DESIGN MANAGER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN MANAGER

Company: CHARLES & KEITH GROUP

Location: Singapore

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Fashion Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design direction for women’s footwear collections, ensuring alignment with brand vision and commercial objectives.

• Identify and interpret emerging fashion, cultural, and consumer trends to inform seasonal design strategies and translate insights into innovative, commercially viable footwear concepts.

• Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from initial ideation through to final product delivery, guaranteeing quality and consistency.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, product development, and marketing, to bring design concepts to life.

• Guide and mentor junior designers, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and creative team environment that drives operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core input is for a Design Manager, this enhancement focuses on the operational aspects of design leadership within a fashion retail context. This includes the strategic alignment of design with commercial goals, the management of the product development pipeline, and the leadership of a design team, all of which are critical for efficient GTM operations in the fashion industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design strategy for women’s footwear collections, ensuring a cohesive brand narrative and alignment with global commercial objectives.

• Conduct in-depth market research and trend analysis, identifying key fashion, cultural, and consumer shifts to inform seasonal design direction and product innovation.

• Translate trend insights and conceptual ideas into tangible, commercially viable footwear designs across diverse product categories.

• Manage and optimize the design development process, from initial sketching and concept refinement to final prototype evaluation, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timelines.

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with merchandising, product development, sourcing, and marketing teams to ensure seamless execution of design initiatives and efficient go-to-market strategies.

• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of junior designers, cultivating their creative talent, enhancing their design process skills, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

• Lead design reviews, conduct fittings, and oversee prototype evaluations, ensuring rigorous quality control and continuous refinement of product aesthetics and functionality.

• Ensure all design outputs are strategically aligned with market demands, consumer expectations, and the CHARLES & KEITH brand positioning, driving revenue and market share.

• Establish and manage clear project timelines, priorities, and deliverables, ensuring the punctual execution of all design projects and integration into the broader product lifecycle.

• Champion innovation in materials, construction techniques, and design methodologies to elevate product differentiation and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

• Maintain proactive and transparent communication channels with global teams to ensure seamless project progression, timely feedback loops, and efficient problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been elaborated to emphasize the operational and strategic management aspects critical for a Design Manager. This includes translating trends into actionable product roadmaps, managing cross-functional workflows, and ensuring the efficient delivery of design assets that impact the entire product lifecycle and GTM strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading end-to-end design direction for footwear collections, from concept to commercialization.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for design visualization, technical flats, and presentation materials.

• Exceptional sketching and concept development abilities, with a strong portfolio showcasing creative ideation and compelling visual presentations.

• Deep understanding of footwear materials (e.g., leather, textiles), construction techniques, silhouette development, and effective color storytelling.

• Strong design sensibility characterized by a modern, trend-aware, and customer-centric perspective.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively balance creative vision with robust business acumen and commercial objectives, ensuring profitability and market relevance.

• Excellent leadership, team development, and motivational skills, with a capacity to guide and inspire a design team.

• Strong stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across diverse departments and global teams.

• High adaptability and receptiveness to feedback, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.

• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and superior project management skills for handling multiple concurrent projects.

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, crucial for cross-functional collaboration and team cohesion.

• A genuine passion for design, functionality, and the overall consumer experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software for footwear.

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials in fashion.

• Experience working with global manufacturing partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been augmented to include specific operational competencies such as PLM systems, project management, and stakeholder management, which are vital for a Design Manager to effectively integrate design initiatives into the broader business operations and product lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, established portfolio that comprehensively showcases creative direction, detailed product development processes, and demonstrable commercial success across multiple footwear categories.

• Evidence of trend interpretation and translation into innovative, market-ready concepts, highlighting the process from initial research to final product.

• Examples of technical design packs, including detailed specifications, material call-outs, and construction details, demonstrating a clear understanding of manufacturability.

• Visual presentation materials that effectively communicate design concepts, rationale, and market positioning to diverse audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate the design process from trend forecasting and concept generation through to final product approval, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Clear understanding of how design processes integrate with other operational functions such as merchandising, product development, and sourcing to ensure a cohesive workflow.

• Experience in establishing and refining design workflows to enhance team productivity, foster creativity, and ensure timely delivery of design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the need for a portfolio that not only displays creative output but also demonstrates a structured, process-oriented approach to design and product development, aligning with operational efficiency and GTM readiness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

• Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays).

• Employee discounts on CHARLES & KEITH products.

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

• Contribution to provident fund or equivalent retirement savings plan.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, there is an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and collaborate with global teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Singapore, considering experience level and the nature of the organization. Benefits are typical for a full-time management position in a reputable company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Footwear & Accessories. CHARLES & KEITH operates in a highly competitive, trend-driven global market, requiring agility and a keen understanding of consumer behavior to maintain brand relevance and drive sales.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 1,000+ employees). This implies established structures, robust operational processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across various departments and regions.

Founded: 1996. With over two decades in the industry, CHARLES & KEITH has built a strong brand identity and global presence, indicating a mature operational framework and a deep understanding of the fashion retail landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely operates as a core function within the Product Development or Merchandising division.

• The Design Manager will report to a Head of Design, Director of Product, or a senior executive overseeing the creative function.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, incorporating market trends, sales data, and consumer feedback to inform design strategies.

• Agile approach to design and product development, allowing for quick adaptation to evolving fashion trends and market demands.

• Strong emphasis on brand consistency and quality across all product lines and customer touchpoints.

Company Website: https://www.charleskeith.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been inferred from the brand's established presence and industry. This information helps operations professionals understand the operational environment, potential team structures, and the strategic importance of design within a large fashion retail organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the design function, bridging creative execution with operational oversight and strategic alignment. It requires not only design expertise but also strong leadership and project management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a senior leader such as a Head of Design or Director of Product. They will, in turn, manage a team of junior designers, assistant designers, and potentially design interns.

Operations Impact: The design direction set by this role has a direct and significant impact on product success, brand perception, sales figures, and overall profitability. Effective design management ensures that the product pipeline is optimized, commercially relevant, and aligned with the company's strategic growth objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Advancement to Head of Design, Creative Director, or a broader Product Development leadership role.

• Horizontal Growth: Transition into related operational roles such as Merchandising Management, Brand Management, or Global Product Strategy.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in trend forecasting, sustainable design, advanced design technologies, and international market nuances.

• Leadership Development: Formal training programs and practical experience in managing teams, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the operational progression and impact of a design leadership role within a fashion company, highlighting how design management contributes to overall business success and offering clear pathways for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at CHARLES & KEITH Group HQ in Singapore, suggesting a professional corporate office environment. This typically includes dedicated design studios, meeting rooms, and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): Charles & Keith Group HQ, Singapore. This central location likely offers good accessibility and proximity to other key business functions.

Workspace Context:

• A creative and collaborative studio environment designed to foster innovation and teamwork among the design team.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially material libraries.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional teams, facilitating efficient communication and project alignment.

• The environment will likely be fast-paced, demanding quick turnarounds and adaptability to evolving trends and business needs.

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, but with an expectation of flexibility to meet critical deadlines, attend global calls, and manage projects effectively across different time zones. This may involve occasional extended hours during peak design or product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a design management role within a corporate headquarters, emphasizing the blend of creative space and operational necessity for collaboration and efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and resumes for alignment with basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: A crucial step where the candidate's portfolio is assessed for creative vision, technical skill, commercial viability, and leadership potential. Candidates may be asked to present key projects.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Design) focusing on design philosophy, leadership style, trend interpretation, and problem-solving abilities.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Product Development, and potentially Marketing to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, trend interpretation, end-to-end product development process, and commercial success. Include a mix of conceptual and commercially driven work.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project – from initial research and inspiration to concept development, technical execution, and final product. Highlight how you incorporated market insights and business objectives.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., sales performance, customer engagement, successful product launches).

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, include projects where you led a team or mentored junior designers, showcasing your management style and team development approach.

• Presentation Matters: Ensure your portfolio is professionally presented, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to walk through it confidently, articulating your rationale and contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to identifying and interpreting new fashion and consumer trends.

• Prepare examples of how you have successfully balanced creative vision with commercial constraints and business objectives.

• Think about how you would manage and motivate a design team, foster creativity, and handle constructive feedback.

• Consider how you would collaborate with other departments (e.g., merchandising, product development) to ensure seamless product execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific guidance on preparing for the interview process, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and demonstrating operational capabilities beyond pure design aesthetics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for technical flats, vector graphics) and Photoshop (for mood boards, renderings, image manipulation) is essential.

• 3D Design Software: Potential use of tools like Browzwear, CLO3D, or similar for virtual prototyping and visualization.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for creating compelling visual presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Subscriptions to services like WGSN, Stylesight, or similar for market research and trend analysis.

• Internal Sales Data/BI Tools: Familiarity with accessing and interpreting sales performance data, customer feedback, and market analysis reports to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with PLM software (e.g., Centric PLM, PTC FlexPLM) for managing product data, workflows, and team collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in platforms like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for managing design project timelines, tasks, and team progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack have been populated with industry-standard software and systems relevant to design management and product development operations in fashion retail.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and pushing design boundaries while remaining grounded in commercial reality.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the end consumer in mind, ensuring products meet their needs, desires, and expectations.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to high standards in product design, execution, and brand representation.

• Agility & Adaptability: Responding quickly to market changes, trends, and business needs in a dynamic industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned on design direction and project status.

• Partnership-oriented, working closely with Merchandising to ensure commercial viability and with Product Development to ensure manufacturability and quality.

• Feedback-driven, embracing constructive criticism to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred to align with a leading fashion brand, emphasizing creativity, efficiency, and strong cross-functional partnerships, which are critical for operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend vs. Timelessness: Effectively interpreting fast-moving fashion trends while ensuring designs remain relevant and align with the brand's core aesthetic.

• Global Market Nuances: Adapting designs to suit diverse regional preferences and market demands while maintaining brand consistency.

• Supply Chain Constraints: Navigating material availability, manufacturing lead times, and cost pressures to deliver products on schedule and within budget.

• Managing Creative Teams: Motivating and guiding designers, fostering individual creativity while ensuring collective alignment with brand vision and operational targets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting Mastery: Deepening expertise in utilizing advanced trend forecasting tools and methodologies.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Gaining knowledge and implementing more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

• Digital Design Tools: Enhancing skills in 3D design software and other digital tools for virtual prototyping and visualization.

• Leadership and Management: Participating in workshops and programs focused on strategic leadership, team management, and cross-functional influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed from an operational perspective, focusing on how design management navigates real-world business constraints and offers pathways for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating seasonal trends into a cohesive footwear collection that aligns with a brand's commercial objectives." (Focus on market research, concept development, and commercial viability)

• "How do you ensure your design team remains innovative and creative while also meeting tight production deadlines and budget constraints?" (Highlight leadership, process management, and problem-solving)

• "Walk me through a challenging product development cycle you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your end-to-end process and problem-solving skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about the CHARLES & KEITH brand and our product aesthetic?" (Research the brand’s current collections, target audience, and market positioning)

• "How would you contribute to our company culture of innovation and collaboration?" (Align your values with the company’s stated culture)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by season, category, or project type. Start with your strongest leadership or most commercially successful projects.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story. Explain the brief, your inspiration, your process, the challenges, your solutions, and the final outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images of sketches, technical drawings, 3D renders, and final products.

• Data: Integrate any relevant data or metrics that demonstrate the commercial success or impact of your designs.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and an understanding of how design impacts business results, in addition to creative talent.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Visit the CHARLES & KEITH careers portal via the provided URL.

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive design portfolio that clearly showcases your creative direction, product development process, leadership experience, and commercial successes.

• Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, focusing on design leadership, trend interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio during interviews that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, ability to manage projects, and impact on business objectives.

• Research CHARLES & KEITH's brand, recent collections, and market positioning to articulate your understanding of their aesthetic and strategic direction.

⚠️ 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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