Head of Design & Creative Director

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Since its founding in 2005, Zoe Kratzmann has become a beloved Australian fashion label synonymous with timeless elegance, bespoke prints, and wearable sophistication. Over the past 20 years, the brand has built a loyal following across Australia and New Zealand, offering collections that reflect refined femininity and modern ease. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking to expand our leadership team to ensure continued success and innovation within the product and design department.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Design & Creative Director to lead our design team, oversee the creative vision of our collections, and maintain the artistic integrity of the Zoe Kratzmann brand. In this key leadership role, you will drive the overall creative direction for all seasonal collections, ensuring cohesion with the brand's identity while championing innovation and market relevance.

You will work closely with Zoe Kratzmann, who remains the brand's CEO and Creative Visionary. Your role will be to translate Zoe’s broader strategic vision into innovative, commercially successful collections while fostering a high-performing, collaborative design team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage and lead the day-to-day operations of the design team, ensuring alignment with the creative direction provided by yourself in collaboration with Zoe Kratzmann.
2. Develop seasonal design strategies, including mood boards, fabric selection, colour palettes, and key silhouettes, working alongside Zoe and the design team.
3. Oversee the creation of signature prints, embroidery, and bespoke details to reflect the brand’s identity.
4. Ensure all designs are commercially viable and resonate with the brand’s target audience.
5. Mentor and inspire the design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
6. Provide clear direction and constructive feedback to ensure the team consistently delivers excellence.
7. Manage design timelines, ensuring all collections are developed and delivered on schedule.
8. Ensure operational excellence across this growing team.
9. Collaborate with production and technical teams to ensure garment quality, fit, and execution meet the brand’s high standards.
10. Oversee sampling processes and fittings, ensuring garments translate beautifully from concept to finished product.
11. Maintain an understanding of customer preferences and market trends to inform product development.
12. Partner closely with Zoe and the senior design team to bring creative vision to life through actionable strategies for the rest of the team.
13. Regularly communicate progress, updates, and feedback to the leadership team.
14. Stay up to date on fashion trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to inform collection direction.
15. Incorporate trending hues, fabrications, and design elements into collections in a way that aligns with the brand's DNA.

Key Requirements

1. 10+ years of experience in a senior design role, preferably as a Head of Design or Creative Director within a fashion brand.
2. Strong technical skills and knowledge of the entire design process, from concept development to product delivery.
3. Expertise in creating cohesive seasonal collections, including prints, embroidery, and trend-aware designs.
4. Proven leadership ability with experience managing a design team and fostering a collaborative work environment.
5. Proven ability to lead a growing team and deliver on operational excellence.
6. Excellent organisational and time-management skills to meet tight deadlines while maintaining creativity and quality.
7. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner closely with a founder-led brand.
8. Deep understanding of market trends and customer needs in fashion.

Why Join Us?

As Head of Design & Creative Director at Zoe Kratzmann, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the creative output of an iconic Australian label. You’ll work closely with Zoe Kratzmann to uphold the brand’s legacy while driving innovation and ensuring the design team delivers excellence. This is an opportunity to lead with creativity and strategy, empowering a high-performing team to create collections that inspire confidence and style in women everywhere.

We're proud to offer generous remuneration, paternity and maternity leave, product discounts, and an incredible snack draw. We encourage interstate fashion designers to apply and relocation assistance will be provided to the right candidate. This position is based in our head offices on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Together, we’ll continue to celebrate 20 years of thoughtful design and build on the foundation of empowering women through beautifully crafted fashion.