Head of Accessories and Bags Design

Overview

As Head of Bags and Accessories Design, you will lead the Bags and Accessories design team to translate the Creative Director’s vision into innovative, commercially successful handbags and small leather goods. You will shape seasonal strategy, manage multiple collections, and drive the integration of sustainable materials and brand aesthetics. You’ll work closely with cross-functional partners to ensure timely delivery, quality and alignment with Stella McCartney’s heritage and ethics. This role offers high impact in a fast-paced luxury environment with a clear design and business nexus.

Pay / Benefits

• up to 50% product discount
• matched pension contributions
• private medical and critical illness insurance
• annual health screening
• 25 days annual leave + birthday leave
• flexible working/core hours

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Bags and Accessories design team with clear direction and mentorship
• Collaborate with the Creative Director and RTW Design Director to translate creative vision into high-quality products
• Develop mood boards and inspiration themes for seasonal collections and color proposals
• Identify trends, materials, and technologies to keep the brand at the forefront
• Oversee fabric and prototype archive for design team accessibility
• Develop and execute seasonal design strategy, creating 10–15 new styles per event
• Weave new fabrication into key carry over lines while maintaining brand identity and sustainability focus
• Coordinate with BU Director for collection development timelines
• Collaborate with Merchandising to align trend and structure of the collection
• Oversee end-to-end design process from concept to corrected protos, ensuring quality and deadlines
• Prepare design scans and specifications for Product Manager
• Maintain clear communication with product development in Italy after fittings
• Manage fabric-to-sketch allocation and design team workload within budget
• Create high-quality renderings and quick mock-ups for reviews
• Record detailed notes during fittings and presentations for documentation
• Prepare materials and presentations for design meetings and concept reviews
• Ensure adherence to collection deadlines and resource management
• Work under pressure, multitask, and maintain cross-functional relationships
• Maintain organized fitting room and productive workspace

Key requirements

• Extensive leadership experience in a luxury fashion house with a focus on accessories/bags
• Strong understanding of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to translate market needs into design and obtain Creative Director approval
• Experience with CAD software and Adobe Creative Suite
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage timelines and shifting priorities at short notice
• Willingness to collaborate across departments and travel budget management
• Italian language skills desirable
• Knowledge of confidentiality and intellectual property requirements

• leadership and mentoring
• clear communication
• cross-functional collaboration
• CAD software
• Adobe Suite
• Photoshop

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