Role & responsibilities The role of a Head Fashion Designer is a senior leadership position responsible for spearheading the creative vision of a brand or design house and overseeing the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept to final production . Key Responsibilities Creative Leadership and Vision: Define and drive the brand's overall creative direction and aesthetic identity for new collections. Team Management: Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of designers, providing guidance and ensuring all tasks are completed within the given timeframe and budget. Trend Analysis and Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging fashion trends, fabrics, colors, and techniques. The head designer ensures products align with market demands and the business strategy. Design Process Oversight: Manage the end-to-end design process, which includes creating initial sketches (by hand or using CAD software like Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop), developing mood boards, selecting materials, and overseeing prototype sampling and fittings. Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, merchandising, marketing, buyers, and sourcing teams, to ensure feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and cohesive execution of the design strategy. Quality Control: Approve final samples and ensure that all products meet the brand's quality standards and specifications. Presentation and Communication: Present design concepts and collections to stakeholders, clients, or creative directors, effectively articulating the vision and rationale behind design decisions. Required Skills and Qualifications Experience: A minimum of 5-10+ years of experience in fashion design within a reputable apparel brand, with a proven track record of leadership experience is generally required. Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fashion Design, Accessory Design, or a related field from a reputed institute is often preferred. Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and CAD programs is essential. Knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, and textile properties is also crucial. Soft Skills: Exceptional creativity and a strong fashion sensibility. Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills. Excellent organizational and project management skills to meet tight deadlines. Commercial awareness and a deep understanding of the target market. Preferred candidate profile