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- Tasks: Lead a creative design team from concept to production in the body armour industry.
- Company: Join Safariland, a leader in protective solutions for law enforcement and military.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team focused on performance, quality, and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Fluent in English with a strong design background and leadership experience in relevant industries.
- Other info: Position available in Warrington, UK or Kaunas, Lithuania.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Safariland EU Armor team. As a key member of our newly formed EU Armor Leadership group, this role provides design direction and team management from concept through manufacturability across our international product range. The role provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with our commercial team, specialist distributors and our end users. The successful individual will lead our EU design team in continuing to be creative and solution orientated whilst fostering their passion for performance, fit, quality and technology.
LOCATION: Warrington UK or Kaunas Lithuania
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):
- Build and lead a best in class design team that is streamlined and efficiently supporting international sales
- Manage the team (UK and Lithuania), from first pattern through production, grading, nesting and marker making to product completion
- Work directly with engineering and management to create a baseline of compelling products for the international Law Enforcement, military and defense industries
- Partner with Sales to understand end user needs and provide customized solutions
- Understand and apply innovation in design, technology and materials
- Communicate concepts and ideas through visual, verbal and written means
- Source and develop new technical high-performance materials for shell fabrics, linings, load bearing systems, including soft goods/hard goods load bearing systems
- Attend related trade shows, interact continuously with customers and suppliers
- Collaborate closely with US Armor Category Management
- Expand sourcing options as necessary to meet specific materials needs and goals
REQUIREMENTS:
- Fluent in English
- Strong design background in relevant industry (Body Armor, tactical goods, sportswear industry)
- Engaging leader with previous experience of leading a team of designers
- Knowledge of patternmaking (Gerber, Optitex and/or other PDS systems)
- Illustrator with first class sketch design and patternmaking skills
- Detail orientated, able to multitask and delegate
- Strong team player, able to clearly communicate across internal cross-functional teams, internal and external sales, distributors and suppliers
Head of Product Design employer: Safariland
Contact Detail:
Safariland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the body armour and tactical goods industries. Attend relevant trade shows and events to meet potential colleagues and industry leaders, which can help you gain insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in design technology and materials used in the industry. Being knowledgeable about innovations can set you apart during discussions with the hiring team and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨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 fostered creativity and collaboration among team members.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our EU Armor team thoroughly. Understanding our mission, values, and recent projects will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to our goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in product design, particularly in the body armour or tactical goods industries. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous team management roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design and innovation. Mention specific examples of how you've led design teams to success and how you can contribute to the Safariland EU Armor team.
Showcase Your Design Skills: If possible, include a portfolio or links to your previous work that demonstrate your design capabilities, especially in creating high-performance materials and products. Visuals can make a strong impact.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Since the role involves working closely with sales and engineering teams, be sure to mention any past experiences where you successfully collaborated across departments to achieve a common goal.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safariland
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best design work. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and innovate in the body armour or tactical goods industry.
✨Understand the Company’s Products
Research Safariland's product range and be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their offerings. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you manage a diverse team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led design teams and fostered creativity in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you communicate concepts visually and verbally, as well as how you handle feedback from different stakeholders.
