Design Manager

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Design, the purpose of this role is to establish, lead and manage Design for the Jewellery division. This role is responsible for developing and setting the product strategy and driving the strategic deliverables within the Jewellery Pod in line with the business growth plans.

Key Responsibilities
- Research and identify key seasonal trends and present key shifts to key stakeholders to strategically influence category growth or declines that impact option planning, VM and styling.
- Manage ranging and pricing architecture for key areas of high end, trend and essentials product
- Influence and manage option plans in conjunction with merch team to ensure growth categories are covered in line with financial goals and trend direction
- Drive initial collection concept development in collaboration with HOD, & Design Team, including colour, trend, silhouette & raw material research.
- Present key seasonal materials to key stakeholders - in particular to the Head of Quality / production and technical, to identify any potential testing required upfront and to discuss any margin concerns
- Working collaboratively with the HOD and Trend Forecaster to identify opportunities, deliver continual product evolution, leading cohesion across the product range and maintain overall brand dna.
- Collaboratively working with production team to manage engagement of suppliers including appropriately setting capacity plans in line with supply base skill set and financial impacts
- Critical Path Management & Ownership. - Develop and drive multiple critical paths for jewel pod to deliver strong sales results, react to trade and react and test micro trends
- Create and lead the identification and implementation of product and processes to influence positive social, ethical and environmental change to differentiate our business as a leader in sustainability
- Lead product development and improvement of supply base capabilities by utilising new sourcing opportunities analysis to deliver optimal margin growth
- Create and drive education of product and trend knowledge to stores including comprehensive workplace content planning, retail training guide content and conference presentations
- Build and collaborate with the Marketing team key styling and trend items for marketing campaigns and Social Media
- Effectively Manage and mentor the Design team members in all aspects of the design process
- Diploma or degree qualification in Fashion Design & Production
- Extensive experience in a similar role
- Proven understanding of off shore manufacturing
- Retail business acumen
- Advanced skills in Adobe Suite Products - Specifically, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop Microsoft Suite Products - Specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Lectra Fashion PLM - Product Development Tool
- Knowledge and exposure to global têxtile sourcing and materials
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Leadership and management skills
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
- Staff training and development skills and level headed in pressured situations
- Ability to work in a potentially rapidly changing environment and the ability to prioritise workloads, plan work programs and meet deadlines
- Ability to liaise effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
- Work collaboratively and constructively across functionally

Why work for us?
- A competitive remuneration package, including an annual bonus incentive
- Generous employee discounts across David Jones, Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Witchery & POLITIX brands
- Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- A supportive, highly flexible and engaging environment that will support personal and professional development
- Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
- Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices
- Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

About Us

Founded in 1996, MIMCO has been the home for accessories inspiration for over 25 years. Known for creativity, loved for iconic style - MIMCO creates enduring design pieces that make any look unforgettable.