Design Room Manager
- Lead and manage the Design and Development Critical Path for Ready-to-Wear collections.
- Oversee sourcing, fabric development, and sample management processes.
- Inspire and develop a high-performing global design team.
This is a senior leadership role with end-to-end accountability for the Design and Development Critical Path across all Ready-to-Wear seasons.
You will oversee the on-time execution of all collections from initial sampling through to handover to production, across both local and international teams, including any capsule insertions throughout the year.
You will ensure RTW seasonal collections are developed in alignment with the Creative Director's vision across Runway, Collection, and Range product categories, and in accordance with Retail Buying and Merchandising plans. A genuine passion for beautiful fabrics, innovative techniques, and exceptional quality is essential, as is the ability to lead and inspire a cohesive, high-performing global team.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing
- Direct the Product Development team in sourcing fabrics and trims, drawing on design direction and their own proactive research
- Continuously build and diversify supplier relationships domestically and internationally, attending trade shows and maintaining active communication with key partners — with a focus on sustainability and supply chain diversification
- Own the on-time delivery process in line with critical path milestones
- Debrief the team following sourcing trips to build capability across the department
Print & Fabric Development
- Lead fabric and trim development, identifying the right supplier for each brief based on cost, quality, and lead time
- Oversee the digitisation and colouration of print artwork in collaboration with the Textile, Print and Surface Design Manager, ensuring key dates and priorities are clearly communicated
Garment Samples
- Coordinate style allocation to pattern makers and garment technicians in conjunction with the Pattern Room Manager
- Oversee the Sample Manager in managing the end-to-end sample workflow cutting, machining, hand finishing, and alterations
- Manage salesman sample orders, colourways, and sample quantities across all collections via PLM, tracking expenditure against budget
- Conduct final BOM and margin reviews in PLM alongside the sample, buying, and merchandising teams
- Provide regular updates on sample status across all categories to the Creative Director and Senior Design Team
- Oversee the handover of approved salesman samples to Marketing and Production
Management
- Lead and manage the full design room team for the RTW division
- Support the integration of Denim, Knitwear, Leather, Tailoring, and Outerwear categories into the broader RTW processes and timelines, ensuring creative and scheduling alignment across all categories
- Uphold and continuously improve handover processes to production
- Lead recruitment across all levels of the design room team
- Manage general design room operations including equipment ordering, weekend rosters, and leave administration
- Prepare the seasonal sample budget and report on results against budget with the Senior Design Operations Director
Skills & Experience
- Experience in a comparable design room leadership role
- Inspirational leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and develop a large, diverse team
- The ability to balance creative vision with strong technical execution
- Deep knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, and pattern making
- Experience working with print development, embroidery, and surface embellishment is advantageous
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Advanced skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Proficiency in PLM or a comparable product development system
On Offer
- Up to $160,000 + super
- Work directly with an incredible founding designer
- Join one of the most successful fashion houses globally
- Generous product allowance and discount
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