UMENCO is currently recruiting a Design Director for an internationally acclaimed Australian luxury fashion house, recognised for its progressive design language, architectural silhouette and a considered approach to modern femininity.

Reporting to the Founder and Creative Director, the Design Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the continued creative and commercial evolution of the house. Working closely with the Founder, CEO and senior leadership team, this position will lead the design function across all seasonal ready-to-wear collections, translating the brand’s distinctive creative vision into cohesive, considered and beautifully executed product.

The Design Director will oversee the creative development and execution of seasonal runway, pre-collection and commercial collections, ensuring a strong and consistent expression of the house’s design codes. Partnering closely with the Founder, the role will drive concept development, research, fabrication, colour direction, silhouette and collection architecture, bringing fresh creative perspectives while preserving the distinctive aesthetic of the brand. With a strong understanding of the international luxury customer, the Design Director will balance directional runway pieces with commercially relevant product, identifying opportunities to evolve signature categories, develop enduring icons and strengthen the overall collection offerings.

With exceptional technical expertise and an uncompromising approach to product excellence, the Design Director will take ownership of garment construction, fit, fabrication and finish across all collections. Working collaboratively with pattern makers, the Atelier, Product Development and Production teams, the role will lead fittings, oversee technical development and ensure each garment is resolved to the highest standards of craftsmanship. From innovative construction techniques and specialist fabrications to translating initial concepts into production-ready pieces, the Design Director will champion quality and technical precision without compromising creative intent.

A key leadership appointment, this position will build, mentor and develop a high-performing design team, establishing clear creative direction, accountability and effective ways of working. Acting as the Founder’s trusted senior creative partner, the Design Director will provide considered leadership across the design organisation, fostering a collaborative and ambitious environment while strengthening internal capabilities and resources. Working closely with the CEO, Merchandising and Commercial teams, the role will also bring a strong commercial perspective to collection development, using market insights, customer feedback and product performance to inform seasonal priorities and long-term category opportunities.

The Design Director will oversee the design department’s seasonal critical path, ensuring disciplined development processes, effective resource planning and timely delivery from initial concept through to final production handover. Collaborating across Design, Atelier, Product Development, Production and Commercial, the role will establish clear processes for fittings, sample reviews, approvals and technical sign-off, while proactively identifying and resolving development challenges. The role will also lead design readiness for the house’s international runway presentations, working alongside the Founder on final looks, silhouettes and collection cohesion, while overseeing garment development, fittings and presentation standards for Paris Fashion Week and international showroom markets.

The successful talent will bring significant senior design experience within an established international luxury or designer ready-to-wear environment, ideally within a Design Director, Head of Design or Senior Design Manager capacity. Possessing an exceptional creative sensibility, sophisticated product knowledge and extensive technical expertise across pattern making, tailoring, draping, fabrication and garment construction, the Design Director will have a proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary design teams. Experience partnering with a Founder or Creative Director, managing complete runway and commercial collections and navigating the demands of an international luxury business will be essential. Commercially astute, highly organised and confident in their leadership approach, the Design Director will bring the creative judgement, technical authority and operational discipline to support the next chapter of the the brands global growth.