MANAGER- DESIGN (MDS,RATHMALANA)
We are actively seeking an individual to join our dynamic team of changemakers as a Manager-Design. This role would require you to be the balanced voice for the organization and team whilst taking lead on the Central design pillar, Inspiring, Influencing and building strategic & long term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, to ensure momentum and consistency in the deliver high quality brands right products which contribute to the overall growth in the business. As a versatile and experienced individual, Design Manager is also expected to foster, develop and lead cross functional collaboration and conversation to ensure the design eco system is aligned to support the business achieve its set objectives. They will also play a key role in strategy formulation and nurturing/ grooming and developing the team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the Design pillar by guiding and working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to offer elevated design solutions that are innovative, sustainable and feasible to manufacture thereby supporting the division win more market to achieve its set objectives.
- Take lead and work with the Heads of the business, technical and other cross functional teams to drive strategies and milestones whilst formulating department plans that are in alignment to the overall vision and mission of the division.
- Oversee, monitor and drive the creation of department SOP within different work streams and pillars in order to effectively and efficiently achieve set objectives.
- Lead by example and demonstrate a positive attitude towards change and a passion to continuously strive to achieve business agility and excellence by recognizing and supporting the need to upskill the team whilst working in collaboration with management, lead design specialist and cross functional teams to meet the customer & business expectations.
- Be up-to date with global sustainability technologies, innovations and trends and ensure adaptability of these when developing design solutions thereby supporting the business teams to meet customer requirements and win more business.
- Be the catalyst to bring newness and challenge the norm, whilst assessing, analyzing and exploring diverse platforms and sharing best practices/learnings across with the teams in order to ensure better connectivity and delivery of customer and business expectations.
- Lead customer visits & presentations and meetings providing recommendations where possible whilst striving to identify innovative solutions/approaches to the design and development process to ensure the brand right product is delivered.
- Together with Senior Management take lead in preparing presentations that are well structured and professional in appearance that clearly articulate brand right products are developed to meet & exceed customer and business expectations.
- 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.
- Critically analyse and Conduct research into customer market space, identify brands competitive landscape, possess an in-depth understanding of customer needs/trends in the relevant markets and present the findings to customers for their feedback in order to identify how concepts could be adopted for potential future business opportunities whilst also overseeing and nurturing Senior/ Designers .
- Oversee and Review concept garments and costs, analyse CM of garments and work with cross functional teams to improve costs where needed, ensuring aesthetics/design intent of the product are maintained to achieve first time right garments that are also commercially viable/cost competitive to the customer, monitor/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.
- Work in collaboration with HR to recruit the right talent, coach, groom and develop 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.
- Independently work on multiple projects whilst offering support, technical guidance and sharing of best practices among others enhancing knowhow and efficiency within the design team.
- Embed Lean/Innovation/Automation thinking in order to ensure the Design team embraces a culture of lean thinking, behaviour in line with MOS guidelines by working closely with the teams to establish best practices that can enhance Design team/product performance and efficiencies.
- As and when required, attend tradeshows/roadshows and store sourcing to acquire new trends, colours, consumer awareness etc. or to conduct competitor analysis.
- Oversee and provide guidance pertaining to the collation of information from sourcing/ research trips into trend book for future referral such that timely and accurate information is maintained at all times.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Bachelor of design & Arts or related field preferred.
- 7+ years of experience with 5+ years managing teams 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.
- Design, Pattern, Technical Knowledge.
- Good Communication & Presentation Skills.
- A Creative Mind & Market Awareness and Consumer Trend Savvy.
Closing Date: 2024/02/16