional development.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and design critiques to foster a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Complete tech packs where required.
• Drive the accurate completion of 4 sample requests/tech packs a day including licensor uploads across Assistant & Junior roles.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams across the group.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to create visually appealing product presentations and promotional materials.

The Person:

• Must have experience in Licensed Adults Nightwear.
• Pro-active and self-starting.
• High attention to detail.
• Always strives for improvement in internal processes to drive efficiency and lower times and costs.
• Originates / takes action so as organisational goals can be met.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and standards of excellence.
• Be a clear communicator, and someone that can operate at higher level.
• Motivate the team, and support where needed.

We regret that due to the high amount of interest that we receive for each of our vacancies, if you do not hear from one of our consultants within 5 days then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this role. Please continue to check our website for any other roles which may be of interest.