Head of Design Office

Head of Design Office

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design team from concept to finished product, ensuring innovative collections.
  • Company: Russell & Bromley is a luxury fashion brand known for stylish footwear and accessories.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, creative environment, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment with a new Creative Director and exciting collection launches.
  • Qualifications: 7-10 years in footwear design, strong leadership skills, and expertise in Adobe Suite required.
  • Other info: Position based in vibrant Soho, London, with a focus on mentorship and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Location | Head Office, Kingly St, London

Workplace Type | Hybrid (2 Days WFH)

Contract | Full Time

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.

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.

Strategic actions 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Requirements:

  • 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.
  • Domestic and international travel to factories and trade fairs will be required.
  • Flexibility to work outside office hours when necessary.

Head of Design Office employer: JR United Kingdom

At Russell & Bromley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of London’s Soho. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a dynamic team. Join us at this exciting juncture as we redefine luxury fashion footwear and accessories, and be part of a brand that empowers individuals to feel extraordinary every day.
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Contact Detail:

JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design Office

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Russell & Bromley's brand identity and recent collections. Understanding their design ethos will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network within the luxury fashion industry, especially with professionals who have experience in footwear and accessories. Attend relevant events or trade fairs to make connections that could give you insights into the company culture.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed design teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've mentored team members and driven innovative projects.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends in footwear and accessories design. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market demands and how you can incorporate these trends into your designs will set you apart.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design Office

Leadership Skills
Footwear and Accessories Design Expertise
Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency
Project Management
Trend Research and Analysis
Team Mentorship
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Collaboration Skills
Presentation Skills
Budget Management
Creativity and Innovation
Quality Assurance
Flexibility and Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive design experience, particularly in footwear and accessories. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific projects that showcase your ability to manage creative teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for luxury fashion and your vision for the role. Mention how your experience aligns with Russell & Bromley's brand identity and your approach to mentoring design teams.

Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your design process from concept to final product. Highlight collections that resonate with current trends and show your ability to innovate within the luxury market.

Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you would lead the Footwear & Accessories team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored team members in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom

✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in footwear and accessories design. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind each piece, as this will demonstrate your creativity and ability to align with brand identity.

✨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 theirs and how you can contribute to their design goals.

✨Prepare for Leadership Questions

As a Head of Design, you'll need to showcase your 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 while maintaining high-quality standards.

✨Discuss Trend Research and Innovation

Be ready to talk about how you research seasonal trends and incorporate them into your designs. Highlight any innovative collections you've created and how they resonated with customers, as this will show your ability to stay ahead in the competitive luxury market.

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