Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: Belstaff

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Leadership / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-01T12:59:14

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and product development strategy for all Belstaff product lines, including Menswear, Womenswear, and Motorcycle collections, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.

• Oversee the entire design process from conceptualization to final product delivery, maintaining high standards of quality, detail, and commercial viability.

• Manage and mentor the in-house and freelance design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive creative excellence.

• Serve as a brand ambassador, ensuring the consistent communication of Belstaff's brand image across all product lines and consumer touchpoints.

• Drive sales performance by balancing emerging market trends with commercial success and customer expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping the future aesthetic and product offering of Belstaff, requiring a strong blend of creative direction, strategic leadership, and commercial acumen. The emphasis on "modern heritage design" and "independent spirit" suggests a need for a candidate who can honor the brand's legacy while innovating for contemporary relevance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, lead, and communicate the overarching creative vision for Menswear, Womenswear, and Motorcycle collections, ensuring brand integrity and market differentiation.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept development and mood board creation to final sample review, inspiring the team to produce on-brand, commercially relevant, and market-leading products.

• Set seasonal collection narratives, dictating colour palettes, fabrication direction, trim selection, and overall aesthetic to create cohesive and compelling product ranges.

• Collaborate closely with Brand, Merchandising, Product Development, and Garment Tech teams to build comprehensive product assortments that meet the specific requirements of both Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and wholesale channels.

• Own and manage the Design Critical Path, ensuring timely progress through key stage-gate and sign-off meetings, and facilitating smooth cross-functional alignment to meet business objectives.

• Partner with Product Development and Production teams to guarantee that all products are manufactured to Belstaff's exacting standards of quality and craftsmanship.

• Ensure meticulous attention to detail, quality, and consistency across all design outputs, from initial sketches to final product specifications.

• Work with Brand, E-commerce, and Retail teams to effectively communicate the product vision and brand narrative to the end consumer, maintaining a unified brand image across all platforms.

• Drive product sales performance by strategically balancing current market trends with proven commercial success and customer demand.

• Oversee and manage external collaborations and special projects, ensuring project timelines are met and deliverables align with brand strategy.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, evolving consumer preferences, competitor activities, and technological advancements in design and manufacturing.

• Cultivate a positive, productive, and inspiring working environment, mentoring in-house and freelance designers by providing clear leadership, constructive feedback, and consistent support.

• Undertake international travel as required to support design initiatives, market research, and cross-functional team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a leader who can balance artistic vision with operational execution. The emphasis on "Design Critical Path" and cross-functional collaboration indicates a role deeply embedded within the product lifecycle management process, requiring strong project management and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Significant design experience at a senior designer or Head of Department level, with a proven track record within a premium menswear brand.

Required Skills:

• Proven team leadership and management experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage, develop, and mentor direct reports effectively.

• Strong creative direction capabilities with the ability to define and communicate a compelling brand vision for diverse product lines.

• Expertise in the end-to-end product design process, from concept generation to final product delivery, with a focus on quality and commercial relevance.

• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Google Docs, and Excel for design creation, documentation, and analysis.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to influence, collaborate, and build relationships with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring precision in all design outputs and project management.

• Ability to translate creative ideas into actionable plans that yield tangible results and drive commercial success.

• Understanding of the importance of process and the ability to influence change and encourage new ways of working within a design context.

• Solutions-oriented mindset with a positive attitude, capable of navigating challenges and finding effective solutions in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to act as a brand ambassador for Belstaff, embodying and promoting the brand's values and aesthetic. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motorcycle apparel design and an understanding of technical garment construction and safety standards.

• Familiarity with advanced design software or 3D design tools relevant to the fashion industry.

• Experience managing external collaborations and special projects with partners.

• A deep appreciation for modern heritage design and the ability to innovate within this aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Significant design experience at a senior designer or HOD" combined with "proven team leadership" points towards a role that demands both deep creative expertise and strong managerial capabilities. The mention of "understanding of the need for process" suggests that candidates who can demonstrate structured approaches to design and project management will be highly regarded.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of modern heritage design principles and a proven ability to translate them into commercially successful products across Menswear, Womenswear, and potentially Motorcycle collections.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating leadership in managing the design process from concept to delivery, highlighting problem-solving skills and strategic decision-making.

• Examples of successful product range development, showcasing ability to create cohesive collections that meet both DTC and wholesale channel requirements.

• Evidence of strong collaboration with Merchandising, Product Development, and Production teams, illustrating how design intent was maintained through the development lifecycle.

• Documentation of process improvements or innovative approaches implemented within previous design roles to enhance efficiency, quality, or commercial outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in defining and managing a Design Critical Path, including examples of stage-gate processes and sign-off procedures.

• Showcase ability to develop and articulate seasonal collection narratives, including mood boards, colour palettes, fabrication direction, and trim selection rationale.

• Provide examples of cross-functional collaboration documentation, such as project briefs, meeting minutes, or shared development trackers that ensure business alignment.

• Illustrate methods used for ensuring detail, quality, and consistency across all creative outputs, potentially including style guides or quality checklists.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this senior design role, the portfolio should not just showcase aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking, process management, and leadership. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating how the candidate has driven commercial success and managed complex product development cycles, ideally with examples of process optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role in London with 10+ years of experience in premium fashion, the estimated salary range is between £80,000 - £120,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the premium nature of the brand, and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Employee discount on Belstaff products, reflecting the brand's premium positioning.

• Pension scheme contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and potential for international travel for industry events or research.

• Access to employee assistance programs for well-being support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to commercial success.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and business needs, particularly during critical design and development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior design leadership roles in London's fashion industry. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for a role of this seniority in the UK market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Apparel Manufacturing, with a strong heritage in functional and protective wear, particularly motorcycle gear.

Company Size: Belstaff operates as a significant player in the premium apparel market. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, its established presence and international reach suggest a company size that allows for dedicated teams across various functions (design, merchandising, product development, marketing, retail). This size often means a structure with clear hierarchies but also opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Belstaff was founded in 1924, giving it a rich history and a legacy of innovation in material and garment technology. This "modern heritage" aspect is core to its brand identity and influences its product design and marketing.

Team Structure:

• The Design Team is likely structured around product categories (Menswear, Womenswear, Motorcycle) and reports up to the Head of Design.

• This role requires close collaboration with key departments including Brand, Merchandising, Product Development, Garment Technology, E-commerce, and Retail teams.

• The reporting structure likely places the Head of Design within the broader Product or Creative division, potentially reporting to a Chief Creative Officer, Head of Product, or a similar senior executive. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creativity is paramount, the role emphasizes "commercial success" and "balancing market trends," indicating a data-informed approach to design decisions, likely leveraging sales data, market research, and consumer insights.

• Agile Product Development: The mention of a "Design Critical Path" and "Stage Gate" meetings suggests a structured, phased approach to product development, with clear milestones and cross-functional checkpoints.

• Collaborative Innovation: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and fostering a "positive working environment" points to a methodology that values teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving.

Company Website: https://careers.belstaff.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's heritage and focus on "independent spirits" suggest a culture that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and a pioneering mindset. The "Love The Challenge. Find A Way. Go All In. Stand Together. Be The Difference" ethos implies a proactive, team-oriented, and results-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Vice President level within a design function. It requires extensive experience, strategic oversight, and the ability to manage a significant team and influence brand direction. The scope extends beyond pure design execution to encompass strategic planning, commercial viability, and brand ambassadorship.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will likely report to a senior executive such as a Chief Creative Officer (CCO), Chief Product Officer (CPO), or potentially a CEO/Managing Director, depending on the company's organizational structure. They will have direct reports, including in-house and freelance designers.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a profound impact on Belstaff's revenue and business decisions. By defining the product vision and ensuring commercial success, they directly influence sales performance, brand perception, and market positioning. Strategic decisions made in this role can shape the company's trajectory for multiple seasons.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to move into higher executive roles within the company, such as Chief Creative Officer or a broader Head of Product role, influencing global design strategy.

• Brand Development: Opportunity to significantly shape and evolve the Belstaff brand aesthetic and product offering, leaving a lasting legacy.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Potential to broaden responsibilities into areas like brand marketing or retail experience integration, given the collaborative nature of the role.

• Mentorship and Team Building: Develop leadership skills further by building and nurturing a high-performing design team, fostering future talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career milestone, offering a blend of creative control and strategic business impact. Growth opportunities are tied to the candidate's ability to not only lead design but also to drive commercial success and contribute to the overall brand strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Truman Brewery in London, a vibrant hub known for its creative businesses and start-ups. This suggests a dynamic, possibly open-plan or studio-style workspace conducive to collaboration.

Office Location(s): Truman Brewery, London, E1 6QL, United Kingdom. This location is in the heart of East London, a well-connected and creative district.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Truman Brewery setting and the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a workspace designed for interaction, team meetings, and idea sharing.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Suite, potentially 3D tools), physical material libraries, and presentation facilities is expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, as well as with colleagues from Brand, Merchandising, Product Development, and other departments.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, but the demanding nature of design leadership, especially in fashion, implies a need for flexibility. This means being prepared to work longer hours during peak periods like collection development, seasonal launches, and critical project deadlines. International travel will also be a component of the schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The London office location, particularly within a creative hub like Truman Brewery, suggests an environment that is both professional and stimulating. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by the HR team and hiring manager to assess qualifications and creative alignment with Belstaff's brand.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., CCO or Head of Product) to discuss experience, leadership style, creative vision, and initial fit with the team.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, leadership examples, and commercial impact. This is a crucial stage for demonstrating strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Brand, Merchandising, and Product Development to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader business context.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or CEO to discuss overall strategic alignment, cultural fit, and final offer negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership in modern heritage design, commercial success, and end-to-end product development. Include menswear, womenswear, and any motorcycle-specific work.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process followed, the challenges faced, your solutions, and most importantly, the commercial results or brand impact achieved. Use data where possible.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've managed, mentored, and inspired design teams. Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments.

• Brand Alignment: Tailor your presentation to Belstaff's specific brand identity, values, and aesthetic. Show that you understand their heritage and how you would innovate within it.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with Belstaff's "Independent Spirit."

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be asked to present an analysis of current Belstaff collections, propose a new collection concept, or provide feedback on existing product lines, focusing on both creative and commercial aspects.

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach defining seasonal narratives, managing the design critical path, and driving sales through design innovation.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you manage team dynamics, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's ability to articulate their creative vision, demonstrate commercial understanding, and showcase strong leadership and collaboration skills. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a strategic approach to storytelling and impact demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design work, including Photoshop (image editing, mock-ups), Illustrator (vector graphics, technical drawings, logos), and potentially InDesign (layout for presentations, lookbooks).

• Google Workspace: Google Docs for documentation and collaborative writing, Google Sheets for basic data analysis and tracking, and Google Slides for presentations.

• Microsoft Excel: For more advanced data analysis, budget tracking, and critical path management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding and utilizing data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics for e-commerce trends, internal sales reporting systems) is crucial for commercial decision-making.

• Familiarity with BI tools or reporting dashboards used by merchandising and sales teams would be beneficial for understanding product performance. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are typically used by designers, but understanding how CRM data influences customer segmentation and product demand is valuable.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems used for managing product data, specifications, and development stages would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is a non-negotiable requirement. The emphasis on "Google Docs, and Excel" suggests that strong documentation, organization, and analytical skills using these standard office tools are also highly valued for process management and cross-functional communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Independent Spirit: A core value that encourages individuality, self-reliance, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.

• Love The Challenge: Embracing difficult tasks and seeing them as opportunities for growth and achievement, rather than obstacles.

• Find A Way: Resourcefulness and determination to overcome challenges and achieve goals, even with limited resources.

• Go All In: Full commitment and dedication to projects and objectives, demonstrating passion and drive.

• Stand Together: Fostering a strong sense of teamwork, mutual support, and collective responsibility.

• Be The Difference: Striving for excellence and making a significant positive impact on the brand, products, and customer experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach is expected, with the design team working hand-in-hand with Brand, Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to ensure cohesive product creation and market delivery.

• Open Communication: Valuing transparent and constructive dialogue to ensure alignment, share feedback, and resolve issues efficiently.

• Process-Oriented: An understanding and appreciation for structured processes (like the Design Critical Path) that facilitate efficient workflows and consistent quality, while remaining open to adapting and improving these processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicitly stated values are central to its culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal work ethic and approach align with these principles, particularly "Independent Spirit," "Love The Challenge," and "Stand Together."

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Heritage with Modernity: Effectively translating Belstaff's rich heritage into contemporary designs that appeal to a modern, global customer base without alienating loyalists.

• Driving Commercial Success: Ensuring that creative vision translates into commercially viable products that meet sales targets in a competitive market.

• Managing Diverse Collections: Overseeing distinct product lines (Menswear, Womenswear, Motorcycle) each with unique customer expectations and technical requirements.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Navigating the complexities of collaborating with multiple departments, each with their own priorities and deadlines, to ensure seamless product development.

• Leading a Creative Team: Inspiring and managing a team of designers, fostering their individual growth while maintaining a unified creative direction and high-quality output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Brand Influence: Deepening understanding of brand strategy and its impact on product development, potentially influencing global brand direction.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Exploring new materials, sustainable design practices, and innovative manufacturing technologies relevant to premium apparel.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing leadership skills through managing a senior design team and contributing to executive-level decision-making.

• Industry Trend Foresight: Engaging with global fashion trends, consumer behavior shifts, and market dynamics to anticipate future product needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior design leadership roles in heritage fashion brands. Success will depend on a candidate's ability to blend creative innovation with robust commercial and leadership capabilities. The growth opportunities are significant, offering pathways to broader strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and communicate the creative vision for Belstaff's Menswear, Womenswear, and Motorcycle collections over the next 3-5 years, balancing heritage with modern trends?" (Focus on articulating your strategic approach, market understanding, and brand stewardship.)

• "Describe your process for managing a Design Critical Path and ensuring timely delivery of collections to both DTC and wholesale channels. What are your key strategies for cross-functional alignment?" (Highlight your project management skills, understanding of production timelines, and collaborative approach.)

• "How do you balance market trends and commercial success with maintaining a strong, authentic brand identity like Belstaff's? Provide an example of a time you successfully navigated this." (Demonstrate your commercial acumen, market awareness, and ability to translate trends into on-brand products.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Belstaff's heritage and its 'Independent Spirit'? How do you see yourself contributing to this ethos as Head of Design?" (Showcase your research into the brand and how your values align.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you mentor and develop a design team. How do you foster a creative and collaborative environment?" (Prepare examples of team management, feedback delivery, and conflict resolution.)

• "How do you measure the success of a design collection beyond just sales figures? What other metrics are important to you?" (Discuss brand perception, customer feedback, product quality, and market impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and leadership approach, then walk through 2-3 key projects that best represent your capabilities in modern heritage design, commercial impact, and team leadership.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state your role, the objective, your process, the challenges, your solutions, and the tangible results (e.g., sales increases, market share growth, positive brand reception). Use data points and metrics.

• Showcase Collaboration: Integrate examples of how you worked with Merchandising, Product Development, and Production. Discuss how you ensured brand consistency across different channels.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your design choices, strategic decisions, and leadership approach. Treat it as a collaborative discussion rather than just a presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of Belstaff's brand, a strategic approach to design leadership, and proven commercial success. The ability to articulate your process, quantify your impact, and showcase strong collaborative and leadership skills will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the Belstaff careers portal at https://careers.belstaff.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your experience in premium menswear, modern heritage design, and leadership. Highlight projects that demonstrate commercial success and cross-functional collaboration.

• Optimize Your Resume: Clearly articulate your senior-level design experience, team leadership achievements, and proficiency with required software (Adobe Suite, Google Docs, Excel). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, quantifying impact, and demonstrating your strategic vision for Belstaff. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you embody the company's values.

• Research Belstaff: Thoroughly understand Belstaff's brand heritage, current market position, target audience, and company values. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers.

⚠️ 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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