Head of Designs & Business Development

Job Summary:

This role blends creative design leadership with strategic business development in the apparel and fashion segment. The incumbent will lead the design team to create market-relevant, trend-driven collections, while also driving business growth through client acquisition, buyer servicing, and new market opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design Leadership & Product Development

· Lead concept creation and seasonal collection development for women’s, & kidswear lines, as applicable.

· Develop and oversee storyboards, color palettes, silhouettes, and fabric directions in alignment with international trends.

· Supervise sampling, fit sessions, and fabric sourcing to ensure quality, design integrity, and cost-effectiveness.

· Coordinate closely with the merchandising and production teams to ensure smooth transition from concept to production.

· Ensure all designs meet buyer specifications and brand aesthetic requirements.

· Prepare trend forecasts, range plans, and buyer presentations for seasonal line showings.

2. Business Development & Buyer Engagement

· Identify and develop new business opportunities in both domestic and export markets.

· Build and maintain long-term relationships with existing buyers, ensuring timely communication, sampling, and delivery support.

· Present new collections and product ideas during buyer meetings, fashion fairs, and trade shows.

· Understand buyer preferences, price structures, and design expectations to align internal development accordingly.

· Liaise with sourcing and production teams to provide buyers with accurate costings, lead times, and production updates.

· Develop strategies to penetrate new markets or retail formats.

3. Team Management & Collaboration

· Lead a team of designers, and business development.

· Assign design briefs, review concepts, and monitor progress against development timelines.

· Foster a collaborative and creative team culture that balances innovation with commercial viability.

· Conduct regular design reviews and ensure adherence to brand standards and buyer requirements.

4. Market Research & Trend Forecasting

· Conduct trend research, runway analysis, trade fairs, and fashion reports.

· Analyze global fashion movements, color trends, and consumer behavior to inform seasonal design direction.

· Keep abreast of competitor offerings, pricing, and emerging fashion markets.

· Share insights and visual mood boards with the internal design and merchandising teams.

5. Strategic Planning & Financial Oversight

· Work closely with management to define annual business goals and sales projections.

· Support in developing pricing strategies, margin analysis, and cost optimization in product development.

· Track performance against business targets and propose corrective strategies where needed.

Qualifications & Experience:

· Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Fashion Design.

· Minimum 15-18 years of experience in fashion design, product development, and buyer management, preferably with export houses or fashion brands.

· Strong creative portfolio showcasing marketable design work and trend alignment.

· Proven experience handling international buyers.

· Strong understanding of fabric types, garment construction, trims, and embellishment techniques.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹100,000.00 - ₹150,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person