Head of Design Apparel RCC APAC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design Apparel RCC APAC

Company: PUMA

Location: Shanghai, China

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Operations / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-08

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design direction and execution for Special Make Up (SMU) apparel products within the RCC APAC region, emphasizing compelling storytelling and commercially viable iterations.

• Drive market intelligence initiatives to inform design strategies with current trends, consumer insights, and competitive developments specific to the APAC sportswear and lifestyle market.

• Collaborate closely with Product Line Managers (PLMs) and Development teams to conceptualize and deliver unique, relevant apparel collections and standalone color & material concepts that align with seasonal creative direction and resonate with the APAC consumer.

• Act as a key design spokesperson, representing the brand's vision and product strategies in both internal and external stakeholder meetings.

• Foster a strong, collaborative design ecosystem by ensuring close cooperation with inline designers, other RCC designers, and footwear/accessories design teams to achieve cohesive 360-degree design concepts.

• Lead, manage, and motivate a dedicated RCC APAC design team, overseeing all aspects of team development, including hiring, performance management, goal setting, and budget planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is explicitly "Head of Design Apparel RCC APAC," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a need for operational oversight within the design function. This includes managing budgets, team performance, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning it with a Design Operations or Product Development Operations focus rather than a pure creative role. The emphasis on "commercial iterations" and "product stories" also suggests a blend of creative vision with business acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design execution process for Special Make Up (SMU) apparel, ensuring alignment with PUMA's brand identity, seasonal themes, and the specific commercial demands of the RCC APAC market.

• Conduct in-depth market research and trend analysis, synthesizing findings into actionable design insights and presenting them effectively to relevant teams and stakeholders.

• Lead the development of innovative color palettes, material selections, and compelling product stories that differentiate PUMA's apparel offerings in the competitive APAC region.

• Actively participate in and lead meetings with key accounts and merchandising teams to present design concepts, gather feedback, and secure buy-in for product initiatives.

• Champion a collaborative design environment by building strong working relationships with internal design teams (inline, RCC, FTW, Accessories) to ensure holistic product development and brand consistency.

• Manage the RCC APAC design team, providing clear direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to foster individual and team growth, and to ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery of design projects.

• Develop and manage the design team's budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal resource allocation for design projects and initiatives.

• Provide strategic design counsel and support to the Sr. Director RCC APAC, contributing to broader regional product and brand strategies.

• Undertake international and domestic travel as required for key account meetings, market research, trend spotting, consumer insight gathering, and factory/development center visits.

• Mentor and coach team members, promoting PUMA’s core values and fostering a positive, performance-driven, and collaborative work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant operational component, including budget management, team leadership, and strategic support to senior leadership. This implies a need for strong organizational, project management, and process improvement skills within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University degree in Apparel Design or a closely related field of study. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Apparel Design, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in the fashion, sportswear, or casual sports lifestyle industries.

• Proven track record of at least 2 years in a leadership or management role, demonstrating the ability to guide, motivate, and develop a design team. Required Skills:

• Apparel Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of apparel design principles, garment construction, and manufacturing processes.

• Concept & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to develop strong design concepts and craft compelling narratives that enhance product appeal and brand messaging.

• Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis: Proficiency in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes, particularly within the APAC region.

• Color & Material Expertise: Deep knowledge of color theory, material properties, and innovative textile applications relevant to performance and lifestyle apparel.

• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, motivate, and manage a design team, including experience with performance appraisals and goal setting.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a refined ability to present design concepts effectively to diverse internal and external audiences.

• Negotiation & Influencing: Strong skills in negotiation and influencing to drive consensus and achieve desired design outcomes across various stakeholder groups.

• Product Sense & Taste Level: A highly developed sense of product aesthetics, commercial viability, and an acute understanding of the Sportstyle APAC consumer and marketplace.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment, fostering strong relationships with product management, development, merchandising, and other design teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Special Make Up (SMU) product development processes.

• Familiarity with PUMA's product categories and brand positioning.

• Knowledge of sustainability practices in apparel design and manufacturing.

• Proficiency in design software relevant to apparel development (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CLO 3D).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Your Talent" section directly translates to the required skills and qualifications. The emphasis on leadership, market intelligence, and commercial iterations points towards a role that requires not just creative flair but also strategic operational thinking for design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct apparel design projects that demonstrate a strong grasp of concept development, storytelling, and commercial viability for the APAC market.

• Include examples of Special Make Up (SMU) product designs, highlighting the ability to adapt and innovate within specific product briefs.

• Present a range of color and material explorations, illustrating an understanding of current trends and functional applications.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate market intelligence and consumer insights into tangible design solutions.

• Provide evidence of collaborative work, showcasing how you have partnered with cross-functional teams (e.g., PLMs, Developers) to bring designs to market. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are encouraged to discuss their systematic approach to design briefs, from initial concept generation to final product handover.

• Be prepared to articulate your process for gathering and integrating market intelligence and consumer feedback into the design workflow.

• Highlight your methods for managing design projects, including timelines, feedback loops, and stakeholder communication, particularly within a team setting.

• Showcase how you ensure design quality and consistency throughout the development lifecycle, from sketching to production-ready specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description doesn't explicitly mention a portfolio requirement, for a "Head of Design" role, a strong portfolio is standard. This section infers typical expectations for such a position, focusing on demonstrating design execution, market relevance, and process management, crucial for an operational leadership role in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role with 7+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities in a major global brand like PUMA, located in Shanghai, China, the estimated annual salary range is ¥350,000 - ¥600,000 CNY. This range accounts for the strategic scope, team management, and market expertise required. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan/contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee discounts on PUMA products.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, as a Head of Design, flexibility is expected to meet project deadlines, attend key meetings (which may occur outside standard hours due to time zone differences), and travel as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits are estimated based on the role's seniority, location (Shanghai, China), industry (sportswear/fashion), and typical offerings for leadership positions at multinational corporations. The "working hours" are standard but acknowledge the need for flexibility inherent in a senior leadership role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sportswear & Fashion Retail. PUMA operates as a global leader in the sports industry, designing and marketing footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company is known for its blend of athletic performance and lifestyle fashion, with a strong presence in sports like football, running, motorsport, and golf.

Company Size: PUMA is a large multinational corporation with approximately 22,000 employees worldwide, operating in over 120 countries. This signifies a structured corporate environment with established processes and global reach.

Founded: PUMA was founded in 1948. Its long history in the sportswear industry indicates a deep-rooted expertise, a strong brand heritage, and a continuous evolution to stay relevant in a dynamic market.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design Apparel RCC APAC will lead a dedicated team of designers focused on Special Make Up (SMU) products for the Apparel category within the RCC (likely Retail, Corporate, and Customization or a similar division) segment for the Asia-Pacific region.

• This role reports directly to the Sr. Director RCC APAC, indicating a senior leadership position within the regional operations.

• Close collaboration will be expected with Product Line Managers, Development teams, inline design teams, and potentially sales/merchandising teams responsible for key accounts and regional commercial strategies. Methodology:

• PUMA's culture emphasizes "SPEED & SPIRIT," driven by values such as being Driven, Vibrant, Together, and allowing individual talent to shine. This suggests a fast-paced, results-oriented environment that also values teamwork and individual contribution.

• Design decisions are expected to be informed by market intelligence, consumer insights, and commercial viability, indicating a data-informed approach to creative execution.

• Collaboration across departments is crucial for delivering cohesive 360-degree design concepts, pointing to a process that values integration and shared vision.

Company Website: https://us.puma.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the provided description and general knowledge of PUMA. The "RCC" acronym is inferred to represent a specific business unit within PUMA, likely focused on customized or specialized products for regional markets and clients. The culture description is directly from PUMA's stated values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, specifically focused on operationalizing design strategy for a key region and product segment. It sits at a "Head of" level, implying significant responsibility for team management, strategic input, and execution oversight. The role requires a blend of creative direction and operational management, making it a pivotal point for individuals looking to lead significant design operations.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design Apparel RCC APAC reports to the Sr. Director RCC APAC. This structure places the role within the regional leadership framework, allowing for direct influence on regional product strategy and execution. The role also has direct reports, managing a team of designers, indicating a responsibility for developing talent within the organization.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design plays a critical role in driving revenue through commercially viable and trend-relevant apparel designs for the APAC market, particularly for SMU products. Effective management of the design process, team, and budget directly impacts product success, brand perception, and ultimately, sales performance in a crucial growth region. Their ability to translate market insights into desirable products is key to PUMA's competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to higher leadership roles within PUMA's global design or product management structure, such as Global Head of Design or VP of Product for a specific category.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape PUMA's apparel design strategy for the entire APAC region, influencing product assortments and brand direction.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Development of broader business acumen through close collaboration with PLMs, Sales, Marketing, and Development, potentially leading to roles in broader GTM strategy or product management.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Continued development in leadership, team building, and talent nurturing through managing and growing the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the "operations" aspect of a design leadership role. It interprets the reporting structure and impact through the lens of business objectives and career progression within a large corporate setting, highlighting the operational responsibilities inherent in managing a design function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Shanghai, China, at a PUMA office location. This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office-based work environment designed for collaboration and team interaction. The office is likely equipped with design studios, meeting rooms, and standard corporate amenities.

Office Location(s): PGS China - Shanghai. This specific location suggests a significant operational hub for PUMA within China, likely housing various business functions including design, product development, and potentially sales and marketing for the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes a collaborative workspace, encouraging direct interaction with design team members, PLMs, developers, and other stakeholders. This facilitates real-time feedback, brainstorming, and integrated problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software, material libraries, and potentially 3D design tools will be available to support the design process. The office environment will likely be set up to facilitate presentations and team reviews.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional project discussions are integral to the workspace, promoting a cohesive and efficient design workflow.

Work Schedule: While standard office hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, the role, being a Head of Design, will require flexibility. This includes potential for extended hours during critical project phases, attending meetings across different time zones, and accommodating travel for market research, factory visits, and key account meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the typical work environment for a senior design role within a global corporation's regional office, emphasizing collaboration and the operational aspects of a physical workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR and the hiring manager to assess experience, leadership capabilities, and design relevance.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key design projects, their design process, and their approach to storytelling and commercialization for the APAC market. This is a critical stage to evaluate your conceptual thinking and execution skills.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess leadership style, team management approach, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution. Expect questions related to managing teams, budgets, and driving design initiatives.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or case study related to apparel design for the APAC market, potentially focusing on SMU product ideation or market trend adaptation. This will assess your strategic thinking and design process under pressure.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership (e.g., Sr. Director RCC APAC) to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with apparel design, storytelling, color & material concepts, and commercial iteration, especially for the APAC market and SMU products.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process undertaken (brief interpretation, research, ideation, development, finalization), and the rationale behind your creative decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the commercial success or market relevance of your designs.

• Showcase Leadership: If possible, include examples of projects where you led a team or mentored junior designers.

• Tailor to PUMA: Research PUMA's current collections, brand ethos, and target consumer to tailor your presentation and highlight how your skills align with their strategic direction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Market: Deeply research current apparel trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape in the APAC region for sportswear and lifestyle categories.

• PUMA Brand Immersion: Familiarize yourself with PUMA's brand history, values, target demographics, and recent product lines.

• SMU Product Ideation: Practice generating creative and commercially viable ideas for Special Make Up products that could appeal to specific customer segments or retail partners in APAC.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a design team, handle performance issues, allocate budgets, and foster a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers a typical interview and portfolio review process for a senior design leadership role, focusing on the operational aspects of presenting design work and demonstrating leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating design sketches, technical flats, colorways, and presentation materials.

• 3D Design Software (e.g., CLO 3D, Browzwear): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with 3D design tools is increasingly becoming a standard for apparel design, enabling realistic visualization, pattern making, and fit simulations.

• PLM Software (Product Lifecycle Management): Experience with systems like Centric PLM, Styleman, or similar platforms used for managing product data, specifications, and workflows.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing design projects, tasks, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Platforms: Tools for accessing trend reports, consumer data, and competitive analysis (e.g., WGSN, Edited, internal PUMA analytics).

• Sales & Performance Data: Ability to interpret sales reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product sell-through, margin, and commercial success, often accessed through internal PUMA systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or internal PUMA communication systems for daily team interaction and project updates.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating and delivering compelling design presentations to internal teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines common tools and technologies in the apparel design and product development space, with an emphasis on those that support operational efficiency, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with the "operations" focus of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• SPEED & SPIRIT: Embodies PUMA's core ethos, translating to a fast-paced, execution-oriented approach to design while maintaining a passion for sports and innovation.

• BE DRIVEN: A commitment to achieving ambitious goals, pushing creative boundaries, and striving for excellence in all design outputs and team management.

• BE VIBRANT: Infusing creativity, energy, and a bold aesthetic into design concepts that resonate with the dynamic APAC market.

• BE TOGETHER: Fostering a collaborative spirit within the design team and across departments, ensuring seamless integration of design into the broader product development and GTM strategy.

• Individual Talent: Valuing and nurturing the unique skills and perspectives of each team member, encouraging innovation and personal growth.

• Data-Informed Creativity: Utilizing market intelligence and consumer insights to guide design decisions, ensuring commercial relevance and strategic alignment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the design team works hand-in-hand with Product Line Managers, Developers, Merchandisers, and Sales teams to ensure designs are not only creative but also feasible, commercially viable, and aligned with market demands.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication to facilitate feedback exchange, resolve design challenges, and maintain alignment on project goals and timelines.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes mentorship, where senior designers share expertise with junior team members, and knowledge is actively disseminated to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly pulls from PUMA's stated values and infers the collaborative and operational culture expected in a senior design leadership role within a global brand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: Effectively translating PUMA's brand vision and creative direction into commercially successful apparel designs that meet the specific needs and preferences of the diverse APAC market, especially for SMU products.

• Managing a Diverse Regional Market: Navigating the complexities of various consumer preferences, fashion trends, and retail landscapes across different countries within the APAC region.

• Leading and Motivating a Design Team: Inspiring and guiding a team of designers, ensuring high performance, continuous skill development, and alignment with PUMA's strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and buy-in from various departments (Product Management, Development, Sales) to bring designs to market efficiently and effectively.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously identifying and integrating emerging design trends, material innovations, and consumer insights to maintain PUMA's competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Product Development: Deepen understanding of global product strategy, market segmentation, and lifecycle management within the sportswear industry.

• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Enhance skills in managing diverse teams and navigating international business dynamics within the APAC region.

• Brand Strategy & Storytelling: Further develop expertise in brand building, narrative creation, and communicating a brand's identity through product design.

• Advanced Design Technologies: Opportunities to explore and implement new design technologies, such as advanced 3D modeling or sustainable material sourcing.

• Executive Development: Potential for participation in leadership development programs offered by PUMA to hone strategic thinking and management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a senior design leadership role within a global brand, particularly in a diverse region like APAC, and outlines corresponding growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a compelling design narrative for a new apparel collection, specifically for the APAC market." (Focus on storytelling, market relevance, and process.)

• "How do you balance creative innovation with commercial viability and production constraints when leading a design team?" (Highlight your operational and leadership experience.)

• "Walk us through a successful Special Make Up (SMU) apparel project you led. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure its success?" (Prepare a detailed case study showcasing your process and results.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative design environment within your team and with cross-functional partners like Product Management and Development?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about PUMA's brand and its position in the APAC sportswear market?" (Show your research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you embody PUMA's core values of SPEED & SPIRIT, BE DRIVEN, BE VIBRANT, and BE TOGETHER in your leadership style?" (Align your responses with PUMA's ethos.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your design vision. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your negotiation and influencing skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your design philosophy and approach, followed by curated case studies.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, the process, and the results achieved (e.g., commercial success, market reception).

• Highlight APAC Relevance: For projects relevant to the APAC market or SMU products, emphasize how you considered regional nuances and consumer insights.

• Demonstrate Leadership: When presenting team projects, clearly define your leadership contributions and how you guided the team's efforts.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, process, and how your work aligns with PUMA's strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tactical advice for preparing for interviews and portfolio reviews, focusing on demonstrating the blend of creative, operational, and leadership skills required for this senior design role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design Apparel RCC APAC position:

• Navigate to the PUMA careers portal via the provided URL and submit your application.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight apparel design projects with a strong emphasis on storytelling, color & material concepts, commercial iterations, and ideally, experience relevant to the APAC market or Special Make Up (SMU) products.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of apparel design experience, including your 2+ years of leadership experience, and uses keywords from the job description such as "Apparel Design," "Storytelling," "Market Intelligence," "APAC," "SMU," and "Leadership."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and leadership approach. Prepare to discuss how you would contribute to PUMA’s "SPEED & SPIRIT" culture.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research PUMA's brand, its current apparel offerings, its strategic priorities in the APAC region, and its core values to demonstrate your understanding and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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