CREATIVE DESIGN, DIRECTOR

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CREATIVE DESIGN, DIRECTOR Company: MANGO Location: Palau-solità i Plegamans, Catalonia, Spain Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative Design & Merchandising Operations Date Posted: 2026-02-09 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and development of the global home collection, integrating style, commercial viability, and sustainability.
• Drive the creation of a coherent and inspiring brand image for Mango Home by guiding a creative team of nine individuals.
• Collaborate closely with the Purchasing team to ensure collection profitability and alignment with development plans.
• Conduct in-depth trend research through international fairs, runway shows, and market analysis to inform collection strategies.
• Analyze sales performance and competitor activities to identify opportunities for enhanced commercial and creative impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the Creative Design function, specifically focused on the Home Collection. The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative direction, team management, and commercial acumen, typical of a Director-level role in a retail environment. The emphasis on translating trends into commercially viable and sustainable products, alongside managing a team, suggests a need for strong operational oversight within the creative process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization of the entire home textile collection, ensuring seamless integration of current global trends with robust commercial objectives.
• Partner strategically with the Purchasing department to guarantee that the collection meets predefined profitability targets and adheres to comprehensive development plans.
• Proactively research and analyze global trends by attending key fairs, observing runway shows, and conducting market shopping trips to foster innovative collection inspiration.
• Provide effective supervision and mentorship to the Textile Design team to cultivate collections that authentically reflect Mango Home’s overarching strategic direction and brand identity.
• Oversee the entire collection development lifecycle, ensuring all products meet stringent quality standards and critical timelines required for effective decision-making and implementation.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of sales results and competitor strategies to pinpoint actionable opportunities for enhancing both commercial performance and creative resonance.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with both internal departments and external partners, actively driving digital innovation throughout the design and development process.
• Manage and motivate a team of nine, ensuring clear communication channels, sustained engagement, and consistent alignment with overarching business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are comprehensive and detail the end-to-end ownership of the home collection's creative direction. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration with Purchasing, market trend analysis, and performance-based adjustments (sales results, competitor activity) indicates a strong operational component to this creative leadership role. The management of a team of nine requires significant leadership and operational planning skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or Interior Design.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a senior textile design leadership role within the fashion or home retail sector, with demonstrated full product responsibility.
• Proven track record of successfully leading teams, managing complex projects from concept to completion, and effectively interfacing with senior management.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a design team of up to nine individuals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Collection Conceptualization & Development: Expertise in conceptualizing and developing comprehensive textile collections that align with brand strategy, market trends, and commercial goals.
• Trend Forecasting & Analysis: Strong capability in researching, identifying, and translating global fashion and home décor trends into commercially viable product designs.
• Commercial Acumen & Profitability: Deep understanding of commercial objectives, profitability targets, and the ability to balance creative vision with business requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent skills in working effectively with diverse teams, particularly Purchasing and Merchandising, to ensure cohesive product development.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and budget constraints.
• English Fluency: Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication in a global business context.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Innovation in Design: Experience or strong interest in leveraging digital tools and platforms to enhance the design process, visualization, and product development.
• Sustainability Integration: Knowledge or experience in incorporating sustainable practices and materials into textile collection development.
• Interior Design Sensibility: A keen eye for interior aesthetics, space planning, and home décor trends, beyond just textile patterns.
• International Market Awareness: Familiarity with diverse international markets and their specific design preferences and commercial demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative expertise and strong operational management skills. The requirement for "full product responsibility" and "senior textile design leadership" suggests a need for candidates who can not only design but also manage the entire product lifecycle from a creative and strategic perspective. The specified team size (9 people) and the minimum experience level (4 years in leadership) point to a role with significant managerial scope.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Collection Development Case Studies: Showcase end-to-end development of a home textile or fashion collection, detailing the conceptualization, trend research, design execution, and final product presentation.
• Trend Integration Examples: Provide specific instances where trend research was successfully translated into commercially appealing and innovative product designs.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Documentation: Illustrate how you've worked with purchasing, production, or merchandising teams to bring collections to market, highlighting problem-solving and alignment strategies.
• Team Management & Development: Include examples of how you've led, mentored, and developed design teams, demonstrating leadership style and impact on team performance.
• Commercial Impact Demonstration: Present evidence of how your creative direction has positively impacted sales, profitability, or brand perception for previous collections.

Process Documentation:

• Trend Research & Ideation Workflow: Document your systematic approach to identifying and analyzing market trends, and how this translates into initial design concepts and mood boards.
• Collection Planning & Execution Process: Outline the steps involved in planning a seasonal collection, including timeline management, resource allocation, and ensuring quality control throughout the design and development phases.
• Cross-functional Alignment Process: Detail the methodologies used to ensure seamless communication and collaboration with departments like Purchasing, Marketing, and Retail for successful product launches.
• Team Motivation & Performance Management: Describe systems or processes implemented to manage team performance, foster creativity, and ensure alignment with company goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level creative role, a portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to drive commercial success. The emphasis needs to be on how the candidate has managed the process of design and collection development, not just the final output, especially in relation to commercial objectives and team leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €60,000 - €90,000 per annum (Estimate)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, potentially including family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, designed to support work-life balance.
• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on Mango products, both online and in-store.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training programs, workshops, and potential for attending industry fairs and conferences.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution-based pension scheme or similar long-term savings options.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance metrics.
• Relocation Assistance: May be provided for candidates relocating to Spain for the position.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team management requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry benchmarks for a Creative Design Director role in Spain with 5-10 years of experience and team management responsibilities, a salary range of €60,000 - €90,000 annually is estimated. This estimate considers the cost of living in Catalonia, Spain, and the seniority of the position. Benefits are standard for a corporate role of this level in Western Europe, with a focus on health, time off, and employee perks relevant to a fashion retailer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail (Apparel and Home Goods) Company Size: Large (Over 10,000 employees globally) Founded: 1984 Company Description: Mango is a globally recognized fashion brand with Spanish origins, known for its contemporary style, quality products, and accessible pricing. With a strong presence in over 120 countries, Mango operates a vast network of stores and an expanding e-commerce platform. The company culture emphasizes creativity, innovation, authenticity, and a passion for fashion, aiming to inspire people worldwide. Company Specialties: Women's fashion, Men's fashion, Children's fashion, Home textiles, Accessories, International Retail, E-commerce.

Team Structure:

• Global Creative Hub: The role sits within a centralized creative function, likely reporting into a Head of Design or Chief Creative Officer.
• Direct Reports: Manages a team of 9 individuals within the Home Textile Design department.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with Merchandising, Purchasing, Marketing, E-commerce, and Product Development teams.
• Hierarchical Alignment: Operates within a structured corporate environment, requiring alignment with senior leadership and strategic directives.

Methodology:

• Trend-Driven Product Development: A core methodology involving continuous market research, trend forecasting, and translating these insights into tangible product lines.
• Commercial-Strategic Integration: A strong focus on balancing creative vision with commercial viability, profitability, and strategic brand positioning.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing sales data, competitor analysis, and market insights to refine creative strategies and product assortments.
• Digital Transformation Focus: Embracing digital tools and strategies to enhance design processes, customer engagement, and online presence.

Company Website: https://shop.mango.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mango's significant global presence and established brand identity suggest a well-defined operational structure within its creative departments. The emphasis on "passion," "creativity," and "innovation" points to a dynamic work environment, but as a large retail organization, efficiency, process adherence, and commercial results are paramount. The role's focus on Home Collection places it within a specific, yet significant, product category for Mango.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Leadership / Director Level This role represents a significant leadership position within the creative operations of Mango Home. It requires not only a strong aesthetic sensibility and deep understanding of textile design but also the strategic acumen to manage a product category's creative output, drive commercial success, and lead a substantial team. The scope of responsibility extends from conceptualization to market analysis, indicating a pivotal role in shaping the brand's offering in the home segment.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Design Director for Home Collection will likely report to a higher-level executive within the Design or Merchandising division, such as the Head of Design, Creative Director, or potentially a Director of Home Goods. They will directly manage a team of 9 designers and collaborate extensively with peers in areas like Purchasing, Merchandising, and Marketing.

Operations Impact: The Creative Design Director's work has a direct and substantial impact on Mango's revenue and market positioning within the home goods sector. Their ability to conceptualize collections that are both stylish and commercially successful directly influences sales figures, profitability, and brand perception. Effective leadership and process management within the design team are crucial for timely product launches, inventory management, and maintaining brand consistency across all touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanded Product Category Ownership: Potential to oversee additional product categories within the Home division or transition to a broader creative leadership role across different product lines.
• Global Creative Strategy: Opportunity to contribute to the overall global creative strategy for Mango, influencing brand direction beyond just the Home Collection.
• Senior Management Advancement: Progression into executive roles within the company, such as Chief Creative Officer or Head of Design for the entire organization.
• Specialization in Sustainable Design: Deepen expertise in sustainable materials and ethical design practices, becoming a key influencer in Mango's sustainability initiatives.
• Digital Design Leadership: Lead initiatives for digital transformation within the creative process, such as implementing advanced design software or virtual prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Director level implies a clear career trajectory. Growth opportunities are likely tied to expanding responsibilities within Mango's extensive structure, with potential for advancement into higher executive creative or strategic roles, particularly as Mango continues to expand its product categories and global reach.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Headquarters / Design Studio Environment The role is based at Mango's headquarters in Palau-solità i Plegamans, Catalonia, Spain. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced corporate setting that combines the energy of a fashion house with the structured operations of a large retail organization.

Office Location(s):

• Palau-solità i Plegamans, Catalonia, Spain (Primary Location)

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studios: The workspace likely features open-plan design studios to foster collaboration, creativity, and spontaneous idea exchange among designers.
• Material Libraries & Showrooms: Access to extensive libraries of textile samples, trend books, and potentially internal showrooms to visualize collections.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Equipped with modern design software, hardware, and digital tools essential for creative work and team collaboration.
• Cross-functional Proximity: The office layout is likely designed to facilitate easy interaction with teams from Merchandising, Purchasing, and Marketing.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires a standard full-time commitment, generally 40 hours per week. However, the nature of creative direction and product launches in the fashion industry often necessitates flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines and market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role at a company headquarters, the work environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and resource-rich, designed to support creative output and cross-functional integration. The specific mention of "home collection" might mean dedicated studio spaces or resources relevant to interior design and home goods.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by HR and potentially the hiring manager to assess initial fit and experience.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion focusing on your leadership experience, creative vision for home textiles, understanding of commercial strategy, and team management approach.
3. Team/Peer Interview: Meeting with key members of the design team and potentially peers from related departments (e.g., Purchasing, Merchandising) to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.
4. Presentation/Case Study: A potential task where you might be asked to present a concept for a home collection, analyze a current trend, or propose a solution to a design challenge, demonstrating your strategic and creative thinking.
5. Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Don't just present pretty designs; explain the why behind your creative decisions. Link them to market trends, commercial objectives, and brand strategy.
• Highlight Process & Methodology: Demonstrate your understanding of the end-to-end design process, from trend research and conceptualization to product development and commercialization.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data to show the commercial success of collections you've led or significantly contributed to (e.g., sales growth, profitability improvements, positive customer feedback).
• Illustrate Team Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored, guided, and motivated design teams to achieve collective goals.
• Tailor to Mango Home: Research Mango's current home collections, brand aesthetic, and target audience. Show how your vision aligns with and can elevate their offering.

Challenge Preparation:

• Trend Analysis: Be prepared to discuss current global trends in home décor and textiles, and how you would interpret them for Mango Home.
• Commercial Strategy: Understand Mango's business model and how design contributes to profitability. Be ready to discuss balancing creativity with commercial constraints.
• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you handle team dynamics, motivate designers, and manage performance issues.
• Digital Innovation: Think about how digital tools can revolutionize textile design and collection development.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level creative role, the interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both creative talent and operational leadership. The portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage processes and teams effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign for design creation, pattern development, and presentation materials.
• 3D Design Software (Potential): Tools like CLO 3D or Browzwear for virtual prototyping, visualization, and reducing physical sampling.
• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: For managing product data, specifications, and workflows from concept to production.
• Trend Forecasting Platforms: WGSN, Trendstop, or similar subscription services for market intelligence and trend analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales & Performance Analytics Tools: Internal company dashboards or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to analyze sales data, identify best-sellers, and track collection performance.
• Competitor Analysis Tools: Market research platforms or manual analysis methods to track competitor offerings and strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Project Management Tools: Such as Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration.
• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day team and cross-functional communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard design software is a given. The emphasis for a Director role will be on how these tools are used strategically to improve efficiency, drive innovation, and support commercial goals. Experience with trend forecasting resources and data analysis tools for performance tracking is also highly relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Fashion & Design: A deep-seated enthusiasm for the industry, creativity, and the power of design to inspire.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas, experimental approaches, and pushing creative boundaries to stay ahead of trends.
• Authenticity: Valuing individual expression and unique perspectives that contribute to a diverse and rich creative output.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared freely, and cross-functional partnerships are strong and effective.
• Sustainability: A growing commitment to integrating environmentally conscious practices and materials into product development and operations.
• Commercial Awareness: A pragmatic approach that balances creative ambition with the realities of the market, profitability, and consumer demand.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Purchasing, Merchandising, Marketing, and other departments to ensure a cohesive product strategy and efficient go-to-market process.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving within the design team and with external partners.
• Agile Adaptation: A willingness to adapt strategies and designs based on evolving market trends, sales data, and business needs, reflecting the dynamic nature of the fashion industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mango's stated values of "creativity, innovation, and authenticity" are central. For this role, these are operationalized through a collaborative process that is also highly commercial and data-informed, reflecting the reality of large-scale retail operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend vs. Brand Identity: Consistently creating collections that are on-trend yet distinctly Mango Home, avoiding generic designs.
• Sustainability Integration at Scale: Implementing sustainable practices across a large home collection while maintaining cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.
• Managing a Large Creative Team: Ensuring consistent quality, motivation, and alignment among nine designers with diverse creative perspectives.
• Rapid Product Cycles: Navigating the fast-paced fashion calendar for home goods, requiring efficient workflow management and quick decision-making.
• Digital Transformation Integration: Effectively incorporating new digital design tools and processes into an established workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Trend Forecasting: Access to premium trend forecasting services and potentially specialized training in emerging design fields.
• Sustainability in Fashion/Home: Opportunities to lead or participate in initiatives focused on sustainable materials and ethical production within the home sector.
• Digital Design Technologies: Training on cutting-edge 3D design software and virtual prototyping tools.
• Leadership & Management Training: Executive coaching or specialized courses to enhance leadership and strategic management skills.
• International Market Exposure: Opportunities to travel for trend research, supplier visits, and market analysis in key global regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a fast-moving fashion retail environment. Growth opportunities are tied to impact within Mango's structure and potential for leadership in key strategic areas like sustainability and digital innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Vision for Mango Home: "How would you define the future creative direction for Mango Home, considering current market trends, sustainability goals, and commercial objectives?" (Prepare by researching Mango's current Home offering, competitor landscape, and key industry trends. Focus on actionable strategies.)
• Balancing Creativity and Commerciality: "Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision between a highly creative design concept and a commercially safer option. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare with a specific example demonstrating your ability to weigh creative integrity against business imperatives.)
• Team Leadership Philosophy: "How do you motivate and develop a team of designers, particularly when facing tight deadlines or creative blocks? What is your approach to performance management?" (Prepare to discuss your leadership style, methods for fostering creativity, and experience with team development.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Mango's Brand: "What do you admire about Mango's brand, and how do you see the Home Collection contributing to its overall identity?" (Demonstrate your research into Mango's brand values, aesthetic, and market position.)
• Cross-functional Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with Purchasing and Merchandising teams. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment on product development?" (Prepare examples of successful cross-functional projects and how you navigated potential conflicts.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a creative collection beyond aesthetics? What KPIs are most important to you, and how do you track them?" (Focus on sales, profitability, market share, and brand perception metrics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Strategic Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, execution), the challenges faced, and the commercial/creative outcomes.
• Quantify Results: Use data (sales figures, market share, customer feedback) to demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Include mood boards, sketches, trend reports, and development stages to illustrate your methodology.
• Tailor to Mango: Select projects that best align with Mango Home's aesthetic, target market, and strategic priorities.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, highlighting key achievements and relevant experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a Director role should focus on showing strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of how creative operations drive business results within a retail context. The portfolio is your primary tool to substantiate these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Mango's careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight specific experience in home textile design, collection conceptualization, trend forecasting, and team leadership. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to translate creative vision into commercially successful products. Include case studies that showcase your process from ideation to market.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, years in senior textile design roles, cross-functional collaboration successes, and quantifiable achievements in product development and sales impact. Use keywords relevant to creative direction, home goods, and retail operations.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative vision, leadership style, and strategic approach to design management. Be ready to discuss your process for trend analysis, collection development, and team motivation. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.
• Company Research: Deeply research Mango's current Home Collection, brand identity, sustainability initiatives, and recent performance. Understand their market position and target audience to align your responses and portfolio 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.

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