Head of Design - Clothing in London

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded and creatively driven Head of Design to lead the design function across our womenswear and childrenswear collections. This is a pivotal senior leadership position, responsible not only for delivering exceptional product but also for shaping the creative vision and long-term strategic direction of the brand.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will work collaboratively across Design, Buying, Merchandising, Marketing and Creative to ensure the collections are commercially successful, creatively distinctive and aligned with the company's growth ambitions. This role requires a leader who combines outstanding creative instincts with commercial awareness, strong people management skills and the ability to influence strategic business decisions.

What you'll be doing

• Creative Leadership
  • Define and lead the overall creative direction of seasonal collections.
  • Translate the brand vision into commercially successful product ranges.
  • Drive innovation through trend forecasting, customer insight and market analysis.
  • Ensure consistency of handwriting, quality and brand identity across all product categories.
  • Present seasonal concepts, colour palettes, fabrics and silhouettes to the leadership team.
• Strategic Leadership
  • Contribute to the development and execution of the company's long-term business strategy.
  • Help define the future creative positioning of the brand.
  • Support commercial decision-making through product insight and customer understanding.
  • Collaborate with senior stakeholders to identify growth opportunities across product categories, channels and international markets.
  • Balance creativity with commercial performance to deliver profitable collections.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement across the business.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor and inspire the Design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
  • Set clear objectives and support professional development across the department.
  • Manage workload, resource planning and recruitment.
  • Encourage creativity while maintaining accountability for deadlines and performance.
  • Oversee the delivery of colour palettes, optimizing on best-selling shades ensuring that key colours are standardized and lab dipped for continuity.
  • Ensure the design team are working within design cost center budgets and manage expenses accordingly.
  • Work alongside colleagues to communicate collection direction ensuring common goals are met and supporting delivery of the operating plan.
• Development
  • Oversee the design process from initial concept through to final production.
  • Ensure products meet quality, fit and commercial expectations.
  • Work closely with Buying and Technical teams throughout the sampling process.
  • Review prototypes and approve final samples before sign-off.
  • Ensure business critical path dates are adhered to for all design briefs.
  • Identify key outfit looks for each collection and highlight key items throughout the product development cycle to help buyers/merchandisers plan size of buys.
• Trend & Market Analysis
  • Monitor fashion trends, competitor activity and consumer behaviour.
  • Attend international trade shows, sourcing trips and trend presentations.
  • Translate market insights into commercially relevant product opportunities.
  • Build seasonal mood boards and design direction that align with brand objectives.

The skills & experience you’ll need

• Ability to work as part of a team building relationships based on shared values and respect.
• Confidence to lead and inspire. An original thinker.
• Excellent communication skills with an organized and structured approach.
• Good influencing skills.
• Demonstrates resilience, passion, and energy, conviction with a can-do and results orientated attitude.
• Attention to detail.
• Flexible and approachable management style.

What we’ll offer you

• Discount - Up to 50% discount and access to regular Sample Sales.
• Holiday - 25 days rising to 28 with length of service.
• Holiday Buy – opportunity to buy up to 5 days holiday.
• Pension Scheme - enrolled in our Group Personal Pension schemes upon joining the business.
• Bonus - In addition to our competitive salaries, all our employees are entitled to join a discretionary bonus scheme (based on policy eligibility).
• Wagestream Money Management app - access to Wagestream gives you power over your pay and supports financial wellbeing.
• Continued Development – We offer structured support from our own in-house Learning and Development Hub.
• Salary Sacrifice scheme for Electric vehicles (dependent on grade and meeting policy eligibility).
• Private Healthcare with additional Babylon Digital Healthcare (based on contract duration).
• Life Assurance.
• White City House (Soho House Group) Tenants Membership at a discounted rate, offering access to facilities in the House.
• Additional Benefits: Fruit basket daily, Tea and coffee provided, Working from Home - option to work from home on Mondays and Fridays, Social - Christmas party/social events throughout the year, Seasonal Sample Sales, Volunteer Day - with a charity of your choice, Great Location - Close to transport links.

Our Equality Diversity and Inclusion statement of commitment

At The White Company we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that welcomes and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds and identities. We are working together to ensure our environment is one where people can bring their authentic selves to work, where their contribution is valued, ability enhanced, and perspective appreciated. Where difference is respected, encouraged, and celebrated. Where you can feel you belong. We are committed to an active Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process.

We'd love you to join us on our journey.

Our Sustainability statement of commitment

We are committed to building a sustainable legacy that will enable a brighter future for people and our planet. We believe this should be reflected in everything we do.