Head of Design

The position of Head of Design plays a strategic role within this design-focused organisation, collaborating closely with internal teams and clients to oversee the design of distinctive uniform collections for a diverse clientele including the retail, hospitality, and luxury automotive sectors.

The primary objective of the company is to secure and deliver ongoing projects that require tailored design solutions. The team is supported by innovative, intelligent, and data-driven design guided by a steadfast dedication to empowering the wearer of the uniform. As a high-level leadership role, this position is focused on establishing global design expertise and expanding into new target markets worldwide.

The successful individual must be UK-based, commutable to the Midlands, and have 8+ years of multi-product apparel design experience with around 2 years in a Design Lead or Design Manager position. An up-to-date portfolio should be included upon application.

Main Responsibilities

Design Leadership:

• Lead the design team, providing inspiration and guidance, recruiting and integrating new talent as needed.
• Display an infectious enthusiasm for outstanding design to motivate the team in crafting top-tier uniform designs influenced by prominent fashion trends and narratives, understanding that teams embody the brand and their uniforms reflect the brand's identity.
• Establish processes that uphold high standards of delivery, ensuring excellence without stifling creativity.
• Coach the team on fostering strong client relationships based on trust and effective listening skills.
• Train the team on delivering engaging and tailored presentations to captivate the target audience.
• Guide the team on perceiving client needs, brand identity, culture, and environment to enhance design outcomes.
• Train the team on the psychology of shapes and colours in uniform design.
• Collaborate with the team on the significance of fabric textures in uniform design.
• Overlook the creation of effective technical drawings to support precise manufacturing specifications.
• Develop a profound understanding of the process framework and instil this knowledge in the team to set the design services apart.
• Demonstrate excellent commercial acumen.
• Engage in active design projects during peak periods.
• Assist the Finance Team with R&D claims.
• Continuously innovate the design process, tools, and digitalisation efforts.
• As the business expands, lead design teams in different global regions, adapting to local nuances whilst maintaining global process consistency.
• Manage the design department budget.

Leading the Market:

• Effectively communicate the core principles of the uniform design process and their significance in supporting the effectiveness of each client's uniform selection, as well as their role in motivating employees in their respective roles.
• Ensure that the company takes the lead in setting trends for workwear and uniforms, rather than just following them.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market and fashion trends at a demographic level.
• Analyse market trends to identify new business opportunities.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key customers and partners.
• Develop and implement a global strategy that cements the company as the premier choice for personalised uniform design.
• Proficient and willing to speak at events and in presentations to actively engage potential clients with design expertise and leadership.
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain team to continuously innovate designs, fabrics, garment performance, and logo techniques, and proactively introduce new items to expand the design range.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Fashion Design and around 8+ years of multi-product experience as a design lead or design manager with around 2 years in a management position.
• UK-based and eligible to work without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
• An adept storyteller who understands that teams are a reflection of the brand and that their uniform serves as an expression of the brand's identity.
• Ability to demonstrate innovative design vision by accurately interpreting the brand's essence and integrating appropriate fashion trends, encompassing fabric blends, textures, colours, and functional styling.
• Skilled in leading through the success of the design team providing guidance and development.
• Ability to foster a culture of collaborative teamwork with cross-functional departments, necessitating a consistently thoughtful, professional, and efficient approach.
• Proficient in leveraging human-centred and data-driven design.
• Confident, empathetic, captivating, and convincing in public speaking and presentations.
• Enjoys collaborating with others and looks forward to positively engaging with clients.
• Highly organised with effective time management ability.
• Loyalty in upholding company values.
• Flexibility to travel.

Compensation + Benefits

• Annual salary £ in line with experience + bonus scheme.
• Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
• 30 days annual holiday including bank holidays.
• Pension Contributions - 5% matched.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eyecare Provision.
• Free head office parking.
• Free lunch onsite at head office.
• Hybrid working.