Company Overview
Seasalt is a modern lifestyle brand with over 80 shops across the UK, Ireland and North America, 400+ wholesale stockists, and a growing global presence. Founded in 1981 in Penzance, we blend Cornwall’s artistic influence and maritime heritage into every garment. As a certified B Corp and winner of Drapers “Best Place to Work” in 2024, we balance culture with long‑term growth. This is a great time to join us as we expand internationally and in the UK.
Job Summary
As a Senior Design Manager you’ll lead and shape the creative design vision and strategic product initiatives, developing contemporary collections that resonate with our customers. Acting as deputy to the Director of Design, you will oversee a large multi‑category department, ensuring alignment with aesthetic, commercial and sustainability goals, with a strong emphasis on trend relevance and elevated styling.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop a forward‑thinking departmental design strategy and execute large, multi‑category collections that align with the brand’s vision, aesthetic and customer expectations.
* Lead seasonal trend direction, inspiration exploration, competitive analysis, colour palettes, fabric selection and silhouette development, translating insights into original, elevated collections with clear cohesive messages.
* Partner with the Director of Design and design managers to refine the overall brand aesthetic, ensuring consistency across all categories while pushing innovation and creativity.
* Build and coach a high‑performing design team, fostering creative and technical excellence, strategic thinking and effective decision‑making.
* Act as a key strategic partner with senior leadership to align design objectives with buying, merchandising, sourcing and business‑growth strategies, identifying opportunities to drive market growth.
* Maintain an ethical design approach, embedding circular design principles and responsible sourcing into core collections.
* Drive efficiencies in the design‑to‑production process, optimising lead times, costs and supplier collaboration.
* Support the Director of Design in high‑level collection planning, ensuring seasonal collections are well‑balanced, commercially sound and creatively inspiring.
* Contribute to fabric/material strategy, overseeing the design team to source and develop premium, sustainable and profitable fabrics, textures and finishes that align with the brand’s ethos of quality and longevity.
* Oversee critical path management of the design team to create successful designs, precise design packs and seamless cross‑functional integration, ensuring clarity and feasibility from concept to final product.
* Guide fit sessions and development sampling, refining silhouettes, proportions and craftsmanship to maintain premium quality standards.
* Partner with marketing, buying, merchandising and visual teams to craft compelling narratives around design concepts.
* Present collections and strategic insights to key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with campaign planning, brand vision, retail performance and growth strategy.
Qualifications
* Strong academic background in a creative subject or equivalent relevant professional experience.
* Proven knowledge of design methodologies and creative flair for fashion.
* Experience with trend forecasting, garment construction and realising designs in 2D and 3D.
* Previous senior design role such as Senior Design Manager, Head of Design or Head of Womenswear.
* Fashion retail industry experience and good commercial understanding.
* Proven experience in strategic planning, objective setting and team alignment.
* Strong ability to motivate, coach and support team members to meet objectives.
* Attention to detail, excellent visual and communication skills, and strong presenting ability.
* A proactive growth mindset, continuously developing skills, embracing feedback and adapting positively to new challenges.
Benefits
* 34 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
* Attractive 50% employee discount.
* Flexible benefits allowance to personalise your benefits package.
* Private Medical Scheme including 24/7 virtual GP.
* Free access to Employee Assistance Programme through Retail Trust with 24/7 support.
* Pension plan with generous 7% employer contributions.
* Life assurance programme.
* Enhanced family leave policies.
* Flexible working opportunities with hybrid working approach.
* Learning and Development opportunities.
* Two days per year paid volunteering opportunities.
* Employee networks, including Inclusion & Belonging Network.
* Large discounts on top retailers and gym memberships through discount hub.
How to Apply
This is a full‑time temporary role to cover family leave, lasting approximately 12 months. The role is based in Cornwall, with flexible work from the Head Office (minimum 3 days per week) and from home. Interviews will be held in person at the Head Office, including a project completion task. Closing date for applications is 21st May; roles may close earlier, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
To apply, send your CV, portfolio (link or attachment) and cover letter to careers@seasaltcornwall.co.uk.
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