Head of Design (REF 1252)

• Up to £55,000 DOE
• Surrey

We are looking for a dynamic Head of Design with creativity at their core to join a successful consumer products business to lead their talented in-house design team.

This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives on innovation, brings a sharp commercial eye, and who can translate creative ideas into market-leading products that resonate with consumers. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping design direction for the business, developing the brand, and driving forward a culture of excellence, creativity, and collaboration within the team.

If you have experience working with leading retailers, and are passionate about leading and inspiring a creative team turning big ideas into consumer success stories, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities will include:

• Take design briefs from leading key account retailers, ensuring clarity and feasibility
• Keep abreast of trends and innovation within the industry, conducting regular competitor analysis, and ensuring inspiring, market-leading designs are developed
• Plan and allocate time and resources effectively within the design team, overseeing the workflow of multiple design projects to ensure deadlines are met
• Ensure all designs align with retailers’ brand guidelines, working closely with internal teams to secure approval and sign-off
• Anticipate potential project challenges and proactively find solutions to maintain seamless execution
• Oversee and manage feedback, ensuring any amendments are implemented efficiently
• Manage and inspire the design team, supporting through any challenges, and fostering a solutions-driven approach
• Work with the QA team to ensure all artwork adheres to relevant compliance and regulatory standards
• Maintain collaborative project management systems to ensure the team is aware of progress on each project
• Understand and anticipate the requirements of workflows across the business to ensure the Design team are resourced adequately
• Ensure accuracy within both sampling and production artwork, maintaining up-to-date files and guidelines
• Conduct regular one-to-one reviews; coaching, developing, and motivating the design team to drive performance and creativity
• Manage external freelancers when additional support is required

Skills & requirements:

• Strong experience within the world of product, graphic & packaging design, ideally across gifting, beauty, homewares or similar
• Highly creative and commercial with a keen eye for trend
• Experience managing a design team within a creative environment, and taking and interpreting briefs from retail clients
• Strong project management skills, with excellent organisational and time management abilities
• A proactive problem-solver who anticipates challenges and delivers solutions
• Thrives in a fast-paced role and environment
• Proficient in Adobe Suite
• An inspirational and motivating mentor and manager with outstanding communication skills