LEAD DESIGN SPECIALIST (RATHMALANA)
We are on the look out for a dynamic and an energetic individual to join the Design team as a Lead design specialist representing the assigned pillar/ product category whilst working on cross functional projects and having to coordinate with business leads. Drive a culture of innovative thinking to ensure the right technologies, strategies and knowhow is applied to ensure design and product development is fit for purpose, commercially viable and Brand right in order to meet the needs of the customer and contribute to growth in the business.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. As a lead specialist, take a central role in the design value stream/ team and direct responsibility to ensure the Quality, Creativity and Delivery of the projects they are overseeing meet customer and business expectations
2. Be a Business driver and present the team/brand/ product by conducting and demonstrating the below skills :
• Ability to quickly understand, analyse, and respond to internal/ external customer clarifications/ requirement
• Work with the team and cross functional teams to develop and deliver out of the box/ innovative designs
• Lead product presentations and demonstrate ability to incorporate product presentation feedback to improve on the pitch
• Demonstrate the creative side of pitch projects and support the business development team with creative input, client meetings, presentations and design writing
• Ability to multitask and work independently to meet the customer/ business timelines
Embrace the culture of innovation, collaboration teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Demonstrating a genuine interest to nurture and develop the team
• Stay up to date with new technologies, industry and design trends and demonstrate a passion for learning
• Engage in knowledge sharing sessions with the team to enhance the team and one’s knowhow
• Work closely with development teams to ensure that design specifications are implemented
3. Be proactive and identify ways to optimise workload management/ resources/ and planning of internal calander whilst taking lead in connecting with business leads and external stakeholders to enable a smooth and efficient workflow of required activities to meet customer and business expectations As a lead brand specialist with sound business, commercial and product acumen possess a positive attitude to change and in developing/ nurturing the team whilst demonstrating the below:
• In-depth understanding of the talent requirements within the team
• Ensures that the best talent available within the market is recruited
• Provides direction to improve the processes to assess talent requirement across MAS Intimates
• Proactively partner with HR to efficiently and effectively utilize the tools in place to support development, career progression, motivation and remuneration of the design team
• Frequently engage in knowledge sharing to enhance knowhow and applicability across the team
4. Together with guidance and feedback from management lead the extended team in conceptualizing new ideas for the season, research trends, – shop the market, pro-actively analyse retail selling data to recognize “white space” opportunities and proactively act upon them to develop brand right concepts for the customer
5. Use creative insight, application of learnings and understanding of customer expectations to identify innovative solutions/ projects to enhance efficiency, accuracy and performance output within the team.
6. Work in collaboration with cross functional partners to seek out and develop specific materials, graphic and Trims needed to bring concepts to life demonstrating through understanding of development timelines and costing parameters to ensure alignment with seasonal trends and customer requirements
7. Review concept garments and costs; analyse CM of garments and work with cross functional teams to improve costs where needed to ensure aesthetics of the product are maintained to achieve first time right garments that are also commercially viable/ cost competitive for the customer.
8. Lead, guide and direct all customer meetings with samples, ensuring costs are professionally presented and feedback is shared with respective parties in order to deliver set requirements within a timely manner
9. Monitor and maintain the overall account profitability; “hit rates” and strive for continuous improvements within the design ecosystem to ensure achievement of set KPI’s and overall efficiency
10. Build and maintain collaborative and effective cross functional relationships throughout the design eco-system to support the development of aesthetic products within the stipulated delivery timeframes in order to ensure customer satisfaction and business growth
11. Work in collaboration with Management and HR to recruit the right talent and mentor individuals using internal tools and processes such as L&D, PMS and SM to support career progression, employee motivation and most importantly contribute to an increase in performance and productivity ensuring desired team and business objectives are achieved
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Bachelor of design / Arts or related field preferred.
- 7+ years of experience and 2+ years ‘managing creative talent within the apparel industry.
- Proficiency in Excel, Illustrator and Photoshop Exceptional communication and organizational skills; must be able to inspire creative teams and drive the development process across functions and manage conflicts Strategic and innovative
- Ability to influence, negotiate and communicate (written, verbal, presentation) well with diverse and cross functional teams
Closing Date: 2023/09/30