Head of Design - Maternity Cover

Become Recruitment UK; Cheadle Hulme; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Supportive and creative team

Experience with recognised brands

Job summary

A well-established organisation in Cheshire is seeking a Head of Design for a maternity cover role. This position requires leadership in the creative function, managing a team of designers, and ensuring all creative outputs align with brand guidelines. Ideal candidates will have proven senior creative experience, strong people-management skills, and hands-on design capabilities, particularly in home textiles. Enjoy a collaborative environment with hybrid and flexible working options in a fast-paced role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior creative or head of design role.
• Strong people-management experience and ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Hands-on design background with confidence to produce visuals and mock-ups.
• Industry experience in home textiles is essential.
• Solid experience working with licensed brands and managing brand guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the design team, photographer, and freelancers.
• Oversee creative direction across multiple brands.
• Be hands-on with design work, producing client visuals.
• Act as a brand guardian for consistency across products.
• Manage workloads, deadlines, and resource planning within the design team.

Skills

Team leadership

Creative direction

Hands-on design

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

Head of Design / Creative (Maternity Cover – Up to 8 Months)

Location: Cheshire

Working Pattern: Hybrid & Flexible

Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover (up to 8 months)

Start Date: March

A well‑established and highly respected organisation based in Cheshire is seeking an experienced Head of Design / Creative to join their team on a maternity leave contract. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a senior, autonomous role within a collaborative business that works with a number of well‑known and impressive client brands.

The Role

This position will see you leading the creative function, managing and inspiring a talented team while remaining hands‑on with design delivery. You will act as a brand guardian for multiple clients, ensuring all creative output meets brand guidelines and commercial objectives.

You will manage a team of 5 Designers, a Photographer and Freelancers, working closely with internal buying and sales teams, as well as external suppliers and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage the design team, photographer and freelance creatives
• Oversee creative direction across multiple brands and product ranges
• Be hands‑on with design work, producing client visuals, mock‑ups and presentations
• Act as a brand guardian, ensuring consistency and quality across all licensed products
• Manage and develop licensed ranges in line with brand guidelines and approvals
• Liaise with external suppliers, licensors and freelancers
• Manage workloads, deadlines and resource planning within the design team
• Maintain high standards of organisation, communication and attention to detail

About You

• Proven experience in a senior creative or head of design role
• Strong people‑management experience, with the ability to lead and motivate a team
• Hands‑on design background with the confidence to produce visuals and mock‑ups
• Industry experience in home textiles is essential (e.g. bedding, blankets, cushions, towels, accessories)
• Solid experience working with licensed brands and managing brand guidelines
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Confident working cross‑functionally with multiple internal teams and external partners
• Comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of the creative function

Why Apply?

• Join a well‑established, supportive and creative team
• Work with recognised and respected brands
• Enjoy hybrid and flexible working
• Gain valuable senior‑level experience in a varied and fast‑paced role

This role is ideal for an experienced creative leader looking for a high‑impact maternity cover position within a collaborative and forward‑thinking organisation.