At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bridal design, shaping collections from concept to final approval.
- Company: Join wed2b, Europe’s largest off-the-peg bridal retailer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative ownership, and international exposure.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on bridal fashion loved by thousands of brides.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in fashion or bridal design with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Wed2B UK and ROI Location: On site / Milton Keynes, UK
Job type: Contract / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Arts | Creative
Salary: Negotiable salary
Hours: Monday to Friday, 39 hours per week
Salary: Dependent on experience
Shape the next chapter of bridal design at wed2b. Wed2B is Europe’s largest off-the-peg bridal retailer, helping thousands of brides find their dream dress every year across our growing international store network. We are looking for an accomplished and commercially minded Head Designer to lead our Design function during a 12-month period of maternity cover. This is a rare opportunity to take creative ownership of an established bridal portfolio spanning wedding dresses, bridesmaids, accessories and wider apparel.
You will define the creative direction of our collections, lead products from initial concept through to final sample, and ensure every design is distinctive, beautifully executed and commercially relevant. This is not a purely conceptual role. You will be equally comfortable setting the vision, reviewing performance data, working directly with suppliers and factories, and getting hands-on with the detailed design and development process.
The role
- Reporting to the Head of Merchandising & Design, you will:
- Set and lead the creative direction across all wed2b collections.
- Define seasonal trends, silhouettes, fabrics, construction techniques and product opportunities.
- Oversee the full design and sampling process, from initial concept through to final approval.
- Make confident final decisions on product, quality, fit and creative execution.
- Use customer insight, sales performance and commercial data to shape the range.
- Work closely with Merchandising on seasonal planning, category strategy, margin and range performance.
- Lead the creative direction and delivery of campaign, editorial and lookbook shoots.
- Manage the annual editorial shoot plan and associated budget.
- Build strong relationships with factories and suppliers, guiding fabric sourcing, innovation, quality and production.
- Lead, coach and support the Senior Designer.
- Represent the Design function across the wider business and work collaboratively with Merchandising, Buying, Marketing, Retail and our international teams.
- Travel internationally to work with factories, attend bridal trade shows and support the continued development of our brands.
The Head Designer retains overall accountability for the Design function, combining strategic leadership with the ability to step into detailed design, development and execution whenever required.
About you
You will be an experienced fashion or bridal designer with the creative authority, technical expertise and commercial judgement to lead an established design function. You will ideally bring:
- A fashion-related degree or equivalent qualification.
- At least five years’ experience within a fashion or bridal design role.
- Strong creative leadership and a clear point of view.
- Expert knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, fit and production.
- Experience managing products through the complete design and sampling process.
- Strong commercial awareness and confidence interpreting sales and performance data.
- Experience working directly with overseas factories and suppliers.
- Excellent communication, influencing and decision-making skills.
- A highly organised, adaptable and hands-on approach.
- The flexibility to travel within the UK and internationally.
Why wed2b?
This is an opportunity to influence collections that are seen, tried on and loved by thousands of brides across Europe. You will join an ambitious, fast-moving business where design has a direct and visible impact. Our scale provides genuine commercial insight, while our exclusive brands and close supplier relationships offer the freedom to create products that are both aspirational and accessible. For the right designer, this is a high-profile role with real creative ownership, international exposure and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to one of bridal retail’s most distinctive success stories.
Head Designer (12-month contract) employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
Hollybank Trustees Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Rough Hills, England, where collaboration and client-focused strategies thrive. With a flexible hybrid working model, a comprehensive benefits package including an enhanced pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional development, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact in the investment advisory sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Designer (12-month contract)
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Hollybank Trustees Ltd!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Hollybank Trustees Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Designer (12-month contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Hollybank Trustees Ltd!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Hollybank Trustees Ltd. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
