Head of Design

You will be responsible for leading the product aesthetic and handwriting from concept through the product development process to final execution. You will deliver a consistent and compelling 'look and feel' for the brand at all times. The role requires you to support delivery of the White Stuff customer growth plan through the development and execution of the clear product strategy What you'll be doing: Key areas of responsibility:

• To be product brand guardian for the business
• To be aware of relevant macro trends and creative external influences and interpret these in the most innovative way in line with the brand handwriting
• To be fully accountable of the design function of the business, landing fabulous product which is commercially aligned and fully reflective of the brand
• To lead and develop your design team looking after the people you manage and enriching the wider product teams with your creative vision
Further Responsibilities:
• Lead a team of product and print designers inspiring them with a clear vision, ensuring they are motivated, collaborative and performing brilliantly
• Create an inspirational, innovative and fun working environment for your design team removing any barriers & busting myths
• Be a strong creative voice and driver of creative culture both within and outside the business
• Identify key profit drivers at the start of the season and engage design team to ensure delivery whilst offering newness, innovation and creative thinking
• Remain globally aware of relevant macro trends through trade shows/fairs, inspirational shopping trips and factory visits
• Live, eat and breathe our customer to ensure we put their requirements at the centre of our product offer
• Work collaboratively, creatively and strategically with the Heads of Buying, Merch and Brand Marketing
• Work closely with the Brand Marketing team to share a clear vision of outfitting, styling and photography and agree powerful creative themes for the seasonal marketing activity
• Ensure that the product end to end process works in line with the critical path of an omni channel business
• Lead and deliver a creatively ambitious product vision and strategy working closely with buying to ensure the correct range balance is achieved across all product categories
• Awareness of sourcing strategy and capabilities of the supplier base
• Deputise in absence of Buying & Design Director
• Responsible for the design budget which will be agreed in conjunction with the Buying & Design Director
Measures of Success:
• Brand KPI - brand momentum - awareness, consideration, 'brand for me'
• Commercial KPI's - sales, profit
• Customer Satisfaction KPI- Net Promoter Score for style, quality
• People KPI - Internal team feedback
  
  A highly ambitious, inspirational and innovative creative leader who is full of ideas. Driven, curious, enthusiastic and determined
• Strong team player with natural collaborative leadership style
• Naturally innovative and always curious, able to see the bigger picture and drive transformation
• Intuitively relates to White Stuff brand values, including its aesthetics and tone of voice, with the ability to know how to engage the brands target customer, Strong creative eye and exquisite 'taste' level
• Proven experience of working in creative fast paced medium sized organisations where everyone is hands on and the focus is getting the job done to a consistently high standard
• Experienced in leading teams and creating a strong creative culture, fostering and developing innovative thinking in others
  
  White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women's and men's clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive.
Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We're sociable, talented and like minded and we're not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.

As a Head of Design at White Stuff you will be entitled to an array of great benefits, some of which include:
• Hybrid working
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Up to 33 days holiday per annum
• 2 extra (paid!) days off per year to volunteer in the local community
• 50% discount
• Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance
• Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Pension Contribution