Design Director - Women's Luxury Fashion
- london, england, United Kingdom
- £90 - £130 Per Hour
Job Description
Design Director
We are looking for an exceptional creative team player who enjoys making a difference in a small and entrepreneurial environment and who, alongside the Creative Director, is able to advance our collections.
This candidate will head the Design Team at Emilia Wickstead and step in for the Creative Director whenever required
They will be responsible for 4 main collections per year, capsule collections, as well as all other product development streams. They will therefore work closely with the rest of the Design Team, Product Development, and Commercial on the product strategy, development and design of all Emilia Wickstead lines.
The role will also be responsible for ensuring that each collection is brought to market in a timely and profitable manner. A background in commercial, product-led design is required as well as an ability to create and develop original initial design ideas.
This leader will inspire and develop the design team to enable high performance, both in quality and quantity, of aesthetically relevant creative outputs as well as collaborate and productively partner with cross-functional peers.
Responsibilities:
Creative Design:
Lead the entire design process, ensuring that designs are in keeping with the brand's DNA and meet the approval of the creative director. This includes managing the creative process from start to finish: defining concepts and inspirations; researching themes, colours, and fabrics; conducting market research; designing and sketching; draping and leading the sample room from first toile to final sample.
Produce research, sketches, draping and construction pages for all designs, as well as creating presentation boards.
Create and develop mood boards and original inspiration themes for seasonal collections
Leading fitting in development, production and show
Collaborate with Atelier and problem solve where necessary
Creative advisory on shoots and shows
Business and strategic:
Ensure critical path deadlines are maintained, working closely with the Commercial Directorand Leadership Team
Prepare/manage and present at milestone meetings (internal/external)
Implement the company's strategic guidelines
Manage suppliers and budgets
Leadership:
Lead, motivate, coach and develop a small design team
Set manage and review daily, weekly and quarterly team objectives to ensure they align to the creative and organisational strategic plan
Lead bi-weekly meetings with the Design team
Sourcing and employ freelancers and external support partners where required
One to one directing and guiding individual designer’s work
Requirements:
5+ years of experience as a Womenswear Senior Designer
Strong communication and leadership skills, able to manage a small team and communicate frequently and accurately with the rest of the business
A self-starter, able to delegate where appropriate
Confidence and resilience to work closely with and support the Creative Director in the creative process, standing in for her whenever required
Strong brand understanding and luxury sensibility
Ability to work well under pressure, multi task and meet critical deadlines that impact the overall business
Ability to work cross-functionally, building strong relationships with other departments
Experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel and Office Suite