Design Director, Soho

The Role

We are looking for aDesign Director to lead the Soho Home Design team and drive the creative direction quality and delivery of our product collections across Furniture Upholstery Lighting Mirrors Décor and Textiles.

Working closely with the Chief Creative Officer this role will translate the overarching creative vision for Soho Home into a clear ownable and commercially relevant product direction - ensuring every collection feels distinctive & cohesive to Soho Home.

The Design Director will provide strong creative leadership to the Design team while bringing pace and consistency to the journey from concept through to sketching development and finalisation.

This is a highly collaborative role working closely with Product Operations NPD QC to ensure the creative ambition is delivered through to production.

Key Responsibilities..

Creative Leadership

• Work closely with the Chief Creative Officer to define and evolve the creative direction for Soho Home across each season.
• Translate the wider Soho Home creative vision into clear product and category direction for the Design team.
• Maintain a strong and consistent creative point of view across all categories and seasons.
• Ensure collections feel considered as a whole with a clear balance of statement pieces core products and commercial opportunities.
• Push the team to develop products with a strong design narrative whilst maintaining the quality craftsmanship and functionality expected of Soho Home.
• Identify opportunities for new design directions materials techniques collaborations and categories.
• Ensure Soho Home continues to feel culturally relevant and creatively progressive without losing its established design language.

Line Planning & Seasonal Direction

• Establish clear category direction product briefs and creative priorities before design work begins.
• Ensure the Design team is working against an agreed line plan with clarity on what needs to be designed why and by when.
• Balance creative ambition with commercial production and capacity considerations.
• Review collections holistically throughout the season to identify gaps duplication or opportunities.
• Lead seasonal sketch reviews and ensure designs are developed against the agreed creative and line-plan direction.
• Ensure the team maintains momentum from initial concept through to finalisation.

Design Team Leadership

• Lead inspire and develop the Soho Home Design team creating a high-performing and collaborative creative culture.
• Set clear expectations around quality output deadlines and ownership.
• Allocate design work effectively across the team taking into account category expertise and capacity.
• Manage and mentor Designers supporting their development and creative growth.
• Provide regular feedback and challenge to ensure the team is consistently producing work at the required level.
• Identify skills gaps and support the development of the teams capabilities.
• Build strong relationships across Design NPD QC and Product Operations to ensure the wider product team operates as one function.

Product Development

• Provide creative leadership throughout the design and development process from initial concept through to final approval.
• Work closely with NPD and Product Operations to ensure creative decisions are translated accurately into development.
• Review and approve key design developments finishes materials and details.
• Ensure the integrity of the original design intent is maintained throughout development and production.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers and manufacturers where required to push quality craftsmanship and innovation.
• Support the resolution of design challenges during development without compromising the overall creative vision.
• Ensure products are designed with a clear understanding of manufacturing…