About me
With over 18 years of industry experience I am a creative design and product development manager - specialising in design operations/process and strategically driven design and product development. Who wholeheartedly believes in creating product with consumer “want” and brand integrity.
The responsibilities that come as design and product development manager are leading a team with drive, clarity and purpose. Whilst offering professional up-skilling, mentoring and personal support to all team members. The end goal ultimately, is to create and bring together product category ranges that are on brand, on price point and to go beyond customers expectations.
With 5 years experience as creative design manager and the last year product development manager focusing more on design operations/strategy, ways of working and end to end design processes, (Kanban, LEAN and WASTE methodology practices). I have a strong combination of creativity bonded with what the business wants and needs to grow. Hands on experience in the implementation and change management of an internal PLM system (Centric 8 PLM, Design department SME) and the business wide critical path and design department roadmap (from concept through to pre production sampling). Personal drive and responsibility to increase business growth, team efficiencies (ways of working best practices) and product life-cycle alignment.
With a long working history of product design there is a lot of experience across many product areas to call upon. An excellent balance of both the creative side and business side of product and product range creation, this deep understanding of both sides helps guide in creating successful product ranges at the end of the design and development lifecycle.
In regards to product lifecycle I am very proficient in guiding teams (both internal and external licensed partners) through the entire design process roadmap. From inspiration “kick off” through to evaluating current trends with customer product feedback. To fulfilling the business growth/opportunities as contained within seasonal range plans.
Creatively I feel fulfilled at all steps in the development cycle from director presentations and range reviews through to helping and aiding more junior members of the teams. I am very hands on and willing to help and partake in all stages of the design cycle.
Work history
Product Development Manager Design Operations/Process and StrategyTed Baker
London, United KingdomFull Time
* Coming out of the Creative Design Manager role to look at the end to end workings of the Design department. Implementing (as part of the nominated team) a rigid and new business wide high level Critical Path and a more detailed departmental Low level Critical Path. Realigning and implementing new ways of working and operational “change” to deliver better efficiencies in design timings. Interaction and integration of Design, Buying and Production departments. Which has led to a leaner design timeline, including Speed to Market and BAU design workloads and design hit rates success.
* • Relooking at the creation and formulation of the seasonal design range plan. Making sure this document covers all of the business requirements. Retail. W/S. International. License Partners and Customer exclusives. Allowing the design team have a solid document to base the upcoming 8 to 10 weeks work on. The range plan retrospectively is then used as a measurement against design hit rate success. The options presented relate back to the merch and buying spend purse, to make sure the design team is not being overburdened with design options that are not needed.
* • The role and internal project has only showcased the importance of the creative side being integrated with clear strategy and timelines from a customer (retail and wholesale point of view) and also integrated with other key departments from the outset. Buying, Merch and Production.
Design ManagerTed Baker
- London, United KingdomFull Time
* • Proven department financial growth, Like for like against plan. Keeping inline with the Ted Baker business.
* • Strong relationship management and engagement, up and down the Ted Baker hierarchy. Design, Buying and Production Directors, and the wider Design, Buying and Merchandising, Wholesale and Production stakeholders.
* • Creative management of Accessories and Gifting department managing 8 team members.
* • Strong and direct critical path management, both internal and external (with Licensed Partners) driven from concise seasonal range planning. Implemented every season to maintain set business growth targets.
* • Cross department implementation of the business CP aligning the design, salesman sample and bulk deliveries time-frame within teams. Licensed Partners and all department supplier base, making sure deadlines are adhered to.
* • Design process constantly looked at for team efficiencies to ensure best practice is always maintained and improved upon. Moulding design best practices and processes to the PLM (Centric) system, one version of the truth shared throughout the business.
* • Presenting seasonal design ranges back to the teams when Salesman samples have been received. Briefing the wholesale team on what key designs and trends should be focused on when retail customers are purchasing.
* • Seasonal “Key ingredients” are identified through inspiration and product knowledge. Once defined they are driven through all departments, the internal creative design team and external Licensed business partners
* • Responsible for maintaining current supply base. Nurturing existing relationships and "onboarding" new suppliers as business needs arise. through reviewing and visiting supply base in HK and China.
* • Responsible (in conjunction with Clothing Design Managers) drive and set the direction for Seasonal inspiration trips to research and instigate the "Key Ingredients" visiting New York, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Tokyo, London. Research to create innovation, and protect core product lines.
+ Show more
Education
N
N
BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design: Furniture & ProductNorthumbria University
- Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom