Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager – Design Basics Non Apparel

Dubai, UAE

The job holder will be responsible for tracking technological advancements, analyzing changes in market demand for the product group and developing new product lines in the area of private label development and specifying product design parameters and standards.

• Product Design Budgeting – Prepare product design and development budget for approval. Ensure all design and development activities are carried out within budget. Develop product/packing material sourcing plans that ensure cost reduction.
• Product Research – Identify consumer preferences and trends and translate them into styles and products that relate to their needs. Research global markets to identify new trends, fabrics, techniques and more. Gather information from industry trade groups, trade shows or market research.
• Product Design – Define product architecture and key steps in product design and development. Participate in conceptual development of product lines, sell ideas and convince others. Ensure that product is consistent with market trends, meets market demands, reflects company image and business strategy. Oversee brand clarity and parity across businesses. Provide recommendations for seasonal themes, line edits, new concepts. Provide insights regarding style and fit of product.
• People Management – Manage and support recruitment, monitor staff welfare and facilitate complaint resolution, set KRA’s for direct reports and conduct performance appraisal, oversee staff deployment and drive motivation levels of direct reportees.

• Fashion Diploma or Degree from a reputable Fashion College/University such as NIFT or Pearl.
• Post Graduate degree in Business Administration.

• Minimum 9‑10 years overall experience.
• 6 years of design experience in a multi‑category and multi‑format retail set up, including at least 3 years of management experience heading and running a successful design studio.

• Advanced knowledge of merchandising design process and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of retail industry and products.
• Advanced knowledge of fabric, embroidery, color palettes, Photoshop, Corel
  
  DRAW and Illustrator.
• Innovation & creativity.
• Attention to detail.
• Leadership skills.

• Buyers – Recommending/discussing product design, fabric, trim, colors and planning for buying season.
• Marketing / Territory Retail – Understanding customer feedback on product make and quality; involving in conceptualising, planning and styling seasonal brand campaigns.
• Key vendors – Communicating design parameters to third‑party sourcing partners.