At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design narrative for Liberty Brand, creating innovative collections rooted in our heritage.
- Company: Join a historic British fashion brand known for innovation and craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values unique perspectives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion while honouring a rich legacy.
- Qualifications: 8 years in senior design roles with expertise in print and textile development.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 β¬ per year.
Founded in 1875, our long history has been built on innovation, craftsmanship and above all, incredible talent. Born from the adventurous spirit of our founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty, we remain true to our heritage. From our fulfilment centres to our flagship store, passion, vision and dynamism are part of our DNA β and that extends to our team.
Job Purpose: As Head of Design at Liberty Brand, you will define the seasonal creative narrative for one of the most storied names in British fashion; translating our archive and handwriting into collections that feel both rooted and forward. You will lead a close-knit studio team, work directly with the Liberty Italian Printing Mill, and hold creative accountability across Apparel, Homeware, and Liberty Brand, with a remit that spans ready to wear and accessories. This is a role for someone who holds creative vision and commercial reality in equal measure, who can move between the archive room and the boardroom without losing either thread.
The Role:
- Creative Direction + Seasonal Vision
- Define the seasonal creative narrative for Liberty Brand, covering print, silhouettes, colour, texture, and mood, distinctive, forward-looking, and rooted in the Liberty handwriting.
- Translate global fashion trend direction, runway intelligence, and cultural reference into collections that feel relevant without being derivative.
- Lead the full design process across all product categories from initial concept through to final sign-off, working across ready to wear and accessories.
- Own the colour, scale, placement, and colourway sign-off process.
- Present collections with authority, providing creative context, commercial rationale, and market positioning to internal teams, key customers, press, and international agents.
- Archive, Production + Innovation
- Act as senior custodian of the Liberty archive, collaborating with archivists to innovate and realise its commercial and cultural value.
- Serve as primary design liaison with the Liberty Italian Printing Mill and Production/QC teams, bridging creative vision and manufacturing reality.
- Drive technical development of new base cloths, finishes, and printing techniques.
- Identify opportunities for strategic product expansion beyond traditional textiles.
- Champion sustainability and ethical material innovation across design and production.
- Leadership + Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and performance manage the Design Studio team, building a pipeline of creative talent with clear pathways for growth.
- Ensure seamless communication and workflow across Design, Sales, Merchandising, Production, QC, and Licensing.
- Provide the Design Director with timely strategic updates on creative progress, team performance, budget, and production milestones.
About You:
- ~8 years in a senior design role within a premium or luxury fashion, textile, or print house.
- ~ Deep knowledge of print design, textile development, colour theory, and fabrication, with a strong womenswear sensibility.
- ~ Proven experience working directly with European textile manufacturers.
- ~ Demonstrated experience managing and drawing from a significant creative or historical archive.
- ~ Strong commercial track record, able to hold creative vision and market reality in equal measure.
- ~ Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing design teams.
The qualities that set you apart:
- A natural storyteller. You build seasonal narratives that are coherent, compelling, and distinctively Liberty.
- A custodian of craft. Obsessive about quality from first sketch to final bolt, never letting commercial pressure diminish the work.
- Deeply curious. Constantly looking at the runway, the archive, the street, the world. Never derivative.
Liberty is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and opposes all forms of unlawful discrimination. We are committed to creating an environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive β bringing their unique perspectives, skills, and experience to everything we do. We are dedicated to eliminating both conscious and unconscious bias from our practices. Our approach is grounded in respect, fairness, and consistency, ensuring that no one is treated less favourably based on gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.
Head of Design, Liberty Brand in City of London employer: LIBERTY
At Liberty Brand, we pride ourselves on our rich heritage and commitment to innovation, making us an exceptional employer for creative minds. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and mentorship, allowing you to lead a talented design team while engaging with our iconic archive and pioneering sustainable practices. Located in the heart of London, we offer a vibrant environment where your creative vision can flourish alongside a legacy of craftsmanship and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Design, Liberty Brand in City of London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow designers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure itβs up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your creative process and inspirations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its design ethos. Be ready to talk about how your vision aligns with Liberty's heritage and how you can contribute to their future collections.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining the Liberty family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design, Liberty Brand in City of London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Creative Vision:When you're writing your application, make sure to showcase your unique creative vision. We want to see how you can translate ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with Liberty's heritage and future direction.
Highlight Your Experience:Donβt forget to mention your experience in senior design roles, especially within premium or luxury fashion. Weβre looking for someone who can balance creativity with commercial reality, so share specific examples of your past successes!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick as a designer. Share your passion for craftsmanship and innovation, and how it aligns with our brand ethos.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss any important updates about the role. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining the Liberty family!
How to prepare for a job interview at LIBERTY
β¨Know Your Narrative
As a candidate for Head of Design, you need to articulate your creative vision clearly. Prepare to discuss how your past experiences and design philosophy align with Liberty's storied heritage. Think about specific collections you've worked on that showcase your ability to blend innovation with tradition.
β¨Showcase Your Archive Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with Liberty's archive and be ready to discuss how you would leverage it in your designs. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed or drawn inspiration from historical archives in your previous roles, demonstrating your understanding of their commercial and cultural value.
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading design teams. Share specific examples of how you've mentored talent and fostered collaboration across departments. Highlight your approach to ensuring seamless communication between design, production, and sales, as this is crucial for the role.
β¨Emphasise Sustainability and Innovation
Liberty values sustainability, so be ready to discuss your experience with ethical material innovation and sustainable practices in design. Present ideas on how you can champion these initiatives within the company, showcasing your commitment to both creativity and responsibility.