Product Designer - Harrods Own Label

We are recruiting for a Designer to join our Own Label team here at Harrods. This is a brand new role reporting into the Design Manager, primarily looking after our Bags and Accessories.

About the Role  

The Own Label Designer will research, design and deliver collections of Bags and Accessories in line with the department strategy and against key dates. Within the role, you will create mood boards, concepts, key shapes and colour palettes that deliver innovation, best in class ranges and continually build brand equity. 

This role is also responsible for leading the design initiatives and gain the commitment of key stakeholders, constantly driving newness and ensuring a market leading customer value proposition. You will work collaboratively with the Own Label team and wider contributors, fostering relationships and encouraging a can-do and positive approach. You will accountable for delivering to deadlines at all times with demonstrating organisation and efficiency consistently.

Your duties will also include:  

• Driving best in class product and newness against the most efficient and slick design processes. 
• Drawing on a wide range of influences and to think ‘blue sky’ to deliver innovation. 
• Working closely with the Buyer, Merchandiser and Technical teams; demonstrating accountability and raising expectations and therefore overall quality of delivery. 
• Consistently delivering best practise processes that are industry standard, protecting Harrods best interests and ensuring right-first-time product. 
• Understanding the technicalities of product componentry, what will work technically to deliver the overall design aesthetic. 
• Responsible for being in regular communication with each supplier; briefing on seasonal trend, collating input pre-season (materials, trims, finishes, sample ideas etc), full and accurate Design Packs, quick & efficient problem solving.

About You  

We are looking for an experienced Designer in the Own Label space, able to demonstrate a solid track record of working in the Bags & Accessories space – any experience within other Own Label categories (I.E gifting or home) would be beneficial though isn’t mandatory. You will be an SME in leather bags, though you will be able to flex your style to another material or category as needed. 

You will be able to prioritise, adapt to and deliver against Key Dates and critical deadlines. You will be able to evidence when you have delivered on: sample hit rate, success of newness through rate of sale, Gross Sales and Net Contribution as well as Company EBITDA. 

You will also:

• Be able to demonstrate a premium taste level, at all times and across all categories. 
• Have excellent relationships building skills, with both internal and external parties.
• Be a team player, willing to step out of your day-to-day to support your team as needed.
• Have expert knowledge of the Stage and Gate process. 
• Be dedicated to delivering a “first-time-right” product. 

About Us 

Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and we’re becoming a destination the most sought-after brands from around the globe. Our combined mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences. 
  
Our Promise to You 
 
Help us make the impossible possible for our customers and we’ll do something remarkable for you. As well as offering a friendly environment to inspire your best work, we provide abundant opportunities and support to build an exceptional career across the varied specialisms of our business.

In return, you’ll receive an excellent benefits package, including a company pension, flexible working, 25 days’ holiday, and your birthday off, up to 33% in-store discount (including across our food hall and restaurants) and a season ticket loan. 
  
Uniquely You 
 
At Harrods we believe the personality and authenticity of our people sets us apart.  We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional. 

While our job adverts outline the ideal qualities, skills, and prior experience for the role, we believe in the potential for growth and value individual strengths. If you do not meet every desired criteria but feel you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role as well as a genuine interest in working for Harrods and you can demonstrate an alignment with our values, we would encourage you to apply.
 
If you want to know more about our people and our culture, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, Facebook or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods