Position Title: Design Manager - Footwear & Accessories
(Lifestyle categories including Accessories, Bags, Handbags, Jewelry, eyewear, belts, leather accessories, Footwear etc)
Location: Dubai
Experience: 12-16 Years of proven professional experience in a similar role.
Qualification: A minimum of a BA Qualification in Fashion Design
Skills
- Highly developed sense of creativity for trend spotting, colour, prints, fabrics and silhouettes.
- Team player with the ability to interact at all levels of the organization.
- Strong communication and presentation skills (in English).
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and seasonal calendars.
- Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite.
- Working knowledge of CLO 3D will be an added advantage, though is not mandatory.
- Proven ability to manage, coach and develop others.
Role Objective
Manage and lead a team of non-apparel designers to develop seasonal ranges based on thorough trend and competitive research and overall creative direction.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, interpret and apply market trends appropriate to the brand/ target customer across Footwear & Accessories category
- Lead effective seasonal range building with buyers and designers.
- Manage creative and technical development of product.
- Build consistency throughout product lines to ensure a clear message is delivered while continuing to grow as an authentic, value fashion retailer.
- Work closely with the Head of Design & team members on seasonal and monthly trend direction.
- Lead product and trend presentations.
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with internal (buying, planning, quality, sourcing, visual merchandising, marketing, E-commerce) and external partners (suppliers and factories if the need arises).
- Plan and drive seasonal ranges and tech packs in a fast-paced environment, as per the set critical path.
- Lead and manage a team of designers (at different levels).
- Develop and mentor the team to ensure standards of quality, creativity and authenticity are upheld.
- Attend weekly/monthly trade meetings and share key learnings with the team.
- Respond effectively and quickly to change in trade/ market conditions.
- Manage the performance of the team – set annual performance goals & KPIs, monitor performance and provide constructive feedback and coaching to improve team performance.
