Manager - Design (Apparel and Fashion Industry)

Experience required: 8-12 years

Location:
 
Gurugram (Haryana)

Role Overview:

The Manager – Design will lead the design function by setting creative direction, driving innovation, and ensuring collections are commercially viable and aligned with brand strategy. This role demands strong trend awareness, leadership ability, and business acumen to translate market insights into successful product ranges. The Manager will mentor the design team, collaborate cross-functionally, and work closely with vendors and senior leadership to deliver high-quality collections that achieve business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Strategy & Direction:
  Define the overall creative and design strategy for the brand, balancing trend relevance with commercial success. Translate market insights and brand vision into cohesive seasonal collections.
• Innovation & Trend Leadership:
  Lead research on global trends, fabrics, sustainability practices, and consumer behavior to drive innovation in product design and ensure the brand stays ahead in the fashion landscape.
• End-to-End Product Ownership:
  Oversee the complete lifecycle of collections—from ideation, sketching, and sampling to final production—ensuring timelines, cost efficiencies, and product excellence.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building:
  Manage, mentor, and scale the design team by fostering creativity, accountability, and professional growth. Set performance goals and build a strong talent pipeline.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  Partner closely with other internal teams to align design objectives with business goals, customer needs, and go-to-market strategies.
• Vendor & Partner Management:
  Build and strengthen relationships with fabric suppliers, mills, and manufacturers to drive innovation, efficiency, and quality in sourcing and execution.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  Use sales analysis, customer feedback, and competitor benchmarking to refine design strategies and ensure higher sell-through and profitability.
• Process Improvement & Scalability:
  Establish and streamline design workflows, sampling processes, and approval mechanisms to improve efficiency and scalability across multiple categories.
• Business & Target Orientation:
  Ensure collections achieve margin, volume, and revenue targets without compromising creativity or brand identity.
• Reporting & Alignment with Leadership:
  Work closely with senior management to present design strategies, seasonal roadmaps, and collection reviews, ensuring alignment with the company's overall growth plans.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong creative vision with a commercial mindset.
• In-depth knowledge of apparel design, fabrics, trims, and fashion cycles.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Analytical ability to interpret sales data and customer insights for design decisions.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across functions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in design software (Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD tools) and MS Office.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field, preferably from a reputed institute.
• 8–12 years of relevant experience in apparel/fashion design.
• Proven track record of leading design teams and delivering commercially successful collections.