Assistant Manager - Design Studio-Export, (Corporate Office)

Lead seasonal womenswear collections from trend research and concept development through sampling and final approval.

Manage the design and development critical path, ensuring samples, approvals and key milestones are completed on time.

Support the Design Head and management in range planning, product strategy and seasonal design direction.

Allocate tasks to designers, monitor progress and provide coaching and creative guidance to junior team members.

Translate seasonal trends, colours, fabrics, prints and silhouettes into commercially viable collections for UK and European markets.

Coordinate closely with merchandising, technical, sourcing, fabric, printing, embroidery, washing and production teams.

Review and approve mood boards, colour boards, CADs, 3D designs, artworks, fabric selections and design specifications.

Conduct sample reviews and fittings with the technical team, ensuring design intent, fit, quality and commercial requirements are achieved.

Communicate with buyers and internal stakeholders regarding design presentations, feedback, amendments and development status.

Monitor product costs and recommend commercially suitable fabrics, trims and techniques without compromising design direction.

Identify critical-path risks, resolve development issues and escalate major concerns to management when required.

Drive the effective use of CLO, Browzwear, Photoshop and Illustrator to improve design accuracy, speed and sample efficiency.

Conduct competitor, retail and market analysis and share relevant insights with the design and management teams.

Encourage innovation in fabrics, silhouettes, washes, printing and embellishment techniques.

Prepare regular collection-development reports, sample-status updates and presentations for management.

Maintain design records, approved standards, seasonal archives and an organised design studio.

Demonstrate strong leadership, accountability, decision-making ability and the capacity to work independently in a fast-paced environment.