Menswear Design Lead, ASOS Design

Company Description

We're ASOS. We blend our flair for fashion with our love of cutting- edge technology, but more importantly were interested in how we can bring the best out of you.

We exist to give people the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgment, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.

Through our Fashion with Integrity strategy we are driving diversity, equity and inclusion across every aspect of ASOS and ensuring every ASOSer can be their authentic self at work.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be, because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work.

Job Description

The Design Lead plays a critical role in strategically driving the success of multiple departments through effective trend building, strategic planning and range building. Working collaboratively with leaders across Merchandising, Buying, Sourcing, Technical, Global Commerce and Marketing, they are responsible for leading teams to achieve directional & commercially successful outcomes for the departments and wider business. You will lead the product strategy for multiple departments, managing a team of Designers and working collaboratively with the wider Retail team to deliver a commercial and trend-led range that is loved by the MW ASOS Design customer, globally.

You will be collaborative, organised, and strategic with your finger on the pulse of fashion - always looking to push the range for our global markets forward. Contribute to design direction and ensure that product design is aligned to the strategic vision & focused on delivering a compelling and commercial offer appropriate for our target customer. The Design Lead will contribute to MW ASOS Design success and growth by managing & developing a highly creative design team.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting the Design Director to contribute to the product and design vision for MW ASOS Design

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Menswear product departments including Leads and Heads of category, Buying, Merchandising and Technical management team to create the range

• Overseeing range development, ensuring that the product reflects the Brand strategy, the range is without gaps or duplication, and that the season is logically and commercially thought through.

• Shaping a strategy for the departments you are responsible for that is aligned to the wider Commercial and MW ASOS strategy, understanding how the range sits within the overall ASOS portfolio

• Work collaboratively with other functions to deliver the MW ASOS strategy

• Drive and embed a best-in-class proactive Team, which supports the delivery of MW ASOS Design Brand of the Future

• Management of the MW ASOS Design teams

• Identifying new product opportunities as they emerge in the market and actioning those in the range in a commercial manner

• Manage the process of creating a balanced range, developing Big deals, key seasonal shapes, trends and items for the MW ASOS Design customer

• Collaborate across departments and functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearly

• Work collaboratively with WW colleagues across Design & Heads of Category management team when required to share processes and trend information

• Shaping the product direction of multiple departments and strategy with key partners

• Operating as a senior manager within the Commercial division, working in close partnership with ASOS Design Leads & Heads of category and the wider Retail team to deliver profitable departments, irrespective of market conditions and shifting trends

• Anticipating the needs of the customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend information to deliver commercial product ranges and shape the future of the division

• Working with leaders in the Global team to understand global planning and trading strategy for departments, identifying new moments and opportunities to support global requirements

• Building and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams to drive evolution within the strategy

• Shaping and driving lean, agile processes and ways of working for departments

• Maintains and instils in the departments a strong understanding of global competitors' product offer to pivot team activity and manage risks, as required

• Analysing trading patterns, advising teams and ensuring appropriate action is taken to unforeseen sales reactions.

• Working with Merchandising & Buying Leads to ensure that product reviews are held at the appropriate time for product sign-off.

• Guiding team on range building, taking into account Options, ALB strategy and global requirements

• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team

• Leading and driving business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change

• Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios

• Leading and building a strong team with a focus on growing future talent

• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working

• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback

Qualifications

We'd love to meet, someone who:

• Proven MW experience is a requirement

• Shows strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context

• Has a proven track record in Design within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer

• Demonstrates the ability to drive the success of multiple departments through strategic and commercial thinking

• Can successfully influence and gain buy in from the team and leaders to potentialize opportunities

• Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team while we continue to embark on our AI journey

• Presents performance and strategy to the team and management with an engaging and confident style

• Shows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making

• Demonstrates a commercial and analytical mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider ASOS strategy

• Uses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business

• Has a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context

• Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders Exec level and other functions

• Has an effective and inclusive management style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development

• Shows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making

Additional Information

What’s in it for you?

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)

• ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)

• Employee sample sales

• Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials

• 25 days paid annual leave + an extra day for your birthday

• Discretionary performance related bonus scheme

• Private medical care scheme

• Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits