Design Manager

Location: Woburn Walk, Bloomsbury, London WC1H

Reports to: Creative Director

Responsible for: Design Assistant

Working alongside: Creative Manager, Product Developer

Working Hours: Full Time, Monday – Friday, 9:30am to 6pm, 45 minute lunch

Contract: Permanent

 Job PurposeWe are looking for a passionate Design Manager to work directly with the Creative Director to deliver exceptional collections, to bring her vision to life. You will have an excellent eye for detail and cultural awareness. You will be responsible to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Design department, building a strong work-ethic and a high level of standard across each project and your team.To ensure Halfpenny London standards are met through processes, quality of product, and professional conduct.We work in a fast-paced environment, so willingness to take part in all aspects of the team and a passion for your work are key.  There is a great opportunity to input into the creative journey here at Halfpenny London, sharing your knowledge and experience as part of our team, so this is a great opportunity for the right candidate.Key duties & responsibilities:Work closely with the Creative Director to research, develop, sketch and communicate the seasonal collections to the Creative Projects manager and Product Developer during development. Follow and develop the seasonal brief and lead the design team to research, explore, expand and refine creative design ideas. Use your experience and awareness of both historical and current high fashion, commercial and bridal design during the collection development process.Stand work to create new and unique design concepts – able to discuss and translate ideas to the product development teamSource new fabrics relevant to new collection designsDeliver the collection handover to the Product Developer in line with the critical pathHave an exceptional sense of storytelling throughout all areas of design, being able to strongly relate this to Halfpenny London brand codes.Lead all embroidery and beadwork styles within the brand, developing all samples taking confirmed orders to suppliers and ensuring deadlines are followed for delivery. Ensuring pricing and quality are always perfected and maintained.Create highly accurate technical drawings to support product development.Ongoing collaboration with the Atelier team during the development phase to include:Working with the Product Developer during fit sessions to achieve the designsAnalysis of textiles with the Product Developer to select the best option for the designsContribute both technical knowledge and aptitude of design flair in collection fittingsManage the critical path of all bespoke orders with the Creative Director working with the Product Developer and Sales Team to execute deliverables. Sales team to manage the client and payments. Responsible for budgeting and tracking the department spend, in line with the company budgets

 

 

You are an optimistic, intuitive problem solver who is a solution-oriented person and thrives from working with a luxury product.Strong technical drawing ability with excellent working knowledge of the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator in particular)Knowledge of draping, garment construction and fabrics. Possesses a strong eye for detail, shape and proportionExperience working in a fast-paced environment, ensuring critical path is honoured.Experience in working with manufacturers and factories abroad (EU & ASIA) Highly passionate about product innovation and product qualityYou will operate in a professional manner, as a proud representative of Halfpenny London, leading the culture of the brand. This means bringing a problem-solving attitude, a friendly approach, and a courteous manner in all dealings.Ability to work positively within a teamStrong communication skills able to collaborate with multiple departmentsPersonal accountability and integrity Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills to meet all seasonal deadlines.Eager to learn and adapt to new systems and processesNote: This list is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in the job. The content above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the role. This does not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.