The Design Lead plays a critical role in strategically driving the success of multiple departments through effective trend building, strategic planning and range building. Working collaboratively with leaders across Merchandising, Buying, Sourcing, Technical, Global Commerce and Marketing, they are responsible for leading teams to achieve directional & commercially successful outcomes for the departments and wider business. You will lead the product strategy for multiple departments, managing a team of Designers and working collaboratively with the wider Retail team to deliver a commercial and trend-led range that is loved by the MW ASOS Design customer, globally.
You will be collaborative, organised, and strategic with your finger on the pulse of fashion - always looking to push the range for our global markets forward. Contribute to design direction and ensure that product design is aligned to the strategic vision & focused on delivering a compelling and commercial offer appropriate for our target customer. The Design Lead will contribute to MW ASOS Design success and growth by managing & developing a highly creative design team.
What you'll be doing:
Supporting the Design Director to contribute to the product and design vision for MW ASOS Design
Work collaboratively with colleagues across Menswear product departments including Leads and Heads of category, Buying, Merchandising and Technical management team to create the range
Overseeing range development, ensuring that the product reflects the Brand strategy, the range is without gaps or duplication, and that the season is logically and commercially thought through.
Shaping a strategy for the departments you are responsible for that is aligned to the wider Commercial and MW ASOS strategy, understanding how the range sits within the overall ASOS portfolio
Work collaboratively with other functions to deliver the MW ASOS strategy
Drive and embed a best-in-class proactive Team, which supports the delivery of MW ASOS Design Brand of the Future
Management of the MW ASOS Design teams
Identifying new product opportunities as they emerge in the market and actioning those in the range in a commercial manner
Manage the process of creating a balanced range, developing Big deals, key seasonal shapes, trends and items for the MW ASOS Design customer
Collaborate across departments and functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearly
Work collaboratively with WW colleagues across Design & Heads of Category management team when required to share processes and trend information
Shaping the product direction of multiple departments and strategy with key partners
Operating as a senior manager within the Commercial division, working in close partnership with ASOS Design Leads & Heads of category and the wider Retail team to deliver profitable departments, irrespective of market conditions and shifting trends
Anticipating the needs of the customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend information to deliver commercial product ranges and shape the future of the division
Working with leaders in the Global team to understand global planning and trading strategy for departments, identifying new moments and opportunities to support global requirements
Building and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams to drive evolution within the strategy
Shaping and driving lean, agile processes and ways of working for departments
Maintains and instils in the departments a strong understanding of global competitors' product offer to pivot team activity and manage risks, as required
Analysing trading patterns, advising teams and ensuring appropriate action is taken to unforeseen sales reactions.
Working with Merchandising & Buying Leads to ensure that product reviews are held at the appropriate time for product sign-off.
Guiding team on range building, taking into account Options, ALB strategy and global requirements
Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team
Leading and driving business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change
Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios
Leading and building a strong team with a focus on growing future talent
Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working
Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback
/01 Company Description
We're ASOS. We blend our flair for fashion with our love of cutting- edge technology, but more importantly were interested in how we can bring the best out of you.
We exist to give people the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgment, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.
Through our Fashion with Integrity strategy we are driving diversity, equity and inclusion across every aspect of ASOS and ensuring every ASOSer can be their authentic self at work. We want our people to be whoever they want to be, because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work.
/02 Job Qualifications
We'd love to meet, someone who:
Proven MW experience is a requirement
Shows strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context
Has a proven track record in Design within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer
Demonstrates the ability to drive the success of multiple departments through strategic and commercial thinking
Can successfully influence and gain buy in from the team and leaders to potentialize opportunities
Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team while we continue to embark on our AI journey
Presents performance and strategy to the team and management with an engaging and confident style
Shows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making
Demonstrates a commercial and analytical mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider ASOS strategy
Uses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business
Has a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context
Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders Exec level and other functions
Has an effective and inclusive management style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development
Shows a deep understanding of the ASOS customer and customer segmentation and reflects this in decision making
/03 Additional Info
What’s in it for you?
Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
Employee sample sales
Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
25 days paid annual leave + an extra day for your birthday
Discretionary performance related bonus scheme
Private medical care scheme
Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
what our people say
Meet The Team
Meet Geeta Gohil -
Commercial @ ASOS
Meet Ian Amer -
Commercial @ ASOS
Meet Mui Abdul -
Commercial @ ASOS
Working at ASOS has made me realise how much I feel like I belong here. It’s exciting and refreshing. The authenticity and inclusivity ASOS has makes it even better to work here. Everyday is a different day; I am learning new things, meeting new people and be involved in so many amazing buying projects.
I love ASOS for two main reasons – firstly because as a company it is never afraid to try something new or challenge the way we work; we really have the autonomy to push ourselves in new directions.
ASOS is incredibly inclusive which means so much to me as a queer Black woman. There are so many opportunities here beyond your role, so you can really boost and build your dream career here. And the people! I’m inspired everyday by my colleagues, the creativity here is unparalleled!
Geeta Gohil
Commercial @ ASOS
Working at ASOS has made me realise how much I feel like I belong here. It’s exciting and refreshing. The authenticity and inclusivity ASOS has makes it even better to work here. Everyday is a different day; I am learning new things, meeting new people and be involved in so many amazing buying projects.
Ian Amer
Commercial @ ASOS
I love ASOS for two main reasons – firstly because as a company it is never afraid to try something new or challenge the way we work; we really have the autonomy to push ourselves in new directions.
Mui Abdul
Commercial @ ASOS
ASOS is incredibly inclusive which means so much to me as a queer Black woman. There are so many opportunities here beyond your role, so you can really boost and build your dream career here. And the people! I’m inspired everyday by my colleagues, the creativity here is unparalleled!
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
our business values
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We are Customer First
We couldn’t be ASOS without our customers.
Across every behaviour, value, and all that we do, we see everything through our customers’ eyes. That means never taking anything for granted and always zeroing in on every single detail. So we can always bring our best as a team, and our customers can have an amazing experience, every time.
We are Authentic
We work together to be honest, transparent, and our full authentic selves.
This is our ASOS. Our culture, built on collaboration and togetherness, and supported by what’s real and honest. We know that we win bigger when we win as a diverse team. That means celebrating our differences and using them to help us stand out from the crowd, without losing our authenticity and individuality.
We are Brave
We challenge each other to aim high and reach our potential.
Doing nothing gets us nowhere. We may be proud of everything we’ve done so far, but there’s still so much more to explore. We believe we can always be wiser, faster, stronger, bigger, braver, kinder…so asking ‘why’ isn’t just a question, it’s a necessity. We use our voice to drive us forward, speaking up on the things our people and customers care about and using our curiosity to create possibility.
We are Creative
We know innovation leads to inspiration – it’s what makes us stronger
Change is in our DNA. By acting fast and staying one step ahead of the curve, we can be a leader, not a follower. But for our products and platform to be innovative, they have to be fuelled by creative passion and a deep understanding of our customers and our people.
We always Deliver
We couldn’t be excellent without evidence – so whatever we’re doing, we have proof of why we’re doing it.
It takes facts and data to tell our stories and help us make our decisions in the most effective way possible. This means we can do what we say and own what we do, no matter how long it takes us to do it. We aren’t about nonsense ifs, buts and maybes, we’re about creating an ASOS that’s built for future success on delivered success.
Our Benefits
Employee Discount
The most asked-about benefit! As an ASOSer, you’ll receive an exclusive employee discount. You can also nominate a family member or friend to share your discount with.
Pension
Retirement might not be on your mind right now, but it’s important to prep for it. We offer matched contributions up to 5% to help you save.
Private Medical Care scheme
If you join our Private Medical Care scheme, you’ll get fast and effective access to medical cover.
Bonus
What we achieve is always a team effort. That’s why we offer a discretionary bonus scheme which rewards you based on our group financial and strategic performance.
Celebratory Day!
Get an extra day off in addition to the 25 days of annual leave you get! Spend it celebrating the big days in life, whether it’s birthdays, cultural holidays, weddings and anything else.
Shuttlebus Service (if you're based in our Leavesden office)
It’s more of a work perk, but we offer a free shuttlebus between Watford station and our office in Leavesden.
Sample Sales
We’ve always got fun things happening in our offices, but the one ASOSers get most excited about is our sample sales. Plus, all proceeds from the sample sale get donated to the ASOS Foundation, which helps our charity partners abroad.
Career Development
You’ll have the opportunity for personalised learning and in-the-moment experiences to create a dynamic and agile learning environment that empowers you to thrive and excel in your role.
Summer Hours
We finish at 3pm on Fridays in June, July and August!! This perk doesn’t mean a dip in your salary – it just gives you extra freedom to enjoy those summer weekends however you want.
Location
Our HQ in London
Our HQ in Camden was once a cigarette factory – now, the iconic Art Deco building has been completely renovated with spacious office areas, ASOS Studios (where we shoot all our products), beauty rooms and a free gym. There’s also a subsidised canteen and café.