At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction for women's and kids' products in wholesale.
- Company: Dynamic fashion brand focused on innovative design.
- Benefits: Up to £70k salary, 1 WFH day a week, and vibrant London office.
- Why this job: Shape trends and create impactful collections that drive growth.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in product-led design with strong wholesale experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence major retail partners.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
As Head of Design, you will lead the creative and trend direction of their wholesale business across both branded and white-label collections for women's and kids' products. This is a product-led, commercially focused role where you will define what we create for our retail partners. You will set the trend vision, build ranges that work across different retailers and markets, and ensure we consistently deliver products that are both design-led and commercially strong. You will collaborate closely with our D2C teams to leverage customer insight, but the primary focus is on driving growth across wholesale.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead trend direction across all wholesale categories, including accessories, tech and apparel
- Set seasonal colour palettes, prints, graphics and key product stories
- Translate trends and consumer insight into a commercially viable product
- Identify new product opportunities and categories
- Oversee the development of all wholesale ranges from concept to final product
- Build collections tailored to different retailers, customers and price points
- Balance branded and white-label products across key accounts
- Present concepts and ranges to retail partners
- Work closely with Buying, Merchandising and Sales to deliver commercially successful ranges
- Align product with trading calendars and partner requirements
- Use D2C insight to inform product direction where relevant
About You
- 8+ years' experience in a product-led creative, design or buying role
- Strong experience developing products for wholesale retailers
- Proven track record in building commercially successful, trend-led ranges
- Deep understanding of multi-category product, ideally accessories and apparel
- Strong commercial mindset and ability to work across multiple partners
- Experience leading teams and presenting to buyers
Nice to Have
- Experience across both branded and white-label
- International wholesale experience, particularly US
- Background in fast-paced, trend-led businesses
Head of Design in London employer: Make It Happen Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Make It Happen Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend design events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Design role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work in product-led design. We recommend creating a digital version that’s easy to share with potential employers when you get that interview call.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current collections and trends. We want you to walk in ready to discuss how you can elevate their wholesale business with your unique vision and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair: As a Head of Design, we want to see your unique style and vision. Make sure your application reflects your creative flair—whether it's through your portfolio or the way you present your ideas. Let your personality shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for someone who understands our brand and can lead trend direction. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in developing commercially successful, trend-led ranges that align with our wholesale focus.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: This role involves working closely with various teams, so make sure to showcase your collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with buying, merchandising, and sales teams to deliver great products.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Make It Happen Recruitment
✨Know Your Trends
As a Head of Design, you need to be on top of the latest trends. Research current fashion trends, especially in women's and kids' products, and be ready to discuss how you would apply these insights to create commercially viable collections.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your previous work in product-led design. Make sure it includes examples of successful ranges you've developed for wholesale retailers, showcasing your ability to balance branded and white-label products.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company's wholesale strategy and their key retail partners. Be prepared to discuss how you can align your design vision with their commercial goals and trading calendars.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your experience working cross-functionally with teams like Buying, Merchandising, and Sales. Share specific examples of how collaboration has led to successful product launches and how you plan to leverage D2C insights in your role.