TRP Recruitment ltd
Head of Design- Childrenswear Babywear
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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Design to join a leading global apparel manufacturer and strategic supplier to some of the UK's most recognised retailers and brands. This highly visible leadership role would suit either an established Head of Design or a talented Design Manager/Senior Designer looking to take the next step in their career. The successful candidate will lead the UK design function, driving creative vision, trend direction and product strategy across a diverse customer portfolio. Working closely with both UK and overseas teams, you will be responsible for identifying future trends, creating compelling product stories, developing customer relationships and inspiring a high-performing design team. This role combines creative leadership with commercial influence and offers the opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of the business. The position offers hybrid working, with flexibility around location for the right individual, together with a generous bonus scheme and excellent benefits package.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the overall design vision and creative strategy across UK and European markets.
- Drive trend forecasting, market intelligence and consumer insight across Babywear, Kidswear and related categories.
- Translate global fashion, lifestyle, colour and fabric trends into commercially successful product concepts and ranges.
- Develop seasonal narratives, trend presentations and innovative product stories for key customers.
- Present trend direction, product strategies and creative concepts to customers and senior stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Buying Managers and key retail decision-makers.
- Support business growth by identifying new opportunities through industry knowledge, customer relationships and market awareness.
- Work closely with overseas Product Development and Design teams to ensure seamless execution of design concepts.
- Balance creativity with manufacturing capability, commercial objectives and customer requirements.
- Lead, mentor and develop the design team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation, collaboration and commercial success.
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Person Specification
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- Significant experience within the apparel industry, ideally gained across both supplier and retail environments.
- Proven leadership experience as a Head of Design, Design Manager or Senior Designer ready for progression.
- Strong background within Babywear and Kidswear design
- Excellent trend forecasting, market analysis and product development skills.
- Ability to translate consumer and market insights into commercially successful product ranges.
- Experience presenting to and influencing senior customer stakeholders, including Buying Managers and Directors.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, manufacturing processes and product costing.
- Experience working with international sourcing, product development or design teams.
- Demonstrable success in leading, mentoring and developing creative teams.
- Commercially minded, highly organised and capable of operating effectively within a fast-paced environment. This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially focused design leader to join a growing international business and make a significant impact on both creative direction and commercial growth. The role offers genuine career progression, customer exposure at senior level and the opportunity to shape the future design strategy of a highly respected organisation.
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