Design Head

Job Description:

The Design Head will serve as the creative custodian and strategic design leader for the company, entrusted with the responsibility of conceptualising, developing, and institutionalising a distinctive, world-class design language for the brand. The role demands a rare blend of aesthetic excellence, commercial acumen, innovation, leadership, and people management, ensuring that the company’s design portfolio consistently elevates brand positioning and establishes the company as a standout force in the global diamond and fine jewellery market.

This position will be solely accountable for building a future-ready design ecosystem spanning ideation, portfolio creation, seasonal collections, and design governance while aligning creativity with business strategy, market trends, and customer aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Strategy & Brand Differentiation

• Define and own the end-to-end design vision and philosophy of the brand, ensuring alignment with business objectives and long-term growth strategy.

• Conceptualize and curate world-class, original design collections that create a strong and recognizable brand identity in both domestic and international markets.

• Build a signature design DNA that differentiates company from competitors and positions the brand as innovative, aspirational, and timeless.

• Translate brand strategy into commercially viable design portfolios without compromising on creativity, craftsmanship, or quality.

2. New Design Creation & Portfolio Ownership

• Lead the complete design lifecycle—from market research, concept creation, sketching, CAD development, prototyping, and final design approval.

• Personally oversee and approve all new design concepts, ensuring originality, trend relevance, and global appeal.

• Build and maintain a robust design portfolio across categories, collections, and customer segments, ensuring scalability and repeatability.

• Continuously introduce fresh, innovative designs that respond to evolving consumer preferences, fashion trends, and luxury sensibilities.

3. Market Intelligence & Trend Leadership

• Conduct in-depth analysis of global jewellery trends, consumer behaviour, fashion movements, and emerging markets.

• Benchmark designs against leading global luxury and diamond brands to ensure competitiveness and excellence.

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Merchandising teams to ensure designs are market-relevant, commercially successful, and aligned with customer demand.

4. Leadership, Team Building & Capability Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and excellence.

• Build strong internal design capabilities by setting design standards, workflows, quality benchmarks, and review mechanisms.

• Provide strategic direction, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities to designers, CAD specialists, and supporting teams.

• Act as a role model for creative leadership, collaboration, and ethical design practices.

5. Cross-Functional & Business Collaboration

• Work in close partnership with Production, Sourcing, Sales, Marketing, and Quality teams to ensure design feasibility, cost optimization, and timely execution.

• Ensure seamless transition from design concept to production while maintaining design integrity and craftsmanship.

• Support marketing initiatives by contributing to brand storytelling, campaign concepts, catalogues, exhibitions, and trade shows.

6. Governance, Quality & Compliance

• Establish strong design governance frameworks, including IP protection, originality checks, and documentation.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, ethical sourcing norms, and regulatory
• requirements applicable to the diamond and jewellery industry.
• Drive continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and technology adoption.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Jewellery Design, Product Design, Fine Arts,
• Fashion Design, or a related discipline from a reputed institution.
• Formal training in CAD design tools and advanced jewellery design technologies will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 18–28 years of progressive experience in jewellery or diamond design, with at least 8–12 years in a senior leadership role.

• Proven track record of creating and scaling successful design portfolios for premium or luxury brands.

• Hands-on experience in leading design teams and driving innovation at a brand level.

Technical & Functional Competencies

• Exceptional expertise in diamond jewellery design, craftsmanship, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong command over design software (CAD, Rhino, Matrix, or equivalent tools).
• Deep understanding of global luxury markets, customer psychology, and commercial design viability.
• Ability to balance creative excellence with business outcomes.