About this role
The Design Lead 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 MW ASOS Design 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 Design Lead will contribute to MW ASOS Design success and growth by managing & developing a highly creative design team.
What you'll be doing:
Supporting the Design Director to contribute to the product and design vision for MW ASOS DesignWork collaboratively with colleagues across Menswear product departments including Leads and Heads of category, Buying, Merchandising and Technical management team to create the rangeOverseeing 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 you are responsible for that is aligned to the wider Commercial and MW ASOS strategy, understanding how the range sits within the overall ASOS portfolioWork collaboratively with other functions to deliver the MW ASOS strategyDrive and embed a best-in-class proactive Team, which supports the delivery of MW ASOS Design Brand of the FutureManagement of the MW ASOS Design teamsIdentifying new product opportunities as they emerge in the market and actioning those in the range in a commercial mannerManage the process of creating a balanced range, developing Big deals, key seasonal shapes, trends and items for the MW ASOS Design customerCollaborate across departments and functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearlyWork collaboratively with WW colleagues across Design & Heads of Category management team when required to share processes and trend informationShaping the product direction of multiple departments and strategy with key partnersOperating as a senior manager within the Commercial division, working in close partnership with ASOS Design Leads & Heads of category and the wider Retail team to deliver profitable departments, irrespective of market conditions and shifting trendsAnticipating the needs of the customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend information to deliver commercial product ranges and shape the future of the divisionWorking with leaders in the Global team to understand global planning and trading strategy for departments, identifying new moments and opportunities to support global requirementsBuilding and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams to drive evolution within the strategyShaping and driving lean, agile processes and ways of working for departmentsMaintains and instils in the departments a strong understanding of global competitors' product offer to pivot team activity and manage risks, as requiredAnalysing trading patterns, advising teams and ensuring appropriate action is taken to unforeseen sales reactions.Working with Merchandising & Buying Leads 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 requirementsMaintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the teamLeading and driving business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing changeAgreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with StudiosLeading and building a strong team with a focus on growing future talentProviding clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of workingMotivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback
We'd love to meet, someone who:
Proven MW experience is a requirementShows strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global contextHas a proven track record in Design within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global RetailerDemonstrates the ability to drive the success of multiple departments through strategic and commercial thinkingCan successfully influence and gain buy in from the team and leaders to potentialize opportunitiesEmbraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team while we continue to embark on our AI journeyPresents performance and strategy to the team and management with an engaging and confident styleShows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision makingDemonstrates a commercial and analytical mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider ASOS strategyUses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the businessHas a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global contextBuilds great relationships with internal stakeholders Exec level and other functionsHas an effective and inclusive management style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and developmentShows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making What’s in it for you?
Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
Employee sample sales
Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
25 days paid annual leave + an extra day for your birthday
Discretionary performance related bonus scheme
Private medical care scheme
Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits