Senior Design Manager

Experience:

Location:

Who we are:

FS Life is a group of homegrown brands that are thoughtful, and relevant, and solve unmet apparel and lifestyle needs for modern Indian women. It was launched in September 2016 with FableStreet, a premium western wear brand focused on providing the best fit for Indian women and Pink Fort — an Indo-western brand reimagining traditional clothing for the woman of today. 

About the role:

The Senior Design Manager will lead and inspire a high-performing design team in the women’s fast fashion segment, driving creative vision from concept through to final garment. The ideal candidate will have an expert understanding of woven and knit products, demonstrated commercial success in translating fashion trends into high-velocity retail environments, and a strong technical grasp of fit, construction, and garment development. This role requires a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, results-driven business, and is a mentor as well as a hands-on designer.

Key Responsibilities

Trend Research & Market Analysis: Proactively identify fashion trends and consumer insights using global trend research, runway monitoring, and competitor benchmarking. Adapt macro trends into commercially viable concepts for fast fashion retail and e-commerce.

1. Creative Foresight :

   Lead seasonal collection development, ensuring originality, brand alignment, and affordability. Create and review design sketches, tech packs, mood boards, and color palettes for women's categories.

2. Team Leadership :

   Manage, and mentor a team of designers – setting clear goals, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative, innovative environment. Lead by example, working hands-on with both juniors and peers.

3. Cross-functional Collaboration :

   Work closely with Merchandising, Business , Product Development, Sourcing, and Technical teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, trend-right products on aggressive timelines.

4. Fit and Technical Oversight :

   Attend fit sessions, review samples, and approve construction details. Troubleshoot fit and quality issues alongside Technical Designers and Manufacturing, ensuring brand consistency and superior customer experience.

5. Product Innovation :

   Ensure best-in-class execution for both woven and knit product lines, balancing aesthetics with technical feasibility, production efficiency, and target margin requirements.

6. Project & Calendar Management :

   Ensure multiple projects are tracked and delivered on schedule, aligned with go-to-market and seasonal deadlines in a high-volume, fast-turnaround business.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience designing women’s fashion apparel (ideally fast fashion, with both woven and knit product focus).
• Experience in a retail or e-commerce environment preferred.
• Expertise in trend research and commercialising runway trends and study competition for retail success.
• Solid understanding of pattern making, garment construction, fit analysis, and the technical specs needed for consistent quality in mass production.
• Strong experience with design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD).
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and inspiring design teams.
• Knowledge of sourcing, fabric selection, and manufacturing processes for both woven and knits.
• Comfortable working under tight deadlines and rapid product development cycles.

Key Attributes

• Creative and analytical thinker
• Excellent team player and motivational leader
• Agile, adaptable, and resourceful in a changing market
• Strong sense of aesthetics, commercial mindset, and problem-solving ability