Head of Design / Directeur.rice du Style

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design / Directeur.rice du Style

Company: Soeur

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: TEMPORARY

Category: Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2025-09-19T10:24:17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and stylistic direction for all product categories, ensuring alignment with the brand's core identity and aesthetic principles.

• Drive the end-to-end collection development process, from conceptualization and trend research to final product validation, managing multiple product lines simultaneously.

• Spearhead fabric and material sourcing initiatives, collaborating closely with production and development teams to identify and select high-quality materials that meet design and cost objectives.

• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment within the Studio, guiding a team of 7 to achieve creative excellence and meet project deadlines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Head of Design," the responsibilities described, such as leading collection development, fabric sourcing, and product validation, place this role firmly within a creative operations and GTM (Go-To-Market) function, focusing on bringing the brand's vision to life through tangible products. The "Style" aspect of the title further reinforces this operational execution of creative direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Construct and manage the global product offering across various categories including ready-to-wear (chain and weft, jersey, fleece, denim, knitwear) and accessories.

• Design desirable collections that are cohesive with the brand's DNA and artistic direction, translating creative concepts into market-ready products.

• Conduct in-depth trend research and develop mood boards to inform the creative direction and aesthetic of upcoming collections.

• Source and select fabrics and materials in partnership with the production and development team, attending trade shows and showrooms to identify key suppliers.

• Oversee product development, from initial concept and pattern making to fitting sessions and final product approval, ensuring quality and stylistic consistency.

• Adhere strictly to established project timelines and retro-planning schedules to ensure efficient collection rollout.

• Guarantee the quality and stylistic coherence of all assigned product lines, acting as the final gatekeeper for aesthetic integrity.

• Rigorously track project progress in close collaboration with the collection and sourcing teams, identifying and mitigating potential roadblocks.

• Maintain mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for design execution and presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "piloter l’offre produit au global" (managing the global product offering) and "Respecter les rétroplannings" (adhering to retro-planning) highlights a strong operations management component. The role requires not just creative output but also the structured execution and management of the entire design lifecycle, which is critical for GTM success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related creative field is highly recommended.

Experience: Significant experience (5-10 years) in fashion design and collection development, with a proven track record in ready-to-wear, particularly in chain and weft garments.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in fashion design and collection development, with a strong portfolio showcasing conceptualization and execution.

• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for all design-related tasks.

• Deep understanding of manufacturing techniques, pattern making, and garment construction.

• Proven ability to source and select fabrics and materials, understanding their properties and market availability.

• Strong creative sensibility with a passion for fashion and the ability to interpret and evolve brand codes.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage timelines and priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a "Number 2" or "Number 3" role within a recognized Artistic Direction department.

• Strong understanding of market trends and consumer behavior in the fashion industry.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

• Ability to propose new ideas and drive innovation within the creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "planche créative illustrant votre interprétation de l’univers de notre marque" (creative board illustrating your interpretation of our brand's universe) within the application strongly suggests a need for candidates to demonstrate not only technical skills but also strategic alignment with the brand's aesthetic and market positioning, a key aspect of creative operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a comprehensive range of collection development projects, from initial concept to final samples, demonstrating a clear creative process.

• Include examples of fabric sourcing and material selection, highlighting the research and decision-making behind these choices.

• Present detailed design sketches, technical flats, and mood boards that communicate creative vision and stylistic direction.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Suite tools for design, layout, and presentation.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured workflow design for collection development, from trend forecasting to final product delivery.

• Examples of process optimization in sourcing, development, or quality assurance phases.

• Documentation of collaboration processes between design, production, and sourcing teams to ensure seamless execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio with a "creative board illustrating your interpretation of our brand's universe" indicates a need for candidates to not only present past work but also to demonstrate their strategic thinking and ability to align their creative output with specific brand objectives, a crucial element for roles in creative operations and GTM strategy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Head of Design/Directeur.rice du Style in Paris with 5-10 years of experience in the fashion industry, the estimated salary range is €60,000 - €85,000 per year. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior creative leadership roles in major European fashion capitals, considering the temporary nature of the contract.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to lead creative direction for a recognized fashion house.

• Collaborative and dynamic studio environment.

• Direct impact on collection development and brand aesthetic.

• Potential for professional growth and creative expression.

• Access to industry events and trend insights through fabric sourcing activities.

Working Hours: Full-time, likely aligning with standard Parisian business hours (e.g., 39 hours per week), with the expectation of flexibility to meet collection deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a temporary contract (CDD), the salary and benefits package may be structured differently than a permanent role, potentially including a higher base salary or specific end-of-contract bonuses. The estimated range reflects typical compensation for this level of responsibility and expertise in the Parisian fashion market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail, specializing in contemporary womenswear with a focus on quality and accessible luxury.

Company Size: Soeur is a growing brand, likely with a team size that allows for close collaboration and direct impact, estimated between 50-200 employees based on typical fashion brand structures. The Studio team itself is small at 7 people, fostering an intimate and highly collaborative atmosphere.

Founded: Soeur was founded by two sisters, emphasizing a personal and dedicated approach to brand building and design. This foundation suggests a culture that values familial bonds, shared vision, and a hands-on approach to creativity.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design reports directly to the Artistic Director, who is also a founder, indicating a close working relationship and direct influence on brand strategy.

• The Studio team comprises 7 individuals, suggesting a flat hierarchy within the design department, encouraging direct contribution and collaboration from all members.

Methodology:

• Design processes likely emphasize a balance of creative exploration (trend research, mood boards) and rigorous execution (product development, fittings).

• Emphasis on quality and detail in fabric selection and garment construction, reflecting the brand's commitment to high standards.

• Collaborative problem-solving to navigate challenges in material sourcing and production timelines.

Company Website: https://soeur-1711354805.teamtailor.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding story by sisters suggests a culture rooted in shared vision, passion, and a hands-on approach to brand building. For a creative operations role, this implies an environment where collaboration, direct contribution, and a deep understanding of the brand's aesthetic are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the creative operations function, specifically focused on design and collection development. It is a pivotal role for translating the artistic director's vision into tangible products that drive market success.

Reporting Structure: The position reports directly to the Artistic Director (Founder), providing a clear line of accountability and a direct channel for strategic input and creative alignment.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design has a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue and market positioning by shaping the desirability and quality of the collections, directly influencing sales performance and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to transition from a temporary (CDD) contract to a permanent position based on performance and business needs.

• Opportunity to further develop leadership and team management skills within a growing fashion brand.

• Deepen expertise in all facets of collection development, from trend forecasting to production oversight.

• Expand network within the fashion industry through fabric sourcing and industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a temporary contract, a strong performance in this role could lead to permanent opportunities or serve as a significant stepping stone for further career advancement within the fashion industry, particularly in senior creative or GTM leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Paris, 75001, a central and prestigious location. The work environment is likely a creative studio setting, fostering collaboration and inspiration.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, Paris, 75001.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative studio environment where team members work closely together on collection development.

• Access to necessary design tools and resources, including Adobe Creative Suite.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Artistic Director and other key stakeholders.

• Exposure to the creative process from concept to final product, fostering a dynamic and engaging workspace.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely Monday to Friday, with potential for extended hours during peak collection development periods or pre-market preparations to ensure timely delivery of creative assets and products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The central Paris location offers excellent accessibility and places the role within a vibrant fashion hub, which can be beneficial for networking and staying abreast of industry trends.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV, motivation letter, and portfolio for creative alignment and relevant experience.

• Creative Assessment: A potential design challenge or discussion around a submitted "creative board" to evaluate interpretation of the brand's universe and creative thinking.

• Team/Artistic Director Interview: In-depth discussion about past projects, design philosophy, understanding of the brand, and approach to collection development and team management.

• Production/Sourcing Collaboration Discussion: Assessment of understanding of manufacturing, fabric sourcing, and ability to collaborate effectively with these teams.

• Final Interview: May involve discussions on strategic vision for collections and cultural fit with the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Brand Alignment: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates how your aesthetic and design process align with Soeur's brand identity. The "creative board" is crucial here.

• Process Demonstration: Showcase the entire collection development lifecycle, including inspiration, mood boards, sketches, fabric choices, and technical details.

• Technical Proficiency: Highlight your mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign through well-executed design assets.

• Quality & Detail: Emphasize your attention to detail in fabric selection, construction, and finishing, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality.

• Collaboration: Include examples that show your ability to work with production and development teams, demonstrating your understanding of their roles and processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Soeur's current and past collections thoroughly. Understand their brand ethos, target customer, and key design elements.

• Prepare to articulate your interpretation of the brand's universe and how you would evolve its style.

• Be ready to discuss your process for fabric sourcing, trend research, and collection planning.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively, focusing on the impact and relevance of each project to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior creative role like this will heavily weigh the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their creative vision and process. Demonstrating an understanding of the operational aspects of design (timelines, sourcing, collaboration) will be as important as artistic talent.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design and presentation work.

  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating technical flats, vector graphics, and detailed illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For mood boards, image editing, rendering, and concept visualization.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, lookbooks, and presentation materials.

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Software: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with PLM systems used in fashion for managing product data, revisions, and workflows would be highly beneficial.

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and familiarity with platforms like WGSN or Fashion Snoops for market research and trend analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of sales data and customer feedback to inform design decisions and collection performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an awareness of how design choices impact sales and marketing efforts is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the Adobe Suite highlights its critical importance. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency with these tools during the interview process, potentially through live demonstrations or detailed portfolio examples.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in design, quality, and execution across all product categories.

• Creativity: Fostering an environment that encourages new ideas, innovation, and artistic expression.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication between design, production, and development.

• Quality: Prioritizing well-made garments and carefully selected materials, reflecting the brand's ethos.

• Efficiency: Adhering to timelines and processes to ensure the smooth and timely development of collections.

Collaboration Style:

• Close-knit studio environment encouraging direct feedback and shared problem-solving.

• Cross-functional collaboration with production and sourcing teams, requiring clear communication and mutual understanding of objectives.

• Reporting directly to the Artistic Director fosters a style of collaboration that is aligned with the founder's vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "exigence, créativité et qualité" (exigency, creativity, and quality) are core values that will likely guide the team's daily operations and decision-making processes. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Viability: Ensuring collections are both artistically compelling and commercially successful in a competitive fashion market.

• Managing Timelines in a Temporary Role: Effectively delivering on all responsibilities within the contract period, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Sourcing and Production Constraints: Navigating potential challenges related to fabric availability, supplier relationships, and production lead times.

• Adapting to Brand DNA: Quickly understanding and effectively contributing to the established aesthetic and creative direction of Soeur.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience in leading the creative direction of a fashion brand.

• Develop expertise in key areas of collection development, fabric sourcing, and product lifecycle management within the fashion industry.

• Enhance leadership and team management skills in a fast-paced creative environment.

• Build a strong professional network within the French fashion scene.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the contract presents a challenge in terms of long-term project ownership but offers a focused opportunity to make a significant impact within a defined period. Success in this role can be a strong catalyst for future career growth in fashion operations and design leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you interpret Soeur's brand identity and propose creative directions for the upcoming collections, considering our current aesthetic and market trends?" (Focus on demonstrating brand understanding and strategic creative thinking.)

• "Describe your process for developing a new collection, from initial inspiration and mood boarding to final product sign-off. How do you ensure quality and stylistic consistency throughout?" (Highlight your structured approach to design operations.)

• "Walk us through a challenging fabric sourcing project you managed. What were the key considerations, and how did you overcome any obstacles to meet design and quality requirements?" (Showcase your sourcing expertise and problem-solving abilities.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of Soeur's brand values, and how would you embody them in your role as Head of Design?" (Research the brand thoroughly and connect your personal values.)

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with an Artistic Director and how you would ensure effective collaboration and alignment." (Show your ability to work within a hierarchical structure and contribute to a shared vision.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story, guiding the interviewer through your creative process and decision-making.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your experience in collection development, fabric sourcing, and brand alignment.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure all visuals are high-quality and clearly communicate your design intent and technical execution.

• Metrics & Impact (where applicable): If possible, include any quantifiable results or positive feedback related to your previous collections.

• The Creative Board: Be prepared to passionately present and defend your creative board, explaining your thought process and how it reflects your understanding of Soeur's universe.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize your ability to translate creative vision into operational execution. The interview will assess not only your design talent but also your project management capabilities, collaborative spirit, and understanding of the fashion business cycle.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Teamtailor platform.

• Tailor your CV and Motivation Letter: Specifically highlight your experience in collection development, fashion styling, fabric sourcing, and team leadership. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on contributions to successful collections.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is meticulously organized, visually appealing, and directly addresses the requirements. Critically, include a "planche créative" that showcases your interpretation of Soeur's brand universe.

• Prepare for the Creative Challenge: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your creative vision for the brand. Research Soeur's latest collections and market positioning.

• Research the Company: Understand Soeur's brand ethos, target audience, and recent activities to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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