Country Road Group (CRG) is embarking on transformation to position itself for growth, leveraging our scale, capabilities and culture as a House of Brands. We are investing in new and existing capabilities and have a number of exciting opportunities available.
The Creative Director is responsible for the overall creative vision and direction of Country Road – Apparel and Accessories. This role is crucially important in shaping the overall brand image, and ensuring that the creative output aligns with the brands vision and aesthetic.
This requires a comprehensive understanding of design and product processes, and a passion for the Country Road brand. The Creative Director will lead and inspire an experienced team of Heads of Design and will be accountable for delivering the product strategy, contributing to driving market share and growth.
Key Accountabilities
Creative Direction:
* Lead the Design team to research and forecast towards trend and colour concepts
* Presentation of creative vision and range to key stakeholders
* Identify and maximise opportunities for growth
* Maintain strong awareness of competitors in the marketplace (local and offshore).
Ranging:
* Lead the Technical Design team to research and develop technical design standards that are best-in-class and contribute to the brand’s product identity
* Lead the Design team to design and deliver product ranges aligned to the brand strategy, and aligned to the option plan, price points and trade insights
* Develop seasonal and monthly strategic design briefs, including colour, print, fabric/material direction and deliver to brand strategic objectives
* Accountability for quality of product, including material, construction and all details to ensure it aligns with brand vision.
Product Design:
* Oversee Design team to deliver concepts and design products with clear sketches
* Lead and inspire the Technical Design team to translating creative ideas into accurate, complete and timely tech packs.
Sourcing & Product Development:
* Collaborate with overseas agents and key vendors to communicate styling and design concepts
* Brief offshore agents/vendors to meet the requirements of the product – provide spec sheets and work with vendors and agents on selection of raw materials and components
* Ensure that quality standards are understood and adhered to via agent and vendor base in conjunction with the technical design team
* Continuously look for new innovative ways to improve quality and premium product opportunities
* Ensure supplier base is covering all requirements, and in conjunction with the sourcing team, source new suppliers, to ensure the business meets sales & GP, ensuring flexibility, speed to market and a focus on sustainability.
Stakeholder Management:
* Manage and communicate ideas and growth opportunities for the Brand
* Drive collaboration between Buyers, Designers, and Production teams to ensure designs meet creative vision and commercial objectives, and meet quality, and timely delivery of prototypes
* Drive collaboration with vendors by providing clear briefs, attending fittings, and offering technical feedback
* Drive store interaction, presenting the range and talking through key looks and attending store regularly to understand the customer on a deeper level
* Work collaboratively to implement approved business initiatives through existing operational structures and ensures ownership.
Travel:
* Attend overseas trips as required with Buying/Design team to get creative inspiration and additionally to guide design team on styles, colour and fabrications
* Drive team awareness of new countries to travel, looking for new innovative products.
People & Leadership:
* Provide leadership growth plan and development for the Apparel and Accessories Design team
* Ensure performance management processes are implemented in line with HR guidelines to support the succession planning process
* Participate in the Country Road Leadership Team, taking a strategic view of the brand’s business
* Take full responsibility for the outcomes of the function, ensuring it aligns with the broader business strategy and delivers on key objectives
* Create & foster an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive and feel included, respected and safe. Set clear expectations of behaviour and hold self and others accountable
* Collaborate across group, building team cohesion and connection, to inspire and bring our House of Brands strategy to life.
Key Capabilities
* Bachelor’s degree in design, or other related experience
* 15+ years of experience within Design, with extensive experience in a leadership role across multiple product categories including Womenswear, Accessories & Childrenswear
* Ability to analyse market trends and consumer behaviour to inform strategic design direction
* Ability to lead and inspire Heads of Design providing guidance and mentorship
* Ability to identify key trends and create and implement seasonal product vision
* Ability to manage design budgets effectively
* Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate design concepts and collaborate with cross-functional teams
* Ability to identify challenges that impair team effectiveness, find and implement effective solutions through collaboration
* Adaptable and willing to course correct based on market or production realities.
Why work for CRG?
The Country Road Group is one of Australasia’s largest Lifestyle Brand Houses comprising of iconic brands such as Country Road, POLITIX, Trenery, Witchery and MIMCO. Here are some of the great things we offer:
* Generous employee discounts across our House of Brands
* Seasonal clothing allowance
* An additional day of leave for your birthday
* An Industry leading Parental Leave Program
* Flexible working arrangements to support work/life balance
* Annual learning calendar to support the ongoing development of our team
* Support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility Program
* We are committed to operating ethically, sustainably, and responsibly.
About Country Road
Since 1974, Country Road has built a legacy of effortless style and quality designs that are made to last. From its products to its partnerships and stores, the brand looks to drive positive change so you can feel proud of every Country Road purchase you take home.