Head of Design – Childrenswear
Our client, a highly successful and well-established fashion supplier, is seeking an experienced Head of Design – Childrenswear to lead and inspire their talented design team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded and creative design professional to play a pivotal role within a thriving business, driving innovation, nurturing talent, and building strong customer relationships.
The Role
As Head of Design, you will be responsible for managing the Design team, overseeing designers from Junior through to Senior level. You will ensure customer expectations are consistently exceeded while maintaining a strong commercial focus across all product development activities.
Working closely with both existing and prospective customers, you will be instrumental in developing long-term partnerships, presenting seasonal ranges, and identifying new opportunities for growth. The position also involves regular collaboration with factories, ensuring product development is aligned with customer and business requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and develop the Design team.
- Oversee team workloads and ensure projects are delivered to agreed deadlines.
- Mentor and support team members, encouraging professional growth and development.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential customers.
- Design and present commercially successful product ranges.
- Analyse sales performance and communicate key findings to the design team on a regular basis.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes relating to design costs.
- Source and develop fabrics, trims, and new product opportunities.
- Work closely with overseas factories, including regular visits to the Far East.
- Drive innovation while maintaining a strong commercial awareness of market trends and customer requirements.
The Candidate
To be considered for this opportunity, you will possess:
- Previous experience in a Head of Design or similar senior leadership position.
- Extensive experience within Childrenswear
- Strong people management and team leadership skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- A keen commercial eye with a strong understanding of the fashion market.
- Experience working directly with customers and overseas suppliers.
- The ability to balance creativity with commercial objectives.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join a highly respected fashion supplier and take ownership of a significant design function. The successful candidate will have the chance to further develop their career within a dynamic and growing business, where creativity, innovation, and commercial success are highly valued.
Head of Design Childrenswear - Hybrid employer: Danielle Ward Recruitment
Join a thriving fashion company as a Childrenswear Designer, where creativity meets opportunity in a vibrant work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, you will have access to unique benefits such as regular trend research trips and the chance to collaborate with international factories. This role not only allows you to express your design flair but also positions you within a supportive team that values innovation and excellence in the fashion industry.
