Head of Design – Womenswear (12 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design – Womenswear (12 month FTC)

Company: The Inside Job

Location: Solihull, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Contract

Category: Design Operations / Product Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-05-29T10:53:22

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and strategic direction for the Womenswear category, driving innovation and performance.

• Own the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from concept ideation to final product delivery, ensuring brand consistency and market resonance.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Womenswear Design team, fostering a culture of creativity and ownership.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product Buying, Sourcing, Development, Brand, Insights, and Trading to achieve commercial objectives and align with overall company strategy.

• Champion trend research, market exploration, and innovation to maintain a leading position in the global athleisure and womenswear market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a Head of Design position focused on Womenswear, within a high-growth, digitally native apparel company (Gymshark, implied by domain). The "12 month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)" designation is critical. The role requires a blend of strong creative leadership, strategic product vision, and commercial acumen, with a significant emphasis on team development and cross-functional collaboration. The operations aspect lies in the strategic management of the product lifecycle, range architecture, and ensuring design translates effectively into scalable, commercially viable products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the seasonal and long-term creative vision for the Womenswear category, translating consumer and market insights into innovative product strategies.

• Oversee the entire design process for Womenswear, from initial concept development through to final product, ensuring high standards of quality, innovation, and brand alignment.

• Lead, manage, and develop the Womenswear Design team, cultivating a high-performance culture that encourages creativity, ownership, and career progression.

• Partner with Product Buying to influence range architecture, pricing strategies, and product assortment to maximize commercial impact and gross margin.

• Collaborate effectively with Sourcing and Development teams to ensure designs are brought to life at scale, meeting quality and cost targets.

• Work closely with Brand, Insights, and Trading teams to ensure product collections are strategically aligned with broader company objectives and effectively communicated to the target community.

• Conduct continuous trend research and market analysis to identify opportunities for innovation in product, fabric, and performance within the womenswear and sportswear sectors.

• Champion new ideas and foster a culture of experimentation and disruption within the Womenswear design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role focused on product creation and team management. The "operations" context here is the strategic oversight of the product development pipeline, ensuring efficiency, quality, and commercial viability, as well as managing the operational aspects of a design team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related creative field is typically expected for a Head of Design role.

Experience: Proven experience leading design within womenswear or sportswear at a senior level, with a minimum of 10+ years in the industry. Demonstrated success in translating creative vision into commercially successful products. Experience building, leading, and developing high-performing teams is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience leading design within womenswear or sportswear at a senior level.

• A strong creative vision with the ability to translate ideas into commercially successful product.

• Experience building, leading, and developing high-performing teams.

• Deep understanding of the global athleisure / womenswear market.

• Strong commercial awareness and decision-making capability.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for performance-led and technical apparel.

• Experience in a global brand or scaling business.

• Knowledge of fabric, construction, and fit innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from "Head of Design" and "senior level" to be 10+ years. The "AI_key_skills" and "AI_keywords" provide a good baseline for required and preferred skills, which are integrated here. The focus on "performance-led" and "technical apparel" suggests a need for specialized knowledge beyond general fashion design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong creative vision and end-to-end product design experience in womenswear or sportswear.

• Evidence of successfully translating conceptual ideas into commercially successful product lines, with demonstrable market impact.

• Case studies illustrating leadership and development of design teams, highlighting team growth and output.

• Examples of strategic range architecture and how design decisions influenced commercial outcomes, such as gross margin.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for leading trend research, market exploration, and innovation within a design context.

• Ability to articulate processes for managing the design lifecycle from concept to launch, including quality control and brand consistency checkpoints.

• Examples of how data and insights are integrated into the design process to guide commercial decisions and product development.

• Experience with workflow optimization within a design team to enhance efficiency and output in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a Head of Design role at a company like Gymshark would heavily rely on a candidate's ability to demonstrate their strategic approach to design, team leadership, and commercial impact through a portfolio. This section infers typical expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Head of Design role with 10+ years of experience in the UK (Solihull), particularly in the fast-paced, high-growth apparel/sportswear sector, the estimated annual salary range is £70,000 - £100,000. This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in the UK, considering the company's implied scale (Gymshark) and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) may be offered.

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

• Employee discount on Gymshark products.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry events.

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.

Working Hours: The role is expected to involve standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with the expectation of attending the Solihull office at least 3 days per week. Flexibility may be available, but the demands of a leadership role in a high-growth company will likely require significant commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on UK market data for senior design leadership roles in the apparel/sportswear industry, factoring in experience and location. Benefits are typical for a company of this presumed size and sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion (specifically Sportswear/Athleisure). The company (implied Gymshark) operates within a highly competitive, trend-driven, and digitally-focused global market.

Company Size: The implied company (Gymshark) is a large, rapidly scaling global business. This size indicates a dynamic, often fast-paced environment with significant resources and a broad international reach.

Founded: The implied company was founded in 2012. This suggests a relatively young, agile company that has experienced rapid growth, likely fostering a culture that is innovative, risk-taking, and community-centric.

Team Structure:

• The Womenswear Design team is likely a specialized unit within a larger Product Creation or Design department.

• The Head of Design will report to a senior leader, potentially VP of Product, Chief Product Officer, or Head of Design overall.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a data-driven approach to product development, informed by community feedback, sales data, and market trends.

• Design processes are expected to be agile and iterative, adapting quickly to market changes and consumer demands.

• Emphasis on innovation, performance, and creating products that resonate deeply with the target performance-oriented community.

Company Website: gymshark.com (implied)

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about company culture, size, and methodology is inferred based on the implied company (Gymshark) being a prominent player in the sportswear industry, known for its digital-first approach and community engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the product creation and design function, specifically focusing on a key product category (Womenswear). It's a strategic role with significant influence over product direction and commercial outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design – Womenswear will report to a senior executive within the product or design division, such as a VP of Product, Chief Product Officer, or a Global Head of Design. They will lead a team of designers, pattern makers, and potentially product developers within the Womenswear vertical.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a direct and substantial impact on the company's revenue and brand perception. By defining the creative vision and ensuring the delivery of innovative, commercially viable collections, this role influences sales performance, customer engagement, and market positioning within the critical womenswear segment. Strategic design decisions directly impact gross margin and product sell-through rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into a broader Head of Design role overseeing multiple categories, or into a VP/Chief Design Officer position as the company continues to scale.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the overall product strategy and innovation pipeline for the company beyond just womenswear.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Building and nurturing a world-class design team provides opportunities to develop leadership and talent management skills, contributing to a strong design pipeline.

• Industry Recognition: Leading design for a globally recognized brand offers significant professional visibility and potential for industry influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact typical for a senior leadership role in a fast-growing, design-led organization. The "operations" aspect is viewed through the lens of strategic management of resources, processes, and outcomes within the product design function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as hybrid, requiring at least 3 days per week at the company's main hub, "GSIQ" (Gymshark's Global Headquarters, implied). This suggests a modern, collaborative office space designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Solihull, UK. This location likely serves as a central point for design, product, marketing, and potentially other key functions.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the company's growth trajectory and industry demands.

• Expect a collaborative atmosphere where designers work closely with product teams, brand managers, and commercial stakeholders.

• Access to design tools, material libraries, and potentially in-house sample-making facilities would be expected.

• The emphasis on community and disruption suggests an environment that encourages bold ideas and challenges conventional approaches.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule, approximately 40 hours per week, is expected. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, but the leadership nature of the role and the requirement for in-office presence indicates a need for consistent availability and engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Details about the office environment are inferred from the "hybrid" designation and the company's implied profile as a modern, large-scale apparel brand. "GSIQ" is assumed to be the company's primary headquarters.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by HR and the hiring manager to assess experience, leadership capability, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key womenswear/sportswear projects, design vision, team leadership examples, and commercial impact. This will be followed by in-depth interviews focusing on strategic thinking, leadership style, and problem-solving abilities.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, and potentially senior leadership to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.

• Creative/Commercial Challenge: A potential task or case study focusing on a specific design challenge, range planning exercise, or market analysis, to evaluate practical application of skills and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership or a C-suite executive for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your leadership in womenswear/sportswear design, creative vision, commercial success, and team development.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the process, the challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., sales impact, margin improvement, brand resonance).

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored, developed, and led design teams to achieve collective success.

• Show Commercial Acumen: Present how your design decisions impacted commercial goals, such as range planning, pricing, and profitability.

• Demonstrate Trend Insight: Showcase your ability to research trends, identify opportunities, and translate them into innovative, market-relevant products.

• Technical Proficiency: Include examples that showcase your understanding of fabric, construction, fit, and performance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to defining seasonal themes, developing range architecture, and driving innovation within a fast-paced, data-informed environment.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how it aligns with brand identity and community values.

• Familiarize yourself with the company's current product offerings and market positioning in womenswear.

• Consider how you would approach balancing creative ambition with commercial constraints and sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a senior design leadership role in a large apparel company, emphasizing the importance of a curated portfolio and strategic preparedness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially InDesign for creating mood boards, technical sketches, and presentation materials.

• 3D Design Software: Increasingly, proficiency in tools like CLO3D, Browzwear, or similar for virtual prototyping, fit visualization, and reducing physical sampling.

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

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not a direct analyst role, understanding how to interpret sales data, market trend reports, and consumer insights from platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or internal analytics dashboards is crucial for informing design decisions.

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Familiarity with services like WGSN or similar for market and trend research.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how CRM data informs customer segmentation and marketing efforts that influence product demand would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists the typical software and technology stack for a Head of Design role in the fashion/apparel industry, with a focus on creative tools, PLM systems, and data interpretation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Disruption: A core value likely centered around challenging the status quo and pushing creative boundaries in product and market approach.

• Community Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and serving the brand's community, with design decisions reflecting their needs and aspirations.

• Data-Driven Creativity: Balancing artistic vision with analytical insights to ensure designs are both impactful and commercially viable.

• Ownership & Accountability: Fostering a culture where team members take responsibility for their work, from concept to execution, and drive results.

• Agility & Speed: Operating in a fast-paced environment that requires quick decision-making and adaptability to market changes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Synergy: Strong emphasis on seamless collaboration between Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing, and E-commerce teams to ensure cohesive product launches and brand messaging.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and constructive feedback loops across departments to optimize the product creation process.

• Shared Vision: Working collaboratively to ensure all teams are aligned with the Womenswear category's strategic direction and creative vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from the company's implied culture (Gymshark) as a disruptive, community-focused, and fast-growing brand in the sportswear sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Innovation in a Fast-Paced Market: Continuously delivering fresh, innovative designs that stay ahead of trends in the highly competitive athleisure market.

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: Effectively merging ambitious creative vision with strict commercial targets, including margin and sell-through rates.

• Leading and Developing a High-Performing Team: Mentoring and inspiring designers to reach their full potential while ensuring consistent output and quality under pressure.

• Global Scalability: Translating design concepts into products that resonate and perform across diverse international markets.

• Managing a Fixed-Term Contract: Navigating the responsibilities and impact of a leadership role within a defined contract period, ensuring continuity and legacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Product Leadership: Gaining extensive experience in shaping the product strategy for a major global category in a rapidly growing company.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepening understanding of buying, merchandising, sourcing, and marketing operations through close collaboration.

• Industry Trendsetting: Being at the forefront of innovation in performance apparel, fabric technology, and sustainable design practices.

• Team Building & Mentorship: Developing advanced skills in talent acquisition, team development, and fostering a creative and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the specific context of a senior design leadership role in a dynamic industry, including the unique aspect of a fixed-term contract.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining and executing a creative vision for a major product category like Womenswear. How do you ensure it aligns with brand identity and commercial goals?" (Preparation: Outline your strategic framework, including market research, trend analysis, team collaboration, and KPI integration.)

• "How do you approach building and leading a high-performing design team? Provide an example of how you've developed talent or navigated team challenges." (Preparation: Focus on your leadership philosophy, mentorship strategies, performance management, and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Gymshark's approach to the sportswear market, and how would your design leadership contribute to our mission?" (Preparation: Research Gymshark's brand values, community engagement, and recent product launches. Articulate how your vision aligns.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a design team, especially in a fast-paced, hybrid environment?" (Preparation: Discuss your strategies for encouraging idea generation, constructive feedback, and effective teamwork across different work locations.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an executive summary of your career and design philosophy. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, key challenges, innovative solutions, and the measurable business outcomes.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use data to illustrate the impact of your designs (e.g., % increase in sales, margin improvement, positive customer feedback metrics).

• Showcase Team Leadership: Include examples of team projects or how you've guided and developed your designers.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality imagery and clear, concise descriptions.

• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight the most relevant aspects of your experience for this specific Head of Design – Womenswear role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted preparation advice for the interview process, focusing on the strategic, leadership, and commercial aspects critical for a Head of Design role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest womenswear and sportswear design projects that showcase your creative vision, leadership, and commercial impact. Ensure it highlights your ability to translate ideas into successful products and manage teams. Prepare specific case studies demonstrating your process and results.

• Tailor Your CV: Emphasize your senior-level experience in design leadership, your understanding of the athleisure/sportswear market, and your proficiency in relevant software. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your process for leading teams, and how your work has driven commercial success. Be ready to discuss trend research and innovation strategies.

• Research the Company: Understand Gymshark's brand ethos, community focus, and current product landscape in womenswear. Consider how your vision aligns with their strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.