Design Manager - Childrenswear

ZipRecruiter; Leicester; On-site; GBP 86,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Leicester is seeking a Design Manager to oversee their Childrenswear Design Department for a 12-month maternity cover. This role involves leading a talented team, defining creative strategies, and driving product innovation. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in design leadership within fashion, especially Childrenswear, and a proactive mindset. The position offers a competitive salary of £86,000 - £90,000 plus benefits including holiday, pension contributions, and staff discounts.

Benefits

Profit-related bonus

25 days' holiday

Pension scheme contributions

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

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 product.
• Outstanding communication skills, persuasive and articulate.

Responsibilities

• Define and direct the creative strategy for Childrenswear.
• Manage and motivate a team of Designers and Assistants.
• Ensure the range continues to evolve in line with market demands.

Skills

Experience leading design teams

Understanding trend forecasting

Outstanding communication skills

Ability to inspire and mentor

Proactive mindset

Job description

Job Description

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.

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.