HEAD OF DESIGN | PERFORMANCE SPORTSWEAR
Melbourne | Full-Time | 4 Days in Office
We’ve partnered with a globally recognised performance sportswear brand to recruit an exceptional Head of Design to lead its next chapter of product innovation and creative direction.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced design leader to shape the future of a performance-driven brand, sitting at the intersection of sport, innovation, technology, and design.
You’ll lead a talented design team while remaining closely connected to the product — pushing creative boundaries, exploring new materials and construction techniques, and creating products that perform at the highest level.
Why You’ll Love It
4 days in the office within a highly collaborative and creative environment
Join a globally recognised performance sportswear brand
Lead the creative vision across apparel and accessories
Work alongside Product, Merchandising, Sourcing, Marketing and Innovation teams
Drive product innovation across fabrics, construction, fit, and technology
Lead and develop a talented, multidisciplinary design team
Be part of a high-performance, supportive culture where people are encouraged to challenge ideas and raise the bar
Opportunity to influence the future direction of an established global brand
The Role
As Head of Design, you’ll own the creative vision and design strategy across the global product portfolio.
You’ll lead the Design team from initial concept through to final product, ensuring collections combine performance, innovation, premium aesthetics, and commercial relevance.
Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you’ll translate customer and market insights into product that pushes the boundaries of performance sportswear while strengthening the brand globally.
Interested? Email your CV to Seirian@whointhezoo.com.au or apply via the link for a confidential discussion in the new year.
*Only suitable candidates will be contacted in relation to their application.
Hiring Consultant: Seirian Puw
Job Code: 1659981
Please note that only those applicants who fit the brief will be contacted in relation to their application.
RESPONSIBILITIES +
- Set and lead the creative vision and seasonal design strategy across apparel and accessories
- Lead the design team across concept, development, fit, and final product execution
- Drive innovation across fabrics, construction, trims, silhouettes, and performance technologies
- Partner with Product and Technical teams to ensure design concepts translate into high-quality product
- Collaborate with global suppliers and mills to develop new materials and manufacturing solutions
- Balance creative direction with commercial, customer, and market requirements
- Partner with Merchandising, Marketing, Sourcing and Finance to deliver commercially successful collections
- Ensure design consistency and brand integrity across global markets
- Champion sustainability and responsible product development across the design process
- Mentor and develop the Design team, building capability and a high-performance culture
REQUIREMENTS +
- 10+ years' experience within apparel, sportswear, activewear, or performance product design
- Proven experience leading a design team within a premium or internationally recognised brand
- Strong creative vision with a track record of delivering commercially successful collections
- Deep understanding of performance fabrics, garment construction, fit, and product innovation
- Experience working with international suppliers, factories, and mills
- Strong commercial understanding and ability to balance creativity with business objectives
- Inspirational people leader who enjoys developing and mentoring creative talent
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills
- Strong Adobe Creative Suite, CAD and PLM experience
- Degree in Fashion, Apparel Design, Product Development, or a related discipline