Head of Design: Research & Development - Textile

Position Summary:

The Head of Design will drive the creative vision of the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission of human consciousness and women empowerment. This role entails leading the design team, collaborating closely with artisans, and ensuring each product meets aesthetic demands while preserving heritage. We seek a leader with innovative ideas who respects tradition and can blend modern trends with the timeless art of hand-crafted products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Leadership: Inspire and lead the design team to conceptualize, create, and execute remarkable product collections that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
• Collaboration with Artists: Engage with rural artists, valuing their traditional techniques, and incorporating these techniques innovatively into modern designs.
• Product Innovation: Conduct ongoing research on global design trends, material innovations, and sustainable practices to keep the organization at the forefront of the industry.
• Trend Analysis & Strategy: Analyze industry trends, competitors, and market feedback to shape design strategies, ensuring collections meet both domestic and international market demands.
• Team Development: Mentor and guide a creative team, aligning their growth with the organizations evolving design needs and goals.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with marketing, sales, and production teams to ensure design concepts are market-ready, feasible, and align with customer expectations.
• Heritage & Sustainability: Uphold the organizations commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and the rich heritage of hand-made products in all design processes.
• Client Engagement: Connect with key customers, interior designers, and industry leaders to gather insights and incorporate their input into future collections both locally and internationally. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• 15+ years of design experience, preferably within the textile, interior, or fashion industry.
• Proven ability to lead a design team and manage multiple collections from concept to production.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Suite, CAD) and traditional sketching methods.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the capacity to work cross-functionally.
• Passion for storytelling through design and translating brand values into product collections.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with luxury, hand-crafted goods.
• Familiarity with sustainable design practices.
• A global design perspective, with international market exposure.

Compensation:

Salary and benefits will be competitive and aligned with the candidate's experience, skills, and knowledge.