Head of Design

Head of Design

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 collections align with brand identity.
  • Company: Russell & Bromley is a luxury fashion brand known for its iconic footwear and accessories.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with 2 days WFH and be part of an exciting growth phase.
  • Why this job: Join a family-owned brand at a pivotal moment, collaborating with top creatives in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: 7-10 years of design experience in footwear/accessories, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in Adobe Suite.
  • Other info: Expect domestic and international travel; flexibility for after-hours work may be needed.

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.

About the Company

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. Founded in Lewes in 1880, borne from a love story between Albion Russell’s daughter, Elizabeth, and George Bromley – today the business remains family-owned, operated, and proudly independent.

The Russell & Bromley business is entering an exciting period of growth with Vision 2030, an ambitious five-year roadmap to fuel our future success, under the leadership of CEO Andrew Bromley. Strategic actions that 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. Do you want to be part of our next chapter?

About the Role

  • 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.
  • Oversee the development of concept boards, colour palettes, material sourcing, and product development in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • 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.
  • Work with the product team to ensure designs meet budget and margin targets.
  • 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.

About You

  • 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.
  • Excellent communicator, able to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
  • Strong knowledge of global markets, trends, and materials.

Additional Requirements

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

Due to the high volumes of applications that we receive, we are regrettably unable to personally reply to them all. Therefore, we will only contact successful applicants within a period of two weeks.

Head of Design employer: Russell & Bromley

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. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Join us as we embark on an exciting journey of transformation and expansion, where your contributions will directly impact our legacy in luxury fashion.
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Contact Detail:

Russell & Bromley Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored design teams in the past, as this role requires strong leadership.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarize yourself with Russell & Bromley's brand identity and recent collections. Being able to discuss how your design vision aligns with their aesthetic will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current trends in footwear and accessories. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate these trends into innovative collections that resonate with customers.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your experience with cross-functional collaboration. This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of successful projects where you collaborated effectively with others.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design

Leadership Skills
Footwear Design Expertise
Creative Direction
Trend Research
Concept Development
Material Sourcing
Project Management
Adobe Suite Proficiency
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Mentorship and Team Development
Organizational Skills
Budget Management
Excellent Communication
Global Market Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Brand: Dive deep into Russell & Bromley's brand identity. Familiarize yourself with their collections, design philosophy, and market positioning to tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your 7-10 years of footwear and accessories design experience. Showcase specific projects where you led a team or delivered successful collections, particularly in luxury or premium brands.

Showcase Leadership Skills: Illustrate your leadership experience by providing examples of how you've mentored teams and managed workloads. Highlight your ability to foster a creative environment and meet critical deadlines.

Tailor Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that reflects your design expertise, particularly in footwear and accessories. Ensure it demonstrates your understanding of current trends and your ability to create innovative designs that resonate with customers.

How to prepare for a job interview at Russell & Bromley

✨Showcase Your Design Process

Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail. Highlight how you take a concept from idea to finished product, and be ready to share examples of collections you've led that align with brand identity and market trends.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since this role requires strong leadership, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored design teams. Discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you fostered a positive and creative environment.

✨Research the Brand and Market Trends

Understand Russell & Bromley's brand DNA and current market position. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate seasonal trends into innovative collections that resonate with their customers.

✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare to discuss your experience collaborating with product teams, marketing, and other departments to ensure designs meet budget and margin targets.

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