Childrenswear Design Manager

Careers in Design; England; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail company is seeking a Design Manager to head their Childrenswear Design Department for a 12-month maternity cover. The role involves defining the creative strategy, leading and inspiring a skilled team, and ensuring product innovation aligned with market trends. Offering a salary of £86,000 - £90,000, private medical insurance, pension contributions, and more, this position promises a dynamic work environment and growth opportunities.

Benefits

£86,000 - £90,000 salary

25 days' holiday

Pension contributions

Private medical insurance

Sharesave scheme

25% staff discount

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading design teams, ideally within Childrenswear or a similar fashion category.
• Strong understanding of trend forecasting and translating that into commercially successful products.
• Outstanding communication skills - persuasive, articulate, and collaborative across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Define and direct the creative strategy for upcoming ranges across multi-product Childrenswear lines.
• Manage and motivate a team of Designers and Assistants.
• Ensure the range continues to evolve in line with market demands and customer expectations.

Skills

Leading design teams

Trend forecasting

Outstanding communication

Mentoring and inspiring

Dynamic and proactive mindset

Job description

Overview

Our client - one of the UK s most renowned retailers across fashion, furniture and homeware - is looking for a Design Manager to head up their Childrenswear Design Department on a 12-month maternity cover contract. With thousands of products sold every hour, and a reputation for both innovation and quality, this is the kind of place where a design career can truly take off.

You ll be stepping into a business that values design at its core - one where you ll lead, shape and inspire a highly talented team in a category that s fast-growing and full of potential. They are also open to candidates that will need a hybrid working arrangement.

Your main remit will include:

• Leading Vision & Trend Direction - You''ll define and direct the creative strategy, identifying trends and setting the tone for upcoming ranges across multi-product Childrenswear lines.
• Inspiring Team Leadership - From recruitment to day-to-day development, you''ll manage and motivate a team of Designers and Assistants.
• Driving Innovation & Growth - With a strong commercial eye and passion for product, you''ll ensure the range continues to evolve in line with market demands and customer expectations.
• Collaborating Across the Business - Build strong partnerships with Product, Merchandising and Buying teams to deliver ranges that are trend-led, quality-focused, and always ahead of the curve.
• Travelling for Inspiration - Global trade shows, factory visits and inspiration trips will play a key part in your creative and strategic input - expect to travel at least 6 times per year.

Skills and Experience expected from the Design Manager:

• Proven experience leading design teams, ideally within Childrenswear or a similar fashion category.
• A strong understanding of trend forecasting and translating that into commercially successful product.
• Outstanding communication skills - persuasive, articulate and collaborative across all levels.
• An ability to inspire, mentor, and bring out the best in creative individuals.
• Passion, pace, and a proactive mindset - someone who thrives in a dynamic, ever-evolving retail environment.

And in return the befits will include:

• £86,000 - £90,000 salary + profit-related bonus.
• 25 days\' holiday (plus option to buy more).
• Pension scheme contributions.
• Private medical insurance + life assurance + income protection.
• Sharesave scheme.
• 25% staff discount across a wide range of products.