A Network of Opportunity

ABOUT DESIGNWORKS

Designworks is Brand Collective’s product and brand development powerhouse, partnering with leading global and local brands to create commercially strong, market-right product across apparel, lifestyle and licensed categories.

We bring brands to life through creative excellence, deep consumer understanding and operational precision, delivering collections that balance innovation, quality and commercial performance.

ROLE IN A NUTSHELL

As Design Manager – Kids & Licensing, you will lead the creative and commercial direction of multiple licensed kidswear brands within the Designworks portfolio.

Reporting into senior leadership and partnering closely with Account Managers, you will oversee the end-to-end design and development process, ensuring collections meet licensor guidelines, brand DNA, customer expectations and financial targets.

This role balances creative vision, operational execution and people leadership, guiding a team of Senior Designers, Designers and Assistants to deliver innovative, market-right product at pace.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Defining and driving the creative direction across multiple licensed kidswear brands, ensuring alignment to licensor guidelines, brand DNA and customer expectations
• Leading seasonal concept development including trend direction, key items, print, colour and fabrication
• Overseeing end-to-end range development from concept through to bulk production, ensuring critical path milestones are met
• Partnering with Senior Account Managers to build commercially successful ranges that achieve sales, margin and budget targets
• Reviewing sell-through and post-season analysis to refine future range strategy
• Leading, mentoring and developing Senior Designers, Designers and Assistants to build a high-performing, collaborative team
• Overseeing fabric and trim sourcing, factory briefing, approvals and quality standards in partnership with Production and QA
• Ensuring all collections are delivered on time, within financial parameters and to the highest presentation standards

ABOUT YOU

• 8–12+ years’ experience in Licensed Children’s Apparel Design with progressive leadership responsibility
• Proven experience leading a design team within a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Strong understanding of licensor guidelines and multi-brand portfolio management
• Deep knowledge of garment construction, textiles and manufacturing processes
• Commercially astute, with the ability to design within margin and financial frameworks
• Confident influencing Account Managers and cross-functional stakeholders
• Advanced Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills with strong visual presentation capability
• Experienced owning a brand or business unit end-to-end
• Tertiary qualification in Fashion Design, Graphic Design or similar

JUST SOME PERKS WE OFFER

• Pet-friendly workspace – Yes, your furry friend can join you at work!
• Generous discounts – Up to 50% off top brands like Reebok, Superdry, and Elka Collective!
• Exclusive LK Group discounts – Treat yourself to savings at Daniel’s Donuts, Hommey, Snooze & more!
• Access to sample sales – Exclusive to Brand Collective team members only.
• Leave when it matters – Paid parental leave & volunteer leave.
• Loyalty rewards – We celebrate your milestones with generous service awards!
• Well-being matters – Free access to Mental Health Professionals through our Employee Assistance Program.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

Lead the creative direction of iconic licensed kidswear brands, elevate a high-performing design team and deliver collections that bring global brands to life in the Australian market.

ABOUT BRAND COLLECTIVE

Brand Collective is one of Australia's most prominent apparel, footwear & sport groups, operating our omnichannel offer across 300+ stores with over 3,000 team members, a comprehensive online business and an extensive wholesale network. Our portfolio ranges from iconic heritage to timeless contemporary, from street culture to considered craftsmanship, and from private label to international luxury fashion brands. We bring brands to life!  

At Brand Collective our customers come from all walks of life, and so do we! We value diversity and inclusion in all forms, thus hire based on capability and performance. If you feel like your skills align with the role and company culture, apply today to bring brands to life!

Please note: at this time, Brand Collective are not seeking recruitment agency support for this role, and will not be liable for any unsolicited candidate profiles or associated fees. We encourage applicants to apply directly to this posting if they would like to be considered for this opportunity. The advertising of this role may close earlier than the listed date, and we encourage applicants to apply early.