At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design narrative for Liberty Brand, creating innovative collections rooted in our heritage.
- Company: Join Liberty, a historic name in British fashion known for innovation and craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion while honouring a rich legacy in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 8 years in senior design roles with expertise in print and textile development.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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 – and that extends to our team.
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 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.
Equal Opportunities
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 – 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 "Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper" Oscar Wilde. in London employer: Theinsideout
At Liberty, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and innovation. As the Head of Design, you will lead a passionate team in a historic setting, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across various departments. Our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, combined with our rich heritage, makes Liberty a truly inspiring place to build a meaningful career in fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design, Liberty Brand "Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper" Oscar Wilde. in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your design process and how you bring ideas to life.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand Liberty's heritage and how your vision aligns with their brand. This will help you articulate why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Design role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design, Liberty Brand "Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper" Oscar Wilde. in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair:When you're crafting your application, let your creativity shine through! Use engaging language and showcase your design philosophy. Remember, we want to see how you can translate the Liberty narrative into your own unique style.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in premium or luxury fashion. We’re looking for someone who understands the balance between creative vision and commercial reality, so don’t shy away from sharing specific examples that demonstrate this.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your passion for design and what drives you. This is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Liberty Brand and how you can contribute to our legacy.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Liberty!
How to prepare for a job interview at Theinsideout
✨Know Your Narrative
As the Head of Design, you'll need to articulate a compelling seasonal narrative. Before the interview, think about how you can weave together your past experiences with Liberty's rich heritage. Prepare to discuss specific collections you've created that reflect both innovation and tradition.
✨Showcase Your Craftsmanship
Bring examples of your work that highlight your deep knowledge of print design and textile development. Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, including colour theory and fabrication techniques, as this will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.
✨Connect with the Archive
Familiarise yourself with Liberty's archive and be prepared to discuss how you would leverage it in your role. Think about innovative ways to reinterpret historical designs for modern collections, and be ready to share your thoughts on how to balance creative vision with commercial viability.
✨Lead with Authority
As a leader, it's crucial to convey your ability to mentor and manage a design team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to fostering creativity and collaboration while ensuring high performance and clear communication across departments.