Creative Lead at Ruff n Tumble

Role Overview

• The Creative Lead is responsible for driving Gatimo Apparel’s creative vision across design and product development, ensuring all collections are innovative, commercially viable, and production-ready.
• This role serves as a critical bridge between design and factory operations, ensuring seamless translation of concepts into high-quality bulk production. The Creative Lead ensures that all designs align with brand identity, cost targets, manufacturing capabilities, and production timelines, while maintaining strong collaboration with the Production Floor Manager and Factory Operations team.

Core Responsibilities

Creative Direction & Design Strategy

• Define and execute seasonal design direction aligned with brand positioning and market trends.
• Develop collection concepts, mood boards, and design frameworks.
• Ensure consistency, innovation, and high aesthetic standards across all designs.
• Monitor global trends, customer insights, and competitor activity to inform design decisions.

Design & Product Development Execution

• Lead end-to-end design development from concept to final sample approval.
• Translate creative concepts into production-ready, commercially viable products.
• Oversee development of sketches, technical drawings, tech packs, fabrics, and trims.
• Supervise fittings, proto samples, and approvals to ensure fit, construction, and quality standards.
• Ensure alignment of designs with cost targets, SMV, and production efficiency requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality, consistency, and performance.

Production Integration & Factory Alignment

• Collaborate closely with the Production Floor Manager and Head of Factory Operations to ensure smooth transition from design to bulk production.
• Work with Sample Making, Cutting, and Production teams to validate feasibility and execution.
• Ensure all tech packs and production documents are accurate, complete, and factory-ready.
• Lead pre-production alignment and approve PPS (Pre-Production Samples).
• Identify and resolve design-related production issues impacting quality, efficiency, or timelines.
• Ensure designs support efficient manufacturing, minimal waste, and scalability.
• Drive adherence to production timelines and On-Time Delivery (OTD) through timely approvals and readiness.

Planning, Coordination & Delivery

• Develop and manage seasonal calendars and critical paths for design and development.
• Ensure timely completion of all design and sampling milestones.
• Track progress from concept through production readiness.
• Proactively manage risks, delays, and dependencies across teams.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Monitor product performance using sell-through, quality feedback, and return analysis.
• Evaluate design success and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide regular reports on:
• Collection development progress
• Production readiness status
• Design-related production issues and resolutions

Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and manage the Design team, ensuring high performance and accountability.
• Set clear goals, priorities, and quality standards.
• Mentor and develop team capabilities in both creative and technical design skills.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.