Kidswear Design Manager

Pro Select Consulting; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro Select Consulting is seeking a Kidswear Design Manager to enhance the children's wear segment for a Retail client in Dubai. The role demands overseeing the design-to-development lifecycle, leading a design team, and ensuring brand consistency. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's in Fashion Design and significant industry experience, particularly in managerial positions. This opportunity entails strategic alignment of design with business goals and global market trends, aimed at delivering high-quality children's apparel.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in kidswear/apparel design.
• At least 3 years in a managerial role overseeing multiple categories.
• Strong technical knowledge in garment construction and materials.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the design-to-development lifecycle.
• Research global fashion trends and analyze consumer behavior.
• Lead and mentor a multi-category design team.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Technical Knowledge in Garment Construction

Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator

Understanding of Private Label Retail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM Systems

CAD Tools

Job description

Our Retail client based in Dubai is currently recruiting for a Kidswear Design Manager. If you are looking to make a move to the UAE, then this opportunity is for YOU!

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise the design-to-development lifecycle, from concept sketches and CADs to technical packs and sample approvals.
• Liaise with sourcing, vendors, and mills to ensure material, trim, and embellishment choices meet cost and quality benchmarks.
• Ensure all design and development activities are executed within budget, without compromising brand aesthetics or fit.
• Develop product and packaging material sourcing plans focused on cost optimization and efficiency.
• Research global fashion trends, kidswear-specific innovations, and customer preferences across kidswear markets.
• Analyze consumer behavior, competitive landscape, and market intelligence to inform collection direction.
• Attend trade shows, digital trend portals, and market visits to gather insights on new materials, techniques, and inspirations.
• Partner with Buying, Merchandising, Planning, Sourcing, and Technical teams to ensure cohesive seasonal ranges, on-time delivery, and commercial success.
• Present seasonal design direction and collection line-ups to leadership and business teams.
• Support Marketing and Visual Merchandising with product storytelling and launch inputs.
• Lead and mentor a multi-category design team, overseeing work planning, delegation, quality control, and creative alignment.
• Set KPAs and development goals for team members, driving high performance through feedback, coaching, and reviews.
• Foster a positive, creative, and innovative studio culture.
• Monitor team welfare and resolve escalations with leadership maturity and empathy.
• Own the design strategy for children's wear (014 yrs), aligning seasonal direction with business goals and customer insights.
• Define product architecture and creative vision across categories, ensuring clarity in silhouettes, color stories, fabrics, and trims.
• Ensure brand consistency and alignment with group aesthetic, values, and customer expectations.
• Provide recommendations on seasonal edits, line structure, and style innovations.

Personal Attributes and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in kidswear/apparel design, with at least 3 years in a managerial role overseeing multiple categories.
• Strong technical knowledge in garment construction, children's sizing, trims, fits, and materials.
• Understanding of private label retail, cost structures, and seasonal calendars.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, PLM systems, and CAD tools.
• Proven leadership skills to manage teams, deadlines, and cross-functional collaborations.