Design Manager - Childrenswear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Childrenswear

Company: Target Australia

Location: Chadstone, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Retail Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and inspire a team of designers and graphic designers to achieve creative excellence and commercial success in Childrenswear.

• Drive the creative direction and seasonal vision for the Babywear category, translating global and local trends into actionable product strategies.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Merchandise, Planning, and Sourcing to deliver cohesive, on-brand, and customer-centric apparel ranges.

• Ensure end-to-end product development lifecycle adherence, from trend forecasting and range building to production and quality assurance, supporting overall business performance.

• Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the design department, fostering innovation and execution excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large, established retail organization (Target Australia) with a significant history. The "Design Manager - Childrenswear" title implies a focus on product strategy, team leadership, and creative execution within the apparel sector, with a specific emphasis on the children's market. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration and in-office presence for key team interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development:

  • Lead, coach, and mentor a team of designers and graphic designers, fostering a high-performing and collaborative creative environment.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development to drive execution excellence.
  • Build a strong creative culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and innovative design thinking.

• Creative Direction & Trend Leadership:

  • Set and communicate the design vision and seasonal direction for the Babywear category, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and market trends.
  • Identify, interpret, and implement global and local fashion trends, translating them into commercially viable product concepts.
  • Guide Senior Designers in developing cohesive trend stories and collections that resonate with the target customer.
  • Present clear, compelling, and data-informed trend direction to key stakeholders across the business.

• Range & Product Development:

  • Partner with Merchandise, Planning, and Sourcing teams to deliver compelling, customer-centric, and commercially successful Childrenswear ranges.
  • Develop coordinated product assortments that align with brand aesthetic, quality standards, and price architecture.
  • Influence and negotiate outcomes with cross-functional partners to balance design innovation, cost-effectiveness, and customer appeal.
  • Ensure consistency in design handwriting, quality, and overall aesthetic across all Childrenswear products.

• Operational Excellence:

  • Drive adherence to critical path timelines and established production processes to ensure timely product delivery.

  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives within design processes and team workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Deliver strong range outcomes that directly support and contribute to the overall business performance and sales targets for the Childrenswear category.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and tactical execution within a retail product development framework. Emphasis on collaboration with Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing is critical for commercial success in a retail environment. The "Operational Excellence" section underscores the importance of process adherence and business impact, typical for leadership roles in fast-paced retail operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• Circa 10+ years of progressive experience in design, with a significant portion focused on Childrenswear or apparel for young demographics.

• Deep expertise in trend forecasting, concept development, and comprehensive range building for retail environments.

• Proven track record in successfully leading, managing, and developing high-performing creative teams.

• Extensive experience in end-to-end product development lifecycle management within the apparel or fashion retail sector. Required Skills:

• Design Management & Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire design teams, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.

• Trend Forecasting & Analysis: Strong capability to identify, interpret, and translate global and local trends into commercially viable product strategies.

• Range Building & Commercial Acumen: Expertise in developing coordinated, customer-centric, and profitable apparel ranges that meet business objectives.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding of the entire design and product development process from concept to production.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for design creation, technical packs, and visual presentations.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Highly developed influencing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage relationships and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

• Retail Operations Understanding: Familiarity with retail critical paths, production timelines, and the dynamics of a fast-paced retail environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software or digital prototyping tools.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials within the apparel industry.

• Familiarity with retail analytics and sales performance data to inform design decisions.

• Experience working within a large, matrixed retail organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "Circa 10+ years" indicates a senior leadership role. The emphasis on both "trend forecasting" and "commercial acumen" signifies the need for a candidate who can balance creative vision with business results. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a standard technical requirement for design roles, and the mention of "stakeholder management" points to the collaborative nature of this position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record in Childrenswear design, demonstrating creative vision and commercial success.

• Evidence of trend interpretation and successful range building, including mood boards, concept development, and final product assortments.

• Examples of leading and developing design teams, highlighting leadership style and team achievements.

• Case studies illustrating the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept to market-ready product.

• Demonstrations of how design decisions were influenced by customer insights, market trends, and business objectives.

• Visual examples of cohesive product lines and brand aesthetic consistency. Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate and document design processes, workflow optimization strategies, and team operational procedures.

• Experience in contributing to or improving critical path timelines and production process documentation.

• A demonstrated understanding of how design integrates with merchandising, planning, and sourcing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond just aesthetic samples and demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the commercial realities of retail product development. The emphasis should be on showcasing how they achieved results, not just what they designed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in a major Australian retail company, a competitive salary range is estimated to be AUD $130,000 - $180,000 per annum, depending on experience and specific qualifications. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the responsibilities involved, and the location in Melbourne, a major metropolitan area. Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working options through Target Australia's "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy.

• Access to a team member discount program applicable across Target, Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.

• A free OnePass membership providing free delivery on eligible products across Target and Kmart.

• Comprehensive benefits program offering exclusive discounts on entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health from over 60 suppliers.

• Opportunity to participate in an annual bonus program for eligible team members.

• Free onsite parking available when working from the office.

• Inclusive parental leave policies and ongoing support through partnership with Circle In.

• Dynamic learning and support programs for professional development.

• Access to a Mentor Program for career advancement as a Mentee or Mentor.

• Participation in the Kudos recognition program for peer-nominated rewards.

• Opportunity for eligible employees to purchase Wesfarmers (parent company) shares via salary sacrifice.

• Potential for career advancement opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement encouraging a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior design leadership roles in Australian retail, factoring in the specified experience level and location. The provided benefits are extensive and align with those offered by large retail groups in Australia, emphasizing work-life balance, employee well-being, and financial benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Apparel & General Merchandise). Target Australia is a long-standing and iconic Australian retail brand, part of the Wesfarmers conglomerate. This industry context implies a focus on mass-market appeal, value-driven pricing, and a high volume of product turnover.

Company Size: Large enterprise, part of the Wesfarmers Group (which includes Kmart, Bunnings, Officeworks, etc.), indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and significant resources.

Founded: Target Australia has a history spanning nearly 100 years, signifying stability, brand recognition, and a deep understanding of the Australian consumer market.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of Design, Trend & Forecasting, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design department.

• The Design Manager will lead a team of designers and graphic designers, suggesting a functional team structure focused on specific product categories (Childrenswear).

• Close collaboration is expected with cross-functional departments such as Merchandise, Planning, and Sourcing, highlighting a matrixed operational structure common in retail. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative leadership is paramount, decisions are expected to be informed by market trends, customer insights, and commercial performance data.

• Collaborative Workflow: The emphasis on cross-functional partnerships suggests a workflow that relies on integrated planning and communication to ensure product viability and timely delivery.

• Process Optimization: A focus on continuous improvement indicates an ongoing effort to refine design and development processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Company Website: https://www.target.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Target Australia's position as a major, long-standing retailer is key. The culture is likely to be customer-centric, with a strong emphasis on delivering value and quality at scale. The collaborative approach with other departments is critical for success in this type of retail environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Management position, requiring significant experience in leading teams and driving creative strategy within the retail apparel sector. It represents a key leadership role responsible for a specific product category's design direction and commercial success.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Head of Design, Trend & Forecasting, placing it within a broader design leadership structure. The manager will oversee a team of designers, indicating direct people management responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the commercial success of the Childrenswear ranges. This includes driving sales, achieving margin targets, and ensuring brand consistency through compelling product offerings. Their decisions influence product assortment, quality, and customer perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Head of Design, or move into broader Head of Department roles within design or merchandising.

• Specialization & Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in childrenswear or expand responsibilities to encompass other apparel categories.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles within Merchandising, Buying, or Product Development within the Wesfarmers Group.

• Mentorship & Development: Access to formal mentorship programs and continuous learning opportunities to enhance leadership and design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career progression within a large retail organization. The emphasis on "operations impact" links design output directly to business performance, a critical aspect for senior roles. Growth opportunities are framed within both design leadership and broader retail management trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Chadstone, VIC, Australia, likely within a corporate office environment that supports Target Australia's retail operations. The "hybrid working" arrangement suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration, with provisions for remote work.

Office Location(s): Chadstone, Victoria, Australia. This is a well-established commercial hub, likely offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional work indicate a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and team alignment.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other digital tools for trend research, design development, and communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with design teams, merchandise planners, buyers, and sourcing partners regularly, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, but the "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy offers flexibility in terms of work location and timing, allowing for better work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, suggesting an emphasis on work-life balance and modern work practices. The context of a large retail organization implies a structured yet dynamic office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your leadership experience, design philosophy, trend forecasting capabilities, and approach to team management. Expect questions about past successes and challenges in leading design teams.

• Portfolio Presentation: A formal presentation of your design portfolio, showcasing specific Childrenswear projects, range development examples, and your leadership impact. Be prepared to discuss your creative process, commercial rationale, and how you translated trends into successful products.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key partners from Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of the end-to-end retail process.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design or a Director) to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your Childrenswear design expertise, leadership achievements, and understanding of the retail landscape. Highlight commercial success and impact.

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill (e.g., Trend Interpretation, Range Building, Team Leadership). For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the process, the challenges, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, margin improvements, customer feedback).

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored, developed, or led design teams. Discuss your approach to fostering a creative and productive team culture.

• Demonstrate Commerciality: Emphasize your ability to balance creative vision with commercial viability, cost constraints, and brand alignment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or design challenges that may require you to analyze a trend, propose a mini-collection, or outline a strategy for a specific product category within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and how you would collaborate with other departments to bring a product to market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not only design skills but also leadership, collaboration, and commercial acumen. A strong, well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical, and candidates should be ready to discuss quantifiable results and their approach to team management and cross-functional collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for technical drawings, pattern creation) and Adobe Photoshop (for mood boards, graphic design, mock-ups).

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Familiarity with resources like WGSN, Fashion Snoops, or similar trend forecasting services for market research and inspiration.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software:

• Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Centric PLM, Tukatech, Lectra) is often beneficial for managing product data, technical specifications, and workflow tracking in apparel design and development. Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Microsoft Teams/Slack: For day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel (for data analysis, range planning), and PowerPoint (for presentations).

• Digital Whiteboarding Tools: Such as Miro or Mural, which can be valuable for remote brainstorming and collaborative design sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how to interpret sales data, customer feedback, and market performance reports (often generated through internal retail analytics systems) is crucial for informing design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design software is non-negotiable. Familiarity with trend forecasting resources and potentially PLM systems demonstrates a deeper understanding of the apparel industry's operational aspects. The ability to leverage collaboration tools is key for a hybrid work environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value in retail, ensuring all design decisions prioritize customer needs, preferences, and value for money.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouragement of cross-functional partnerships and open communication to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for designs, team performance, and contributing to overall business objectives.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new trends, refine processes, and elevate design standards.

• Integrity & Respect: Fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing to ensure design vision aligns with commercial realities and production capabilities.

• Data-Informed: Balancing creative intuition with data analysis to make informed decisions about trends, product assortment, and commercial viability.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive feedback from team members and cross-functional partners to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a balance between creative expression and commercial execution, a hallmark of successful retail design departments. Collaboration is key, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to navigate relationships across different business functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: The primary challenge is to deliver innovative and on-trend designs that also meet strict cost targets, production timelines, and mass-market appeal.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively aligning the design vision with the varied expectations of merchandising, marketing, sourcing, and senior leadership.

• Leading a Hybrid Team: Maintaining team cohesion, fostering creativity, and ensuring consistent output and communication in a hybrid work environment.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and interpreting evolving fashion trends, consumer behavior, and market shifts in the fast-paced childrenswear sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Trend Forecasting: Deepening expertise in identifying emerging trends and their commercial application.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to formal training and mentorship to enhance management and strategic leadership skills.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Opportunities to learn about and implement sustainable materials and manufacturing processes within the apparel supply chain.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen through exposure to merchandising, planning, and sourcing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior design leader in retail, requiring a blend of creative, strategic, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are framed to address these challenges and support career progression within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for setting the seasonal design direction for a specific product category like Childrenswear. How do you balance global trends with local market relevance and brand identity?"

• "How have you successfully led and developed a design team, particularly in a hybrid work environment? Provide an example of how you fostered collaboration and accountability."

• "Walk us through a successful Childrenswear range you developed. What was the commercial rationale, what challenges did you face, and what were the key outcomes?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing teams to ensure a product is both creatively compelling and commercially viable?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions on design direction. What was your strategy, and what was the result?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Target Australia's brand and its position in the Australian retail market?"

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting into a large, established retail organization like Target?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of brand consistency in design, especially for a well-known brand like Target?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business objective, your specific contribution, the design process, and the quantifiable results (e.g., sales, margin, customer feedback).

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you managed your team, mentored designers, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Showcase Commercial Acumen: Highlight your understanding of cost implications, production timelines, and how your designs contributed to the overall business strategy.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals and a clear narrative to guide the interviewers through your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the retail design lifecycle, leadership capabilities, and commercial acumen. Candidates must be ready to articulate their process, provide concrete examples, and showcase how their work directly impacts business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Target Australia careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in Childrenswear design, trend forecasting, range building, and team leadership. Emphasize quantifiable achievements and commercial impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific responsibilities in design management, and proficiency with relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership approach, and how you manage cross-functional relationships. Prepare a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio, focusing on commercial success and team development.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Target Australia's brand, its current offerings in Childrenswear, and its market position. Understand their commitment to quality, value, and customer experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.