Design Manager - Footwear & Accessories

Overview

Location: Dubai

Skills

• Highly developed sense of creativity for trend spotting, colour, prints, fabrics and silhouettes.
• Team player with the ability to interact at all levels of the organization.
• Strong communication and presentation skills (in English).
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and seasonal calendars.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Working knowledge of CLO 3D will be an added advantage, though is not mandatory.
• Proven ability to manage, coach and develop others.

Role Objective

Key Responsibilities

• Research, interpret and apply market trends appropriate to the brand/ target customer across Footwear & Accessories category
• Lead effective seasonal range building with buyers and designers.
• Manage creative and technical development of product.
• Build consistency throughout product lines to ensure a clear message is delivered while continuing to grow as an authentic, value fashion retailer.
• Work closely with the Head of Design & team members on seasonal and monthly trend direction.
• Lead product and trend presentations.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with internal (buying, planning, quality, sourcing, visual merchandising, marketing, E-commerce) and external partners (suppliers and factories if the need arises).
• Plan and drive seasonal ranges and tech packs in a fast-paced environment, as per the set critical path.
• Lead and manage a team of designers (at different levels).
• Develop and mentor the team to ensure standards of quality, creativity and authenticity are upheld.
• Attend weekly/monthly trade meetings and share key learnings with the team.
• Respond effectively and quickly to change in trade/ market conditions.
• Manage the performance of the team – set annual performance goals & KPIs, monitor performance and provide constructive feedback and coaching to improve team performance.