Head of Design - China

Y2S Consulting have partnered up with a well-reputed vertical apparel manufacturer catering to some of the leading global brands. We are on the hunt for a talented leader with a strong creative sense but also very commercially aware. This is a multi-product role, however key focus will be on sports/activewear knits and will require relocating to China.

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Manager Fashion Design plays a pivotal role in shaping the products aesthetic and driving commercial success. They lead a high-performing design team, translating emerging trends into innovative and commercially successful collections. This strategic leader fosters strong cross-functional collaboration, mentors the team, and optimizes design processes for profitability and efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct in-depth trend research and analysis, identifying long-term trends and their application to the
• company\’s vision.
• Develop and present a strategic trend direction aligned with brand/retailer needs, seasonal forecasts,
• and competitive landscape.
• Champion design innovation, encouraging exploration of new ideas and pushing boundaries while
• maintaining brand identity.
• Lead the design team in creating innovative, on-trend collections that reflect the brand\’s aesthetic and
• standards while exceeding customer expectations.
• Oversee the entire design process, from concept and trend research to final production-ready
• specifications.
• Build a high-performing design team by providing clear direction, fostering creativity, and offering
• mentorship opportunities for professional development.
• Delegate effectively and empower team members to take ownership of projects.
• Partner strategically with Merchant, Product Development, and Production teams to ensure a smooth
• and aligned product development cycle, contributing to key decisions.
• Lead the design team in the development of mood boards, color palettes, design boards, fabric boards,
• trim boards, and final tech packs with all apparel specifications.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with PD (Product Development) and technical teams, ensuring seamless integration of design with fit and production processes.
• Lead the design team in fabric and trim selection for all product ranges, considering performance, cost,
• market trends, and sustainability.
• Develop and implement design methodologies that optimize cost-effectiveness while maintaining
• design integrity and brand aesthetic.
• Play a key role in product cost analysis and value engineering to ensure profitability.
• Continuously refine product designs through print/graphic creation and refinement, ensuring optimal
• use of artwork and brand consistency.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure design team performance, product
• success, and brand impact.
• Analyze market data and sales trends to inform design decisions and ensure collections resonate with
• target audiences.
• Continuously improve design processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor\’s degree in Fashion Design (Master\’s Degree preferred)
• 15+ years of experience leading and managing apparel design teams within the active/performance/lifestyle category
• Proven track record of leading the development of successful and profitable apparel collections
• Extensive knowledge of fashion trends with a proven ability to identify long-term trends and their
• application to the brand vision
• In-depth knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, and production processes
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop) and 3D CAD applications
• Experience with design process optimization and cost-analysis tools (desirable)
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team-building abilities
• Excellent strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team
• Data-driven approach with the ability to analyze market trends and translate them into actionable design strategies

COMPETENCIES

• Strong trend forecasting and execution skills.
• Excellent communication across all levels and locations.
• Highly organized with a keen eye for detail.
• Exceptional time management and self-motivation.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while fostering a patient and collaborative
• team environment.
• Mentorship skills to guide and develop junior designers.
• Strategic thinking and involvement in design-related business calls for effective resource optimization.
• Ability to conduct training and deliver presentations to large audiences.