Overview
Company Description: The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Barbour was founded to supply oilskins and other garments to protect sailors, fishermen and dockers. It remains family owned and now in its fifth generation. Barbour HQ is in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide, offering clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, which includes re-waxing and repairs and Barbour Re-Loved, an upcycling initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour for repair, rewaxing or alteration.
Position Overview: We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Womenswear Clothing to join our fast-paced womenswear design team, based at our Head Office in South Shields. You will be responsible for the management and direction of the Womenswear Clothing business in line with agreed objectives, driving the business forward across brands and categories in relation to sales, margin and strategic direction with adherence to agreed timelines. A key focus of the role will be aligning the Clothing range with the global market opportunity on price, product direction, range structure and relevance.
You will drive development to align to retailers and their needs, reference our competitor set and market ranges, while ensuring all womenswear clothing meets Barbour’s high standards for quality, durability and craftsmanship. You will be a key and valued member of the womenswear leadership team and pivotal in driving Barbour’s 5-year product and sourcing strategy. Key expertise in Womenswear Jersey, Knitwear and Woven’s are fundamental.
Responsibilities
* In partnership with the Womenswear Director (and wider leadership team), deliver outstanding market-leading product ranges that capitalise on global opportunities and meet the 5-year plan.
* Drive Womenswear Clothing forward by balancing authenticity and relevance, developing product plans to achieve business goals and the 5-year plan, at both high-level range direction and detailed item/price point levels.
* Lead and manage the Barbour Design Manager and BI and APAC Design, Design Managers (clothing team), ensuring alignment with standards and business objectives; foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
* With support from the Womenswear Director, ensure the team is engaged and focuses on all aspects of product design and development to deliver season-on-season product excellence. Ensure:
o Clear evidence of market research covering global markets and competitors
o Informed planning of the range by style/SKU/price/category focus/story
o Management of design and development processes in line with business needs and agreed BEEP timelines
o Product integrity, quality assurance and sustainability where possible
o Support for sales, marketing and the product triangle
o Active engagement to drive BEEP in core ranges, SMU programs and collaborations
Skills and Experience
* Outstanding understanding of womenswear apparel and what makes a great product (fabrics, detail, fit and competitive context).
* Extensive experience in Design & Development, especially in womenswear clothing, including costs/margin/RRP, seasonal drops and collections.
* Long-established experience working with overseas suppliers.
* Extensive experience and knowledge of brand and retailers in UK and global markets.
* Experience working with global markets (Europe/USA/Asia).
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
* Proactive, assertive, organized with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
* Strong people management skills with the ability to lead a management team.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills.
* All-round IT skills.
* Demonstrated understanding of the Barbour brand positioning, heritage and competitor brands.
Additional Information
* This role will require an extensive amount of travel both in the UK and internationally.
Benefits
* Discretionary company bonus scheme
* Staff discount
* Staff shop
* Healthcare cash plan
* 25 days holiday as standard, increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
* Access to training and development activities to support career development
* Free onsite parking
* Subsidised canteen
* Hybrid and flexible working
* 4pm finish on a Friday
* Wellbeing support
* Refer a friend bonus scheme
* Reward and Recognition Program
* Length of Service Rewards
Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications is received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
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