Design Director - Ladieswear

TRP RECRUITMENT; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ladieswear supplier in the UK is seeking a Design Director to manage a talented design team and drive the creative direction for trend-led collections. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in ladieswear, excellent leadership skills, and a strong understanding of commercial viability in fashion. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader passionate about the fast fashion market and ready to make an impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at Design Director or Head of Design level.
• Strong commercial acumen with knowledge of costing, margins, and retail pricing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of designers for ladieswear.
• Set the creative and trend direction each season.
• Present designs to key clients and build partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Trend awareness

Commercial acumen

Communication

Job description

Are you a visionary Design Director with your finger firmly on the pulse of fast fashion? This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading ladieswear supplier, working with some of the biggest retailers and brands on the UK high street.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will take full ownership of the creative direction, leading a large and talented design team to deliver trend-led, commercial collections. You'll drive the overall design strategy, inspire your team, and play a key role in presenting concepts and collections to major clients. This position requires a confident and strategic leader with strong trend awareness, excellent customer insight, and the ability to combine creative innovation with commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of multiproduct designers across all areas of ladieswear.
• Set the creative and trend direction each season, ensuring a clear and cohesive vision.
• Be hands‑on in guiding design development and ensuring collections are trend‑driven and commercially viable.
• Present designs and seasonal concepts to key clients, building strong partnerships and ensuring alignment with brand and market needs.
• Collaborate closely with sales and production teams to maximise product success and profitability.
• Drive innovation, speed, and accuracy in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Identify new opportunities to grow and evolve collections for both existing and potential customers.

Person Specification

• Proven experience at Design Director or Head of Design level within a ladieswear supplier or retailer.
• Deep understanding of jersey and woven product areas.
• Strong commercial acumen with knowledge of costing, margins, and retail pricing structures.
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills, with experience managing and inspiring large creative teams.
• Highly trend‑aware with a strong aesthetic and ability to balance creativity with commercial viability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence in leading client meetings.
• Passionate, hands‑on, and detail‑driven, with a clear understanding of the young, fast fashion market.

This is an incredible opportunity for a creative leader ready to make a real impact within a dynamic, forward‑thinking business