Position Summary The Assistant Manager – Design is responsible for managing the design function, driving collection development, and ensuring alignment between creativity, manufacturing feasibility, and commercial objectives. The role requires robust leadership capability, technical knowledge of jewellery construction, and the ability to deliver market-relevant collections within defined cost and timeline parameters.
Key Responsibilities
1. Collection Strategy & Creative Direction •Develop seasonal and core collections in line with brand positioning and sales strategy. •Translate business requirements into innovative and commercially viable designs. •Conduct regular design presentations and obtain approvals from the Head of Department. •Ensure consistency in brand aesthetics across categories. 2. Team Leadership & Management •Mentor and evaluate the performance of the design team. •Allocate projects and monitor adherence to timelines. •Conduct structured design reviews and approvals. •Build capability within the team through training and feedback. 3. Design to Manufacturing Integration •Work closely with manufacturing to ensure technical feasibility. •Approve CAD files, technical sheets, and prototypes before production release. •Monitor prototype production planning and weight optimization •Travel to job-work karigar units located in other cities during manufacturing cycles to monitor progress,
ensure adherence to design specifications, and facilitate timely completion of production. •Resolve design-related production challenges in coordination with relevant teams. 4. Commercial & Cost Alignment •Ensure designs adhere to target gold weight and costing benchmarks. •Collaborate with merchandising/sales for pricing strategy inputs. •Balance aesthetics with profitability. 5. Quality & Process Control •Define finishing, setting, and detailing standards. •Monitor rejection rates and implement corrective measures. •Standardize documentation for design approvals and archives. 6. Innovation & Market Intelligence •Track domestic and international jewellery trends. •Introduce new techniques, finishes, and product concepts. •Benchmark competitor collections and identify opportunity gaps. •Travel to trade fairs, exhibitions, and industry events to facilitate innovation, track emerging trends, and identify new design and manufacturing opportunities. Required Skills •Strong creative vision with commercial acumen. •Deep understanding of gold, diamond, and gemstone jewellery manufacturing. •Leadership and cross-functional coordination skills. •Strong analytical and decision-making ability. Qualifications & Experience •Degree in Design specialising Jewellery •8–10 years of relevant experience in jewellery design •Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role