Head of Product and Design
Role summary
We are seeking an experienced Head of Product and Design with deep expertise in tailored menswear to lead the end-to-end design process for a growing, entrepreneurial luxury menswear brand. This role requires 7-10 years of hands-on design experience in luxury retail, a strong understanding of tailoring, and the ability to translate brand vision into commercially successful products. Responsibilities include concept creation, fabric selection, garment construction, overseeing technical packages, managing licensing partners, and collaborating with merchandising, buyers, vendors, production, sourcing, marketing, and sales teams. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with PLM systems are expected. The ideal candidate will have strong industry relationships and excellent communication skills.
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Head of Product and Design with deep expertise in tailored menswear to join our growing, entrepreneurial menswear brand. The ideal candidate brings 7–10 years of hands-on design experience within the luxury retail environment, a sharp eye for modern tailoring, and the ability to translate brand vision into elevated, commercially successful product.
This role requires strong industry relationships, cross-functional collaboration, and an understanding of how to bring world-class product to market through thoughtful design, development, and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Product Development
- Lead the end-to-end design process for tailored menswear, including concept creation, sketching, fabric selection, garment construction, fittings, and final approvals.
- Develop seasonal collections that uphold the brand’s luxury aesthetic and meet business objectives.
- Maintain an expert understanding of tailoring techniques, fit standards, and modern menswear trends.
- Oversee technical packages, garment specifications, and collaboration with patternmakers and sample rooms.
- Partner closely with merchandising to ensure product balance, pricing alignment, and category planning.
Licensing Management
- Serve as primary design liaison for licensing partners across relevant product categories.
- Ensure licensed product adheres to brand design standards, quality expectations, and timelines.
- Review and approve design submissions, prototypes, and production samples from licensees.
- Maintain strong, ongoing communication with licensing teams to support brand cohesion and growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build and sustain strong working relationships with
merchandisers, buyers, and vendors
to support seasonal design presentation, product development, and production needs.
- Work with production and sourcing teams to ensure material availability, cost targets, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Partner with marketing and sales teams to support collection storytelling, look books, retail training, and special projects.
Vendor & Supplier Management
- Collaborate with mills, factories, and trim suppliers to source premium materials and stay informed on innovation in fabric and construction.
- Conduct regular vendor visits, factory walkthroughs, and production reviews to maintain quality and consistency.
- Negotiate sample timelines and manage communication between design and manufacturing partners.
Qualifications
- 7–10 years of tailored menswear design experience within a luxury or premium retail environment (required).
- Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in tailoring, fabric selection, garment construction, and product innovation.
- Deep understanding of the luxury menswear customer and market.
- Experience working with licensing partners and managing design approvals.
- Strong relationships or experience interfacing with merchandisers, buyers, and vendors.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop, and familiar with PLM systems.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.