Design Manager - Childrenswear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Childrenswear

Company: Target Careers

Location: Chadstone, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-28T16:00:00

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of designers and graphic designers within the Childrenswear category.

• Set and drive the creative vision, seasonal direction, and trend implementation for Babywear and broader Childrenswear ranges.

• Collaborate closely with Merchandise, Planning, and Sourcing teams to deliver commercially successful, customer-centric apparel ranges.

• Ensure end-to-end understanding and adherence to the design and product development lifecycle, including critical path timelines and production processes.

• Champion continuous improvement in design processes, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in Design Management, its focus on product development, cross-functional collaboration with merchandising and sourcing, and driving commercial success at scale aligns with the strategic operational objectives common in Revenue Operations and GTM functions. The emphasis on process adherence, continuous improvement, and delivering tangible business outcomes positions it as a role where operational rigor is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of designers and graphic designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance creative culture.

• Define and communicate the seasonal design vision and strategy for the Childrenswear category, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.

• Conduct thorough trend forecasting, identifying global and local trends to inform product development and drive commercial success.

• Partner with Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing to develop cohesive, commercially viable, and customer-focused apparel ranges that meet sales targets.

• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

• Influence and negotiate with stakeholders to achieve optimal balance between design aesthetics, cost, and customer appeal.

• Maintain consistency in brand handwriting, quality, and aesthetic across all Childrenswear products.

• Drive adherence to critical path timelines and production processes, championing continuous improvement in design workflows.

• Present clear and compelling trend direction and range strategies to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Ensure the delivery of strong range outcomes that directly support overall business performance and revenue objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational component, particularly in "Range & Product Development" and "Operational Excellence." The need to "deliver compelling, customer-centric ranges," "influence and negotiate outcomes," and "drive adherence to critical path timelines" points to a need for structured project management and process optimization skills, which are core to operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant tertiary qualification in Fashion Design or a related discipline.

Experience: Circa 10+ years of experience in Design, with deep expertise in trend forecasting and range building within the apparel sector.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in leading, coaching, and developing high-performing design teams.

• Strong commercial acumen and a passion for delivering results in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Extensive experience in creating coordinated, commercially successful apparel ranges.

• End-to-end understanding of the design and product development lifecycle.

• Advanced trend forecasting capability with the ability to translate insights into actionable product strategies.

• Highly developed influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator & Photoshop).

• Deep knowledge of Childrenswear and Babywear market trends, aesthetics, and customer needs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in retail operations or a related function that emphasizes process efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

• Familiarity with retail planning, merchandising, and sourcing processes.

• Experience in setting and managing design budgets and resource allocation.

• Strong understanding of sustainable design practices and ethical sourcing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "commercial acumen," "delivering results," "end-to-end understanding of the product development lifecycle," and "stakeholder management" directly translates to skills valued in operations roles. The requirement for "10+ years of experience" suggests a senior-level role where strategic oversight and process refinement are expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of design teams and their output.

• Include examples of commercially successful apparel ranges developed under your leadership, highlighting market impact and sales performance.

• Present case studies of how you've translated trend insights into tangible, market-ready product lines.

• Demonstrate experience in managing the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from concept to production, with clear process flows.

• Illustrate collaboration with merchandising, planning, and sourcing teams, showing integrated workflows. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented and optimized design processes and workflows.

• Evidence of implementing and adhering to critical path timelines and production schedules.

• Case studies demonstrating continuous improvement initiatives within design operations.

• Show how you have ensured consistency in brand aesthetic and quality through defined processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with strong operational ties, a portfolio demonstrating process management, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable commercial outcomes is crucial. The ability to articulate a structured approach to design operations, including workflow optimization and timeline management, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 10+ years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This range accounts for the senior leadership responsibilities, the specific industry (retail apparel), and the cost of living in Melbourne.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working options through their Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.

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

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

• Extensive benefits program with exclusive discounts from over 60 suppliers in entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health.

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

• Free onsite parking when required to be in the office.

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

• Dynamic learning and support programs.

• Opportunity to fast-track career development through the Mentor Program (as Mentee or Mentor).

• Kudos recognition program for peer-nominated rewards.

• Opportunity for eligible employees to purchase Wesfarmers shares through a salary sacrifice arrangement.

• Potential for career advancement across the broader Wesfarmers Group.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (estimated 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered through the hybrid work policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from Australian job boards and salary aggregators for senior design management roles in the retail sector in Melbourne. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided text and highlighted for their value to professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Apparel & Home Goods)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Target is part of Wesfarmers, a major Australian conglomerate)

Founded: Target Australia was established in 1926, making it a brand with nearly 100 years of history.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to the Head of Design, Trend & Forecasting.

• The role involves leading a team of designers and graphic designers within the Childrenswear department.

• Close collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams including Merchandise, Planning, and Sourcing departments.

• The broader Wesfarmers Group context suggests a matrixed organizational structure with opportunities for inter-company collaboration. Methodology:

• Data-driven trend forecasting and market analysis to inform design decisions.

• Collaborative approach to product development, integrating input from various business units.

• Emphasis on operational efficiency, process adherence, and continuous improvement.

• Customer-centric design philosophy, focused on delivering value and quality.

• A culture that encourages creativity, accountability, and innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Target's position as an iconic Australian retailer within the Wesfarmers group is crucial. Its long history implies a stable yet evolving business. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decisions highlights an operational mindset within the creative functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, specifically a Design Manager, focusing on leadership, strategic direction, and team development within the Childrenswear product category. It requires significant experience and a proven ability to influence business outcomes through design excellence and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Design, Trend & Forecasting. Manages a team of designers and graphic designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping product offerings that directly drive sales and customer loyalty within the Childrenswear segment. Their strategic direction impacts inventory, sourcing decisions, and ultimately, the company's revenue performance and market position. By ensuring efficient design processes and commercially successful ranges, they contribute significantly to operational efficiency and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Head of Design or similar senior leadership roles within the broader Wesfarmers Group.

• Opportunity to specialize further in trend forecasting, product strategy, or specific apparel categories.

• Development of leadership and people management skills through leading larger teams or divisional responsibilities.

• Potential to transition into related operational roles within merchandising, planning, or sourcing, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Participation in the Mentor Program as a mentor to guide junior talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities emphasize the transferable skills from design management to broader operational leadership, particularly in areas like strategy, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Chadstone, VIC, Australia, with a "Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well" policy, indicating a hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Chadstone, VIC, Australia. The mention of "free onsite parking" indicates a physical office location that is accessible by car.

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid model that allows for focused work at home and collaborative sessions in the office.

• Access to design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with design teams, merchandising, planning, and sourcing departments.

• An environment that values creativity, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) with hybrid flexibility, allowing for structured workdays that accommodate both individual focus and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect, requiring individuals to manage their time effectively across different work settings, a skill increasingly important in operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience in design leadership, trend forecasting, and commercial range building.

• First Interview: Likely with the Head of Design or a senior HR representative to discuss leadership style, team management philosophy, and strategic vision for Childrenswear. Expect questions on past successes and challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, trend interpretation, and commercial outcomes. This is a critical step to demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators from Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing to assess teamwork, communication, and ability to influence cross-functionally.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior executive to discuss overall fit with company culture, long-term vision, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly demonstrate your experience leading and developing design teams. Highlight team successes and your role in achieving them.

• Highlight Commercial Impact: For each project, quantify results where possible (e.g., sales performance, market share, customer feedback). Emphasize how your designs contributed to business objectives.

• Illustrate Process: Walk through your design process, from trend research and concept development to product execution and collaboration with other departments. Show your understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Focus on Childrenswear: Ensure your portfolio includes relevant examples within the childrenswear or similar apparel categories, demonstrating an understanding of the target customer.

• Adobe Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Illustrator and Photoshop in your design workflow and how these tools aid in your creative output.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach setting the design direction for an upcoming season, considering current trends and Target's brand positioning.

• Anticipate questions on how you would handle conflict or differing opinions with merchandising or sourcing teams regarding product design or cost.

• Consider a scenario where a key trend is not performing as expected and how you would pivot the design strategy.

• Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how you foster a positive and productive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and cross-functional collaboration in interviews is highly relevant to operations roles, which often require presenting data, processes, and strategic recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop is a mandatory requirement for creating designs, technical flats, and visual presentations.

• Design Management Software: While not explicitly mentioned, likely use of project management or asset management tools for organizing design assets, tracking progress, and collaborating with teams.

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Likely access to subscription services or internal tools for market and trend analysis (e.g., WGSN, StyleSage, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Data & Performance Metrics: Ability to interpret sales data, margin reports, and customer feedback to inform design decisions and measure range success.

• Merchandising & Planning Tools: Familiarity with systems used for range planning, inventory management, and sales forecasting.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Collaboration Tools: Use of platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal company portals for communication and project coordination.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Potential use of PLM software for managing product data, specifications, and development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite is key. The broader operational context implies familiarity with data analysis tools and systems used in retail planning and product lifecycle management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Designing products that resonate with customers and meet their needs for quality and value.

• Commercial Acumen: Balancing creative vision with business objectives, ensuring profitability and market success.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams (merchandising, planning, sourcing) to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes and team performance.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance design processes, team efficiency, and product quality.

• Innovation: Driving creativity and exploring new trends to keep product offerings fresh and relevant.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Strong emphasis on close working relationships with Merchandising, Planning, and Sourcing teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and direct communication to align on strategies, provide feedback, and resolve issues.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing market insights, trend analysis, and sales data to guide creative and commercial decisions.

• Team Empowerment: Fostering an environment where designers feel empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values highlight a blend of creative passion and operational discipline, essential for a role that bridges creative output with commercial reality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: Ensuring innovative designs are also commercially successful and profitable in a competitive retail market.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the design vision with the diverse requirements and perspectives of merchandising, planning, sourcing, and marketing teams.

• Driving Continuous Improvement: Implementing changes to established design processes and workflows that may face resistance.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Consistently identifying and interpreting emerging trends relevant to the childrenswear market and translating them into actionable product strategies.

• Leading and Motivating a Team: Inspiring a creative team in a fast-paced environment, managing performance, and fostering professional development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to programs focused on strategic leadership, change management, and high-performance team development.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Opportunities to attend global trade shows, conferences, and workshops focused on fashion, design, and retail trends.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into merchandising, planning, and sourcing operations through collaborative projects and potential rotations.

• Mentorship: Participating in the company's Mentor Program to receive guidance from senior leaders or to mentor emerging talent.

• Sustainability in Design: Opportunities to learn and implement sustainable design practices within the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed in a way that highlights opportunities for skill development and strategic problem-solving, aligning with the growth mindset expected in operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach setting the design strategy for the Childrenswear category for the next 18-24 months, considering current global trends and Target's brand positioning?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, trend analysis, and commercial alignment.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence a cross-functional team (e.g., Merchandising or Sourcing) to adopt your design vision. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Assess stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.)

• "How do you ensure that creative output remains innovative while meeting strict commercial targets and production timelines in a retail environment?" (Focus on balancing creativity with operational constraints and process efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Target's brand and its position in the Australian retail market? How do you see your role contributing to its legacy and future?" (Demonstrate research and cultural fit.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative and high-performing creative team. What are your strategies for motivating designers?" (Assess people leadership and team-building capabilities.)

• "How do you measure the success of a design range beyond aesthetic appeal? What key metrics do you focus on?" (Highlight commercial awareness and data-driven approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, clearly articulate the problem/opportunity, your approach (trend research, concept development), your role and team's contribution, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (commercial success, customer impact).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to support your claims. Mention sales figures, margin contributions, customer feedback, or efficiency improvements related to your designs.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase instances where you worked effectively with merchandising, planning, and sourcing. Explain how your input integrated with theirs to deliver the final product.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Clearly articulate your design process, including how you utilize Adobe Creative Suite, conduct trend forecasting, and manage the product development lifecycle.

• Tailor to Target: Emphasize your understanding of Target's brand, customer base, and the specific needs of the Childrenswear category.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and tips are designed to help candidates prepare for an interview that assesses not only design expertise but also strategic thinking, operational execution, and leadership capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the official Target Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your leadership, trend forecasting, commercial range development, and cross-functional collaboration skills, specifically within apparel. Ensure it highlights your experience with Childrenswear.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, years in design, trend forecasting expertise, commercial acumen, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a clear narrative, focusing on quantifiable results and demonstrating your understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle and retail operations.

• Research Target: Familiarize yourself with Target's brand, its current product offerings (especially in childrenswear), its market position, and its company values to articulate your fit and strategic vision.

⚠️ 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.

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