Global Design Lead Kipling

Kipling Global is looking for an exceptional Global Design Lead to join our Product team based in Antwerp, Belgium.

At Kipling we are on a mission. To live a vibrant and colourful life, go to places we’ve never been before. Be curious. Dare to live the life we’ve always wanted. That’s our mission and influences everything we do. At Kipling we empower you to go your own way. Diversity makes us stronger and at Kipling we do believe your story matters, this is why we welcome all backgrounds.

Let’s talk about the role!     

You will be part of the Kipling global product department team and will work closely with the Global Merchandising and Development Leads. You will own the global Kipling design direction from defining the seasonal collections to work on a longer-term design strategy together with the Brand VP and Merchandising Lead. Your mission is to define and execute the Global product vision for the brand. You will be responsible for the Kipling design pipeline and the long-term design vision implemented into seasonal introduction. You will manage and coordinate the work of a team of 6 designers based across 3 regions.

How You Will Make a Difference

Your main responsibilities are:

• To design the Kipling product lines to meet the needs of the target consumers and the market requirements in terms trend, distribution and brand positioning

• To manage the entire product design process from trend research, to detailed briefs and final assortment confirmation

And you will achieve this by:

Analyse

• Understanding the needs of the target consumers and competition environment by organising and participating to the GTM process, visits on location and continuous market research

• Being updated on market dynamics, upcoming trends by visiting fairs, conference, networking and market visits

• Ensuring the products designed are meeting the market standards in terms of price level, quality and fitting

Plan

• Building the long term and short-term product design pipeline alongside Brand VP

• Proposing and following-up on innovation and internal energy roadmap

• Allocating design projects to the team of designers and monitor the evolution of the collection’s ideations, briefs, feedback

• Screening the development of prototype samples and interact with both merchandising team and Asia to ensure timely completion of each project but also making sure the collections are fitting the initial project definition

• Together with development team, identify key issues in product construction, material selection, manufacturing and pricing by thorough evaluation of finished products including construction, finishing as well as testing

Brief

• Making sure the team is accurately briefed and following the collection specifications matching the plan

• Coordinating with product development by providing sampling information including fabrication, colour, graphic applications, prints and styling

• Being in touch with external provider to maintain innovation mindset

Execute

• Align design findings and interpretation on a seasonal level

• On-site development follow-up at factory locations worldwide by reviewing items and delivering face to face sample comments 

• Together with merchandiser manager, ensure target margins are met or exceeded on by reviewing design concepts

• Organizing and support the product meetings as well as sales conferences as well as by taking part in the presentations and delivering group presentations

Skills for Success

• Design related degree

• Minimum 8 years of design experience, preferably in the fashion and accessory industry,

• People management experience  

• Deep understanding of the Kipling brand as well as the performance and industry

• You have a Global vision that can fit the specific regional needs and ambitions

• Language skills: Fluent in English (both written and spoken).

• Willing to travel Globally

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles a