Head of Product Design

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Head of Product Design, Warrington, Cheshire

Client:

Location:

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

1

Posted:

30.03.2025

Expiry Date:

14.05.2025

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Safariland EU Armor team. As a key member of our newly formed EU Armor Leadership group, this role provides design direction and team management from concept through manufacturability across our international product range. The role provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with our commercial team, specialist distributors, and our end users.

The successful individual will lead our EU design team in continuing to be creative and solution-oriented whilst fostering their passion for performance, fit, quality, and technology.

LOCATION: Warrington UK or Kaunas Lithuania

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):

1. Build and lead a best-in-class design team that is streamlined and efficiently supporting international sales.
2. Manage the team (UK and Lithuania), from first pattern through production, grading, nesting, and marker making to product completion.
3. Work directly with engineering and management to create a baseline of compelling products for the international Law Enforcement, military, and defense industries.
4. Partner with Sales to understand end user needs and provide customized solutions.
5. Understand and apply innovation in design, technology, and materials.
6. Communicate concepts and ideas through visual, verbal, and written means.
7. Source and develop new technical high-performance materials for shell fabrics, linings, load-bearing systems, including soft goods/hard goods load-bearing systems.
8. Attend related trade shows, interact continuously with customers and suppliers.
9. Collaborate closely with US Armor Category Management.
10. Expand sourcing options as necessary to meet specific materials needs and goals.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Strong design background in relevant industry (Body Armor, tactical goods, sportswear industry).
2. Engaging leader with previous experience of leading a team of designers.
3. Knowledge of patternmaking (Gerber, Optitex, and/or other PDS systems).
4. Illustrator with first-class sketch design and patternmaking skills.
5. Detail-oriented, able to multitask and delegate.
6. Strong team player, able to clearly communicate across internal cross-functional teams, internal and external sales, distributors, and suppliers.