Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: The Warehouse Group

Location: Kaipātiki, Auckland, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Leadership / Retail Operations

Date Posted: 2025-09-16T05:37:59.887

Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior/Executive)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creative vision and design strategy for The Warehouse's private label product ranges, encompassing apparel, home, and general merchandise.

• Drive innovation across the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and design excellence to market-ready assortments, ensuring customer resonance and commercial success.

• Lead and mentor a talented in-house multi-category design team, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and sustainable design practices.

• Collaborate strategically with Merchandise and Marketing teams to embed design excellence and shape the overall creative direction for the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in defining the aesthetic and commercial success of The Warehouse's private label offerings, requiring a strong blend of creative leadership, strategic thinking, and deep retail product development expertise. The emphasis on innovation, including AI and 3D design, highlights a forward-looking approach to design operations within a large retail context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the overarching creative vision, design direction, and product aesthetic for all private label categories.

• Develop and implement comprehensive design strategies that align with business objectives, customer needs, and evolving market trends.

• Cultivate a dynamic culture of creativity and innovation, championing the adoption of advanced design technologies such as AI, 3D design, and digital sampling.

• Champion and embed sustainable and ethical design practices throughout the product development process.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Merchandise, Marketing, and other key departments to ensure cohesive and customer-centric product assortments.

• Lead, inspire, and mentor a high-performing, multi-category design team, fostering professional growth and skill development.

• Develop and implement design-to-cost solutions that effectively balance trend relevance, product innovation, and commercial viability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic leadership role focused on product innovation and brand aesthetic. The mention of "design-to-cost solutions" signifies an operational requirement to balance creative output with commercial realities, a common challenge in retail operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Extensive experience (10+ years) in a senior design leadership position, such as Head of Design or Design Director, preferably within a fast-paced, customer-focused retail environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in a Head of Design or Design Director role within a fast-paced, customer-focused retail environment.

• Deep expertise across multi-category design, with a strong foundation in apparel design; experience in home goods and/or general merchandise is highly advantageous.

• A robust design portfolio showcasing innovative thinking, leadership in trend forecasting, and demonstrable commercial impact.

• Significant experience in leading, managing, and developing large design teams, with a track record of building high-performance creative cultures.

• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills and demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.

• Forward-thinking mindset with a passion for exploring and adopting new design technologies and methodologies.

• Profound understanding of customer needs and a consistent drive to exceed expectations through design.

• Expertise in developing and implementing design strategies aligned with business goals and market trends.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI, 3D design, and digital sampling tools and workflows.

• Knowledge of sustainable and ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices in design.

• Experience in a large, established retail organization with a significant market presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong portfolio. The "10+" years of experience derived from common industry standards for "Head of" roles. The mention of AI and 3D design points to a need for candidates to be abreast of emerging design technologies relevant to retail product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a clear and compelling creative vision for private label ranges across apparel, home, and general merchandise.

• Evidence of strategic design thinking, showcasing how design decisions were informed by market trends, customer insights, and commercial objectives.

• Case studies illustrating the impact of design leadership on product innovation, brand aesthetic, and commercial success, with quantifiable results where possible.

• Examples of leading and mentoring design teams, highlighting team development, creative culture building, and process optimization within design functions.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and document design processes, from concept generation and trend research to final product handover, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Experience in establishing and refining workflows for multi-category product development to ensure timely and commercially viable launches.

• Capability to present data-driven insights and analysis that inform design decisions and measure the effectiveness of design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating strategic vision and commercial impact. The emphasis on process documentation reflects the operational aspect of managing a design function efficiently within a large retail organization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role in Auckland, New Zealand, with 10+ years of experience in a large retail organization, a competitive annual salary would likely range from NZD $150,000 to NZD $200,000+. This estimate considers the seniority, leadership scope, and the significant responsibility of shaping product for a major retailer.

Benefits:

• Hybrid work model with up to 2 days remote work.

• On-site free car parking.

• Access to EV charging facilities.

• Generous discounts across The Warehouse Group brands.

• 26 weeks paid parental leave for permanent team members.

• Birthday leave.

• Comprehensive wellbeing support programs.

• Excellent opportunities for career advancement and professional development within the business.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement. The role likely requires a commitment beyond typical 9-to-5 to meet project deadlines and strategic objectives, common for leadership positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on market research for similar senior design leadership roles in Auckland, factoring in the scale of The Warehouse Group. The comprehensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, common in larger, established companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Department Store, Apparel, Home Goods, General Merchandise). The Warehouse Group is a major player in the New Zealand retail landscape, known for its broad product offering and community presence.

Company Size: Large enterprise (The Warehouse Group operates numerous stores and employs thousands of individuals across its brands). This size implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: The Warehouse was founded over 40 years ago, indicating a company with a rich history and deep roots in the New Zealand market, continuously adapting to consumer needs and market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The design team will likely be integrated within the broader Merchandise and Marketing functions, collaborating closely with buyers, product developers, and marketing strategists.

• The Head of Design will report to a senior executive, likely within the Merchandising or Product division, with direct management responsibility for a team of designers across various categories.

Methodology:

• Design decisions will be data-informed, leveraging customer insights, sales data, and market trend analysis to guide creative direction.

• Workflow planning will focus on agile and efficient product development cycles to meet retail demands, with an emphasis on innovation and time-to-market.

• Automation and efficiency practices are being encouraged, particularly with the integration of AI and 3D design tools to streamline processes and enhance creative output.

Company Website: www.thewarehousegroup.co.nz

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding The Warehouse Group's history and market position is crucial for candidates. The company's purpose, "Help Kiwis live better everyday," suggests a customer-centric culture. The scale of the organization implies a need for strong process management and cross-functional alignment from the Head of Design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an executive-level role, equivalent to a Director or Vice President in other organizations, leading a critical function within the company. It represents a significant step in a design career, moving from management to strategic leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will report to a senior executive, likely a General Manager or Chief Merchandising Officer, overseeing the entire private label design function and its strategic contribution to the business.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a direct and substantial impact on The Warehouse's commercial performance by shaping the aesthetic, quality, and desirability of its private label products. This role influences customer perception, sales volume, and profitability across multiple categories.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand scope to oversee design functions for other brands within The Warehouse Group portfolio.

• Opportunities to lead digital transformation initiatives within the design department, driving the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

• Pathway to more senior executive roles within merchandising, product management, or even broader commercial leadership positions.

• Professional development through industry conferences, workshops, and potential executive education programs focused on retail leadership and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career progression potential within a major retail group. The emphasis on innovation and strategic impact provides a clear path for growth beyond the core design responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment located at The Warehouse Group's headquarters or a significant regional office. The description mentions a hybrid working model.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 26 The Warehouse Way, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand. This location is described as convenient, offering on-site amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact closely with merchandise planners, marketing specialists, and other key stakeholders.

• The environment is likely equipped with modern design tools and technology to support creative workflows and innovation, including the aforementioned AI and 3D design capabilities.

• Team interaction is encouraged, supporting a culture of shared learning and creative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, with the flexibility of hybrid work. The nature of the role may require occasional work outside standard hours to meet critical deadlines, such as product launch cycles or seasonal planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement signifies a modern approach to workplace culture. The emphasis on collaboration within the office environment suggests that in-person interaction is valued for strategic alignment and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by HR and the hiring manager to assess alignment with experience and creative vision. Candidates should prepare a concise overview of their career highlights and design philosophy.

• First Interview: Likely a deeper dive into experience, leadership style, and strategic approach with the hiring manager or a senior leader. Be ready to discuss specific examples of design strategy implementation and team management.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and commercial impact. A specific case study or problem-solving exercise related to private label development might be assigned. Focus on storytelling, clear articulation of process, and quantifiable results.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandise, Marketing, and potentially other departments to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit. Prepare to discuss how you would work with these teams.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior executive (e.g., Chief Merchandising Officer or CEO) to discuss overall strategic fit and vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to retail private label development, focusing on apparel, home, and general merchandise.

• Structure your presentation with a clear narrative: problem, your role, process, solutions, and outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Emphasize your strategic approach to design, demonstrating how you align creative direction with business goals and customer insights.

• Include examples of leading teams, fostering innovation, and managing design-to-cost considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions about your approach to setting a creative vision, managing diverse design teams, and driving innovation.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach the challenges of balancing trend relevance with commercial viability and cost constraints in a large retail setting.

• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you foster a positive and productive creative culture.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with new design technologies like AI and 3D design and their potential application in this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, evaluating not only design talent but also leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills. The portfolio is a critical component, so candidates should invest time in its preparation and presentation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design suites such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential.

• 3D Design/Visualization: Experience with 3D design software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear, Adobe Substance 3D) is highly desirable given the mention of this technology.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Familiarity with PLM software for managing product data, development processes, and supply chain collaboration.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity with or a proactive interest in AI-powered design tools for trend analysis, concept generation, or pattern creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for analyzing sales data, market trends, and customer feedback to inform design strategy.

• Retail Analytics Platforms: Understanding of tools used for analyzing retail performance, customer behavior, and market share.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how customer data from CRM systems informs design decisions is beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) to manage design team workflows and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on modern design technologies like AI and 3D design indicates that candidates with experience in these areas will have a distinct advantage. Proficiency in standard creative suites and an understanding of retail analytics are also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of millions of Kiwi customers through relevant and desirable products.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to enhance product offerings and design processes.

• Collaboration: A belief in working together across departments to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive customer experiences.

• Efficiency & Commercial Acumen: A focus on balancing creative excellence with commercial viability and cost-effectiveness in product development.

• Sustainability & Ethics: A commitment to responsible design practices that consider environmental and social impact.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture likely fosters open communication and a collaborative spirit, encouraging cross-functional teams to work together seamlessly.

• Expect a process of continuous feedback and iteration, where design ideas are refined through input from various business functions to ensure alignment and market fit.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, particularly around new trends, technologies, and best practices in design and retail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply tied to its purpose and operational approach. Candidates should align with a collaborative, customer-focused, and innovative mindset.

<h3>⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities</h3>

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Commercial Viability: Ensuring that cutting-edge design and new technologies are implemented in a way that is commercially successful and cost-effective for a large retailer.

• Managing Diverse Product Categories: Overseeing design for a wide range of product types (apparel, home, general merchandise) requires broad expertise and effective team delegation.

• Leading Through Change: Guiding the design team and broader organization in adopting new technologies and methodologies, such as AI and 3D design, can present change management challenges.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that the design of private label ranges aligns with The Warehouse's overall brand identity and customer expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technology Adoption: Leading the integration and mastery of emerging design technologies like AI and 3D design, offering significant professional growth.

• Executive Leadership Development: Opportunities to enhance strategic leadership, financial acumen, and broader business management skills.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent The Warehouse Group at industry events, conferences, and forums to stay ahead of trends and build professional networks.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and potentially be mentored by senior leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant professional challenges that are also rich with opportunities for skill development and career advancement, particularly in the realm of digital transformation within design.

<h3>💡 Interview Preparation</h3>

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a comprehensive design strategy for a major retail brand's private label offerings. How do you ensure it aligns with business objectives and customer needs?" (Focus on strategic planning, market analysis, and integration with business goals.)

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation within a design team, specifically encouraging the adoption of new technologies like AI and 3D design?" (Provide examples of your leadership approach and change management strategies.)

• "Walk me through a challenging cross-functional collaboration you've experienced. How did you navigate differing opinions and achieve a successful outcome for a product launch?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about The Warehouse Group's purpose of 'Help Kiwis live better everyday,' and how do you see design contributing to this?" (Showcase your understanding of the company's mission and values.)

• "How would you approach building and leading a multi-category design team to ensure high performance and creative excellence?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy, team development strategies, and performance management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, present 2-3 key projects in detail, focusing on the narrative arc: the challenge, your strategic approach, the creative process, the implementation, and the quantifiable results (sales uplift, customer engagement, cost savings).

• Visuals: Ensure your portfolio is visually compelling and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images, mockups, and process diagrams.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as stories where you, as the leader, drove innovation and achieved specific business outcomes.

• Technology Integration: Weave in examples of how you've utilized or would utilize modern design technologies (AI, 3D) to enhance creativity and efficiency.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's impactful and within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions will require candidates to deeply understand The Warehouse's business, its customer base, and the challenges of the retail design landscape. Demonstrating strategic thinking and a clear vision will be paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your design portfolio to specifically showcase your experience with retail private label development, emphasizing apparel, home, and general merchandise. Highlight projects that demonstrate innovation, trend leadership, and commercial impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of leadership experience in design, focusing on achievements in strategy development, team leadership, and driving commercial success in retail environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic vision. Prepare detailed case studies for your portfolio presentation that demonstrate problem-solving, collaboration, and quantifiable results.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Warehouse Group, its brands, its purpose, and its market position. Understand its customer base and current retail challenges to effectively tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Warehouse Group before making application decisions.