Head Fashion Designer, Chief Designer

Role & responsibilities

Head Fashion Designer

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