Operations & Design Manager at children's clothing company

Company: Strawberry Stripes

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Job Type: Full-time contract, In-office

Experience Required: 0-2 years (Freshers welcome)

ABOUT STRAWBERRY STRIPES

Strawberry Stripes is a Chennai-based children's clothing business with over 25 years of heritage. We specialize in creating comfortable, high-quality clothing that children love to wear while showcasing the beautiful handwork of Indian artisans. Our wholesale and retail operations span India and international markets.

With wholesale and retail operations across India and international markets, we're seeking a creative and detail-oriented Operations & Design Manager.

We are looking for a fashion/design graduate who can bridge the creative and operational aspects of our business. This unique role combines collection planning and design coordination with end-to-end operations management - from production to dispatch. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to see their creative vision come to life while learning the business side of fashion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design & Collection Development:

Plan and develop new collections based on market trends and customer preferences

Coordinate new collection planning and development timelines

Conduct product performance analysis to identify bestsellers and inform future designs

Monitor tech pack and pattern development status

Create sampling calendar and ensure consistent production pipeline

Work closely with artisans to ensure design vision translates to final product

Production & Supply Chain Management:

Monitor supply of raw materials to ensure on-time production

Plan and track wholesale order production schedules

Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout production

Product & Content Management:

Manage product photography shoots and coordinate with photographers

Inventory & Fulfillment:

Manage physical inventory and conduct regular stock reconciliation

Oversee packing and dispatch of finished goods

Coordinate daily dispatch operations with courier partners

Process returns, exchanges, and refunds efficiently

Wholesale Operations:

Maintain product catalogs and line sheets for wholesale customers

Create professional lookbooks/catalogs for wholesale buyers

Monitor wholesale order status and production planning

Administrative:

Manage office operations and ensure smooth daily functioning

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Apparel Design, or related field (STRONGLY PREFERRED)

0-2 years of experience in fashion operations, production, or design (freshers welcome)

Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and production processes

Creative eye for design with ability to spot trends and translate them into collections

Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities

Strong attention to detail - both in design and operations

Good communication skills for coordinating with tailors, artisans, vendors, and courier partners

Proficiency in MS Excel for inventory tracking

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet production deadlines

Problem-solving mindset with hands-on approach

Knowledge of children's wear market is a plus

Familiarity with tech packs and pattern making is an advantage

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We're looking for someone who is:

Creative with a strong sense of design and aesthetics

Equally comfortable with both creative planning and operational execution

Detail-oriented in both design development and production management

A quick learner who can adapt to multiple responsibilities

Passionate about bringing designs from concept to finished product

Organized with strong follow-up skills

Team player with positive attitude and collaborative spirit

WHAT WE OFFER

Unique opportunity to be involved in both creative design and business operations

Hands-on experience in collection development from concept to market

Comprehensive exposure to all aspects of fashion business - design, production, and operations

Opportunity to shape the creative direction of the brand

Competitive salary

Paid time off (2 weeks/year)

This is a contract position based in Chennai. Candidates must be comfortable working from office daily. We work Monday to Saturday.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with:

Portfolio showcasing design work, tech packs, or college projects (if available)

Brief description of any relevant experience (internships, projects, or previous roles)

Why you're interested in this role

We welcome applications from fashion/design graduates and candidates with experience who are eager to grow with us!