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- Tasks: Lead the design process for multiple collections and inspire a creative team.
- Company: Join Emilia Wickstead, a dynamic brand known for its entrepreneurial spirit and luxury fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while working closely with talented peers and the Creative Director.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in womenswear design, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in design software.
- Other info: Please include your portfolio and salary expectations with your application.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced creative team player who enjoys making a difference in a small and entrepreneurial environment and who, alongside the Creative Director, is able to advance our collections. This candidate will head the Design Team at Emilia Wickstead and step in for the Creative Director whenever required. They will be responsible for 4 main collections per year, capsule collections, as well as all other product development streams. They will therefore work closely with the rest of the Design Team, Product Development, and Commercial on the product strategy, development and design of all Emilia Wickstead lines. The role will also be responsible for ensuring that each collection is brought to market in a timely and profitable manner. A background in commercial, product-led design is required as well as an ability to create and develop original initial design ideas. This leader will inspire and develop the design team to enable high performance, both in quality and quantity, of aesthetically relevant creative outputs as well as collaborate and productively partner with cross-functional peers.
Responsibilities:
- Creative Design: Lead the entire design process, ensuring that designs are in keeping with the brand's DNA and meet the approval of the creative director. This includes managing the creative process from start to finish: defining concepts and inspirations; researching themes, colours, and fabrics; conducting market research; designing and sketching; draping and leading the sample room from first toile to final sample. Produce research, sketches, draping and construction pages for all designs, as well as creating presentation boards. Create and develop mood boards and original inspiration themes for seasonal collections. Leading fitting in development, production and show. Collaborate with Atelier and problem solve where necessary. Creative advisory on shoots and shows.
- Business and strategic: Ensure critical path deadlines are maintained, working closely with the COO and Leadership Team. Prepare/manage and present at milestone meetings (internal/external). Implement the company's strategic guidelines. Manage suppliers and budgets.
- Leadership: Lead, motivate, coach and develop a small design team. Set, manage and review daily, weekly and quarterly team objectives to ensure they align to the creative and organisational strategic plan. Lead bi-weekly meetings with the Design team. Sourcing and employ freelancers and external support partners where required. One to one directing and guiding individual designer’s work.
Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience as a Womenswear Senior Designer
- Strong communication and leadership skills, able to manage a small team and communicate frequently and accurately with the rest of the business
- A self-starter, able to delegate where appropriate
- Confidence and resilience to work closely with and support the Creative Director in the creative process, standing in for her whenever required
- Strong brand understanding and luxury sensibility
- Ability to work well under pressure, multi-task and meet critical deadlines that impact the overall business
- Ability to work cross-functionally, building strong relationships with other departments
- Experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel and Office Suite
NOTE: Please attach some current examples of your work to this application. Please specify salary expectations alongside your application and confirm that you have the right to work without restriction in the UK. ALL APPLICATIONS TO CHELSEA POWER - Chelsea.power@emiliawickstead.com
Contact Detail:
Emilia Wickstead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fashion industry, especially those who have experience in design leadership roles. Attend industry events, workshops, or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Emilia Wickstead's previous collections and current market trends. Understanding their design aesthetic and brand DNA will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed a design team in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired creativity and collaboration within your team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work cross-functionally by preparing examples of past collaborations with other departments, such as product development or marketing. Highlight how these experiences have contributed to successful project outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Design Director position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in creative design, leadership, and product development.
Showcase Your Work: Since the job requires you to attach current examples of your work, select pieces that best demonstrate your design skills and creativity. Ensure these examples align with the brand's aesthetic and showcase your ability to lead a design team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for the brand and the role. Mention specific experiences that relate to leading design processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Specify Salary Expectations: Be clear about your salary expectations in your application. Research industry standards for similar roles to provide a reasonable range that reflects your experience and the value you bring to the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Emilia Wickstead
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail. Highlight how you define concepts, conduct research, and develop sketches. Bring along a portfolio that showcases your journey from initial ideas to final designs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Design Director, you'll need to lead a team. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Discuss your approach to managing objectives and how you handle challenges within a creative environment.
✨Understand the Brand's DNA
Familiarise yourself with Emilia Wickstead's collections and brand ethos. Be ready to explain how your design philosophy aligns with their aesthetic and how you can contribute to maintaining their luxury sensibility.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with other departments, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different teams. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to build strong relationships across functions.
