We are on a mission
To live a vibrant and colourful life – go places never been before. Be curious. Dare to live the life we’ve always wanted. That’s our mission. Well, you may say: It’s just bags. Yes, that may be true. But sometimes it’s the simple things that make life easier.
Exploring the world with curiosity
We empower you to go your own way. That’s why we inject all our creativity and out-of-the-box thinking into developing thoughtful designs with a casual coolness. Simply put, we design bags that inspire mobility and lighten your life.
Our success story started in ‘87 in the heart of the fashion capital Antwerp (Belgium) with the iconic crinkled nylon bags. Today Kipling’s well-known bags and accessories are available around the world in 436 stores in 80 countries and can be found in more than 7500 shops including the best department-stores, and kipling.com.
Kipling is part of VF Corporation one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Dickies®, Eastpak®, Kipling®, icebreaker®, Napapijri® and many more.
Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We believe that when you discover the difference between a career and a calling, you get so much more out of life. When those lines begin to blur, you start to limit yourself much less and start aiming for more.
That’s what we want for everyone who joins us at VF. And frankly, that’s what it takes to thrive here too.
Antwerpen
Werkplek: kantoorjob
Ervaringsniveau: junior
Kipling Global is looking for an exceptional Global Design Lead to join our Product team based in Antwerp, Belgium.
At Kipling we are on a mission. To live a vibrant and colourful life, go to places we’ve never been before. Be curious. Dare to live the life we’ve always wanted. That’s our mission and influences everything we do. At Kipling we empower you to go your own way. Diversity makes us stronger and at Kipling we do believe your story matters, this is why we welcome all backgrounds.
Let’s talk about the role!
You will be part of the Kipling global product department team and will work closely with the Global Merchandising and Development Leads. You will own the global Kipling design direction from defining the seasonal collections to work on a longer-term design strategy together with the Brand VP and Merchandising Lead. Your mission is to define and execute the Global product vision for the brand. You will be responsible for the Kipling design pipeline and the long-term design vision implemented into seasonal introduction. You will manage and coordinate the work of a team of 6 designers based across 3 regions.
How You Will Make a Difference
Your main responsibilities are:
To design the Kipling product lines to meet the needs of the target consumers and the market requirements in terms trend, distribution and brand positioning
To manage the entire product design process from trend research, to detailed briefs and final assortment confirmation
And you will achieve this by:
Analyse
Understanding the needs of the target consumers and competition environment by organising and participating to the GTM process, visits on location and continuous market research
Being updated on market dynamics, upcoming trends by visiting fairs, conference, networking and market visits
Ensuring the products designed are meeting the market standards in terms of price level, quality and fitting
Plan
Building the long term and short-term product design pipeline alongside Brand VP
Proposing and following-up on innovation and internal energy roadmap
Allocating design projects to the team of designers and monitor the evolution of the collection’s ideations, briefs, feedback
Screening the development of prototype samples and interact with both merchandising team and Asia to ensure timely completion of each project but also making sure the collections are fitting the initial project definition
Together with development team, identify key issues in product construction, material selection, manufacturing and pricing by thorough evaluation of finished products including construction, finishing as well as testing
Brief
Making sure the team is accurately briefed and following the collection specifications matching the plan
Coordinating with product development by providing sampling information including fabrication, colour, graphic applications, prints and styling
Being in touch with external provider to maintain innovation mindset
Execute
Align design findings and interpretation on a seasonal level
On-site development follow-up at factory locations worldwide by reviewing items and delivering face to face sample comments
Together with merchandiser manager, ensure target margins are met or exceeded on by reviewing design concepts
Organizing and support the product meetings as well as sales conferences as well as by taking part in the presentations and delivering group presentations
Skills for Success
Design related degree
Minimum 8 years of design experience, preferably in the fashion and accessory industry,
People management experience
Deep understanding of the Kipling brand as well as the performance and industry
You have a Global vision that can fit the specific regional needs and ambitions
Language skills: Fluent in English (both written and spoken).
Willing to travel Globally
What’s in it For You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.
A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
When applying be sure to reference Creativeskills.be in the subject or body of your email.
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Are you the new Global Design Lead Kipling at Kipling?
Kipling EMEA is looking for an exceptional Supervisor, Merchandising to join our Merchandising team based in Antwerp, Belgium. We’re a global bag and accessories brand on a mission to lighten your day and empower you to live your best life. Our iconic …
Werkplek: kantoorjob | Ervaringsniveau: junior | 26 Mar 2025
