THE OPPORTUNITY

The Head of Design plays a critical role in strategically driving the success of multiple departments through effective trend building, strategic planning and range building. Working collaboratively with leaders across Merchandising, Buying, Sourcing, Technical, Global Commerce and Marketing, they are responsible for leading teams to achieve directional & commercially successful outcomes for the departments and wider business.  

You will lead the product strategy for multiple departments, managing a team of Designers and working collaboratively with the wider Retail team to deliver a commercial and trend-led range that is loved by the Topshop and Topman customer, globally. 

You will be collaborative, organised, and strategic with your finger on the pulse of fashion - always looking to push the range for our global markets forward. 

Contribute to design direction and ensure that product design is aligned to the strategic vision & focused on delivering a compelling and commercial offer appropriate for our target customer. 

THE TEAM 

The Design team will be instrumental in making Topshop & Topman the leading destination for fashion-loving 20-something customers across Womenswear and Menswear.  

Within our Topshop & Topman functions, the teams will focus on developing and delivering a range that pushes the boundaries and meets the needs of our customer. Emulating the ASOS way, the Design Team work closely with several business areas including Buying, Merchandising, Marketing and Garment Technology, and have relationships with a wide supplier base ensuring that the product we deliver is the best it can be to offer our customer the most exciting fashion trends and create a point of difference in the global market and to the ASOS brand portfolio â€¯ 

What you’ll be doing…  

• Supporting the Design Director to contribute to the product and design vision for the TS & TM brands  

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Womenswear product departments including Buying, Merchandising and Technical management team to create the range  

• Overseeing range development, ensuring that the product reflects the Brand strategy, the range is without gaps or duplication, and that the season is logically and commercially thought through. 

• Shaping a strategy for the departments that is aligned to the wider Commercial and TS/TM strategy, understanding how the range sits within the overall ASOS portfolio 

• Drive and embed a best-in-class proactive team, which supports the delivery of TS/TM Brand of the Future 

• Management of the TS/TM Design teams 

• Identifying new product opportunities as they emerge in the market 

• Manage the process of creating a balanced range, developing Big deals, key seasonal shapes, trends and items for the TS/TM customer 

• Collaborate across departments and functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearly 

• Anticipating the needs of the 20-something customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend information to deliver commercial product ranges and shape the future of the division 

• Working with leaders in the Global team to understand global planning and trading strategy for departments, identifying new moments and opportunities to support global requirements  

• Shaping and driving lean, agile processes and ways of working for departments   

• Analysing trading patterns, advising teams and ensuring appropriate action is taken to unforeseen sales reactions. 

• Working with Head of Merchandising & Buying to ensure that product reviews are held at the appropriate time for product sign-off. 

• Guiding team on range building, taking into account Options, ALB strategy and global requirements 

• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team 

• Leading and driving business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change   

• Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios  

• Leading and building a strong team with a focus on growing future talent 

• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback   

We’d love to meet, someone who…  

• Shows strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context    

• Has a proven track record in Design within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer  

• Demonstrates the ability to drive the success of multiple departments through strategic and commercial thinking  

• Has a proven track record in Design within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer  

• Demonstrates the ability to drive the success of multiple departments through strategic and commercial thinking  

• Can successfully influence and gain buy in from the team and leaders to potentialize opportunities  

• Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team 

• Presents performance and strategy to the team and management with an engaging and confident style 

• Shows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making 

• Demonstrates a commercial and analytical mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider ASOS strategy  

• Uses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business  

• Has a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context    

• Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders Exec level and other functions 

• Has an effective and inclusive management style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development  

• Has experience of leading high volume, fast-paced, and high quality dependent requirements. 

• Shows a deep understanding of the Topshop & Topman customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making 

What's in it for you? 

• Competitive salary, bonus and pension matching 

• Life insurance, free private medical care, cycle to work scheme + more 

• A bespoke flexible benefits scheme catered to you 

• Best in class Learning & Development schemes and career development programmes 

• 25 days holiday + never work on your birthday again! 

• Free modern onsite gym, plus personal training and wellness rooms 

• A dynamic social environment, from company-wide sports days, charity days, ‘Give A Week Away’ opportunities to visit our charity partners in India & company-wide celebrations to name just a few 

• Huge staff discounts and sample sales