Head of Design

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Established in 2015, Rat & Boa is the work of friends Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett. Championing the essence of duality, Rat & Boa is more than just a fashion label – it’s a vibrant world where women are free to be and do everything and anything they want, empowered to embrace a bold and spirited way of life. The designs stand as timeless pieces crafted to elevate every moment of dressing up.

Born from a friendship of two distinct aesthetics, and a shared desire to create unique pieces, Rat & Boa is a celebration of nostalgic glamour with a modern twist. Interwoven with vivid signature prints, silhouettes and fabrications, each individual collection tells its own story but all are connected by a mission to show women stepping into their power.

We continue to grow year-on-year, building our community and exploring new challenges. Over the course of the year ahead, Rat & Boa has plans to branch into new categories as we evolve into a fully-fledged fashion house.

Welcome to the world of Rat & Boa.

VISION

With a successful e-commerce platform as our launchpad, Rat & Boa is expanding into new categories and overseas markets while remaining true to our direct-to-consumer roots. Our vision is to create a one-stop-shop experience, where customers worldwide can access our curated lifestyle products, and immersive experiences that celebrate individuality. Through innovation, localisation, and a commitment to our community, we're building a world where self-expression is at our core.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Head of Design will work directly with the Founders, to take forward their creative vision and build inspirational collections, leading the Rat & Boa Design Team to grow their ranges and expand into exciting new categories.


• Lead the studio and bring creative strength and newness to each collection, as well as understanding the commercial needs of the business to support the growth of the company.


• Research and maintain knowledge of relevant womenswear trends and our consumer insights to advise on silhouettes, finishes, suitability of fabrics etc.


• Initiate original design drapes and sketches, following the Founders’ briefs. Prepare relevant and creative research on themes, colours, fabrics and vintage inspiration around the season’s brief.


• Design product that conforms to the range plan and creative vision of the brand.


• Prepare and present design concepts, sketches, and technical specifications to the Founders, demonstrating clear and concise communication skills.


• Motivate, lead, and inspire a high performing Design Team, allocate work appropriately to meet deadlines and ensure design quality is maintained.


• Take Rat & Boa into new categories, hiring exceptional talent, permanent or consultancy, to achieve these goals.


• Enhance new ways of working, ensuring the team works in the most efficient and organised way.


• Work in conjunction with the Head of Production, to ensure that design to fabric gives a merchandised and balanced collection for sales with all price points and categories respected.


• Oversee the creation of samples and prototypes, providing valuable guidance and feedback to pattern makers, sample makers, and tech specs for the manufacturers to ensure accurate translation of designs.


• Conduct thorough quality checks on prototypes and samples to ensure they meet Rat & Boa’s stringent standards for fit, construction, and overall design excellence.


• Analyse sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to make informed design decisions and identify opportunities for improvement or new design directions.


• Be a champion for Rat & Boa’s brand identity and design goals, maintaining consistency across all collections and ensuring designs align with the brand's vision and values.

ABOUT YOU

• You are a talented Designer and Manager with at least 10 years of design experience within premium or luxury women’s fashion.


• A proven track record of creating iconic collections which stimulate customer engagement and demand, you will have strong commercial awareness and ability to design to price point.


• Bachelor's degree in Fashion design.


• Experience in leading and managing a team as well as hiring exceptional talent.


• Confident free-hand drawing skills, as well as excellent use and knowledge of Adobe Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.


• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and keep to strict deadlines.


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced high-growth environment.


• Understanding and affinity with the Rat & Boa aesthetic and tone of voice.


• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work with precision.


• Self-motivated and objective driven. Must not be content with the status quo and will always want to challenge and drive the business forward.


• Thinks like an entrepreneur, enthusiastic and not afraid of hard work, able to work in a fast-growing business.


• Strategic and commercial, with drive, enthusiasm and determination.


• A strong sense of a brand’s aesthetic and naturally highly creative. Someone who absorbs creative influences to raise the bar for innovation.


• Enjoys being hands-on, building from the ground up and is prepared to roll up their sleeves.


• Has a growth mindset and is able to think bigger.

WE OFFER

• Generous Holiday Package


• Hybrid working


• Employee Discount
  
  

*All applicants and interest will be managed by our retained search partner EJF Search. No agencies please.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.