LEAD DESIGNER | SURF, STREET & LIFESTYLE
About the client:
Our client houses some of the biggest global names in the world of sport & lifestyle. With a legacy rooted in coastal culture and a strong presence in the fashion, retail & ecomm space they cater to customers that value adventure and individuality. Sustainability is an ongoing priority alongside their exciting growth, with a continued commitment to recycled materials, responsible production and protecting the environment.
About the role:
Working within the Merchandise team This role leads the end-to-end design process across seasonal ranges, from concept to production, with a strong focus on brand-driving categories, regional trends, and sustainability. It involves managing and mentoring the design team, setting seasonal direction, and collaborating with merchandising, development, and technical teams to deliver innovative, consumer-relevant collections. Key responsibilities include creating colour palettes and visual line plans, overseeing prints and graphics tailored to regional markets, and ensuring all design work meets pricing, margin, and sustainability targets. The role also owns the accuracy and flow of information across PLM and development systems, ensuring smooth execution and timely delivery of all product.
About you:
You’re a creative and commercially minded designer with over five years of experience in apparel graphic and textile design. You understand the full product lifecycle and know how to bring bold, brand-right ideas to life from concept through to delivery. You’ve got a knack for spotting trends and turning them into prints and graphics that speak to the target customer, all while keeping things aligned with brand values. Fast-paced environments don’t faze you…you’re organised, detail-oriented, and thrive when juggling multiple projects. You’re a strong communicator and collaborator, working seamlessly with internal teams, vendors, and partners to get things done. With deep experience across accessories and apparel, and solid skills in Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS, you bring both the creativity and the process know-how to deliver consistently strong results.
What’s on offer?
Be part of a pivotal time of growth
Gold Coast or Geelong based offices
WFH flexibility
Ongoing coaching and career development
Be part of a legacy business, with a global and collaborative team
Interested? Email your CV & Portfolio to connie@whointhezoo.com.au or jade@whointhezoo.com.au for a confidential discussion.
Hiring Consultant: Connie + Jade
Please note that only those applicants who fit the brief will be contacted in relation to their application.
RESPONSIBILITIES +
- Lead the design team including allocation of workload ensuring all key seasonal milestones are met.
- Lead the development of seasonal ranges, including technical design, colour palettes, and visual line plans.
- Design to the seasonal line plans provided by Merch – focus on brand driving categories and incorporating relevant regional trends that sit with the brands ethos.
- Partner with the development team to innovate, bringing fresh ideas and fabrics to the assortment and new products to market – particularly in our Brand driving categories.
- Build Regional Design Direction document incorporating marketplace trends and opportunities, colour palette and how this applies to the consumer and shapes future ranges.
- Lead the graphics direction for the brand's printable product categories, tailored to regional markets.
- Lead the development of prints, graphics, and artwork that align with the global and regional seasonal vision for the brand’s apparel
- Identify opportunities within the range, while proactively introducing consumer-relevant ideas and innovative concepts.
- Design with a focus on targeted price points, categories, and silhouettes, adhering to margin requirements.
- Collaborate closely with the development team to review prototypes, strike-offs, and submissions, overseeing the design process from concept to production approval.
- Ensure all design elements - artwork, prints, and fabrics—are delivered to suppliers in the correct formats with accurate, complete information.
- Partner with development and technical design teams to maintain accurate and up-to-date information on the Line Plan, PLM and catalogue.
REQUIREMENTS +
- 5+ years of experience in apparel graphic and textile design, with a strong understanding of product creation, development, and the design lifecycle.
- Proven ability to create and implement brand-aligned, consumer-relevant prints, art, and graphics that resonate with engage target audiences.
- Skilled at identifying key marketplace trends and opportunities, ensuring alignment with brand values and design aesthetics.
- In-depth knowledge of the product development process, including calendars, timelines, and deliverables.
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Expertise in designing and developing compelling products that meet brand aesthetics and adhere to project timelines.
- Strong collaboration skills, effectively communicating with internal teams, vendors, and partners to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products.
- Experience in design and product development across accessory categories, with a focus on seamless integration across product ranges.
- Comprehensive knowledge of product development calendars, timelines, and key milestones.
- Proficient in Mac OS and key design applications, including the Adobe Creative Suite, Word, and Excel.