Trend & Design Manager

The Trend & Design Manager will shape and translate fashion trends, customer insights, and creative direction into a commercially relevant design and trend strategy for the brand. This role will establish and lead a new Trends & Design function, bringing together trend forecasting, fashion direction, CAD, graphic design, and product design capabilities. The role will ensure the brand remains fashion-forward, relevant, and distinctive, while balancing creativity with commerciality, customer needs, and the overall brand strategy. Qualifications Matric/Grade 12 A relevant qualification in Graphic Design or Fashion Design or a related creative discipline Knowledge, Skills and Experience Fashion trend forecasting Ladies’ apparel and product design Fashion and consumer trends CAD and digital design Graphic design and print development Product development processes Fashion retail and commercial merchandising Competitor and market analysis Seasonal product planning Brand positioning and customer segmentation. Commercially aware - understands price point and sell-through Works well under pressure; manages multiple briefs to deadline Collaborative and receptive to buyer and design feedback Self-motivated; takes ownership from brief to approval Expert repeat and colourway skills in Illustrator Strong colour sensibility and Pantone fluency Clean, production-ready file output as standard Ability to read and interpret fabric and print tech packs Comfortable working across multiple print techniques simultaneously Key Responsibilities Trend Strategy & Fashion Direction Develop and own the brand’s overall trend and fashion direction. Identify the new directions in fashion, color, print, fabric, silhouette, and styling. Design Direction & Creative Concepting Establish a clear and consistent creative and design vision across the brand. Lead the development of seasonal design concepts and product stories. CAD & Graphic Design Direction Customer & Market Insight Stakeholder engagement and collaboration Policy In terms of the Company policy for appointments and promotions, preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team and contribute to employment equity within the Company provided that the competencies and minimum requirements for the position have been met. #J-18808-Ljbffr Speciality