Head of Design, Liberty Brand

Introduction

Established in 1875, Liberty Brand boasts a rich legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and exceptional talent inspired by its founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty. The company culture thrives on passion, vision, and innovation, reflected in every facet from flagship stores to fulfillment centers.

Job Purpose

The Head of Design will shape the seasonal creative direction for one of Britain's most iconic fashion names. This role involves transforming the brand's heritage and signature style into fresh, contemporary collections spanning ready-to-wear and accessories. Managing a close-knit studio, collaborating directly with Liberty's Italian Printing Mill, you will oversee creative leadership and commercial delivery comprehensively.

Responsibilities

• Establish the seasonal creative vision for Liberty Brand encompassing print, silhouette, color schemes, textures, and moods that remain both distinct and progressive.
• Interpret global fashion trends, runway insights, and cultural influences to design collections that are relevant, original, and reflective of Liberty's unique handwriting.
• Lead the entire design lifecycle across product categories from initial concept stage to final approval.
• Be responsible for approving color choices, scale, print placements, and colorways.
• Confidently present collections, providing context, commercial insight, and market positioning to internal teams, clients, media, and international partners.
• Act as the chief guardian of the Liberty archive, working closely with archivists to leverage its cultural and commercial potential.
• Serve as the main design contact between the Liberty Italian Printing Mill and production/QC teams, ensuring alignment of creative vision with manufacturing capabilities.
• Lead efforts to develop innovative base cloths, finishes, and printing methods.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand product lines beyond traditional textiles.
• Champion the integration of sustainable and ethical materials throughout design and production processes.
• Lead and mentor the design studio team, fostering talent development and clear growth trajectories.
• Maintain smooth collaboration between Design, Sales, Merchandising, Production, QC, and Licensing departments.
• Report regularly to the Design Director on creative progress, team performance, budgets, and production timelines.

Candidate Profile

• At least 8 years in a senior design role within premium or luxury fashion sectors, especially in textile or print houses.
• Extensive expertise in print design, textile development, color theory, fabrication, and strong affinity with womenswear.
• Experience liaising directly with European textile manufacturers.
• Proven ability handling large-scale creative or historical archives.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen balancing creativity with business objectives.
• Proven leadership skills in managing and growing high-performing design teams.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional storyteller crafting cohesive, compelling, and distinct seasonal narratives aligned with the Liberty identity.
• Perfectionist dedicated to quality from concept to completion, prioritizing craftsmanship over commercial pressures.
• Highly curious and insightful, drawing inspiration widely from runway, archive, street culture, and beyond, while avoiding imitation.

Equal Opportunities

Liberty Brand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. It opposes discrimination of any form and ensures all employees and applicants are treated fairly regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any protected characteristic.