Mizuno - Apparel Design & Development Manager - Rotterdam

At Mizuno Corporation EMEA we're looking for a Apparel Design & Development Manager to join our team.

At Mizuno Corporation EMEA we’re looking for a Apparel Design & Development Manager to join our team.

About the job

In this role you lead and oversee the design and development team in creating innovative, market-leading apparel collections. This role involves overseeing the entire design and development process from concept to final product, ensuring alignment with brand identity, market trends, and customer needs. The Apparel Design & Development Manager will collaborate closely with design, development, merchandising, marketing, and production teams to deliver high-quality products that meet company objectives.

Main responsibilities include

Design & Development Leadership:

• Lead the design & development teams in developing seasonal collections that align with the brand’s vision and market trends.

• Translate market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis into innovative design concepts.

• Ensure consistency and alignment of the design aesthetic across all product lines.

Team Management:

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster creativity and professional growth.

• Set clear goals and expectations for the design team, conducting regular performance reviews.

• Manage workload and timelines to ensure on-time delivery of design projects.

Product Development:

• Collaborate with product development, merchandising, and production teams to ensure design concepts are feasible and align with cost, quality, and timeline requirements.

• Oversee the development of technical design packs, ensuring accuracy in specifications, fabric choices, and construction details.

• Participate in fittings and prototype reviews, providing feedback to ensure the final product meets design intent.

Trend Analysis and Market Research:

• Conduct and analyse market research, trend forecasting, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions and keep the brand competitive.

• Attend industry trade shows, fashion shows, and other events to stay current on trends and innovations.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, and merchandising to ensure design alignment with brand strategy and business goals.

• Present design concepts and collections to senior management and other stakeholders.

• Foster strong relationships with external partners such as fabric suppliers and manufacturers.

• Lead design on all international and professional team assets across Europe, provide initial concepts through to final full range story boards.

• Provide support to all European branch office designers to ensure that order forms are accurate for factory process and that designs are in line with all Mizuno brand guidelines.

Quality and Compliance:

• Ensure all designs meet the brand’s quality standards and comply with industry regulations.

• Maintain awareness of sustainable practices and integrate eco-friendly materials and processes into design where possible.

About you

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in apparel design.

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), CAD software, and other design tools.

• Strong understanding of garment construction, textiles, and manufacturing processes.

• Experience with 3D design.

• Excellent design and illustration skills with a strong sense of colour, texture, and detail.

• Proven track record of developing commercially successful designs that align with brand identity.

• Experience in the team sports industry designing high performance team kits and wider team sports business bespoke designs.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a creative team.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and ideas clearly.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Passionate about fashion and design with a keen eye for trends and market dynamics.

• Highly creative, innovative, and detail oriented.

• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.

What we offer

If you have what it takes then we can offer you a dynamic role within a successful and established sports brand.

You can expect a good salary, and good secondary conditions including good pension scheme.

Furthermore you will be working in an international and dynamic organization, within a challenging environment. We offer lots of space for talent and personal development. Also be sure to experience a fast growing and ambitious organization, which is known for the informal atmosphere and devoted colleagues.

And last but not least, when joining Mizuno, you will be part of a group of people who are working towards the same goal: making the brand as big as possible, without losing the high quality standards and philosophy out of sight.

Apply for the job

Do you want to join our team as our new Apparel Design & Development Manager? Then we’d love to hear from you!