Role: Head of Design
Contract Type: Full Time, working 7.5 hours per day, 5 days per week
Location: Hybrid, working 3 days a week in our offices based in Old Street, London

ABOUT US

Nothing is clearer to us than the belief that every woman should include strength training in her life to enhance both physical and mental well-being. It’s about building strong bodies and even stronger minds, asserting their right to take up space in the gym, and allowing the spotlight to shine bright on their progress.
To us, strength training represents a determined, goal-oriented mindset and an unwavering work ethic. We don’t wait for success; we create it through hard work and determination. When faced with challenges, we don’t back down; instead, we break through barriers, recognising that true progress lies on the other side.
These are the pillars that form the foundation of Oner Active. We consistently challenge ourselves to create innovative and impactful products, so that you can perform better. With our range of products and innovative approach, we provide a wide variety of colours to ensure that all skin tones genuinely radiate in Oner.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Head of Design to play a critical leadership role in driving the creative strategy. Leading a design team, you will ensure that every product aligns with the brand’s DNA and the overarching vision of the Creative Director. This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on design direction, requiring you to seamlessly balance innovation, commercial viability, and team development.
You will act as a key connector between the Creative Director, buying, merchandising, and product functions—ensuring creative output is not only brand-aligned but also commercially sound and customer-focused.
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact at a fast-growing, purpose-driven brand.

OUR PURPOSE AND MISSION

We are on a mission to unite and empower women to be the strongest version of themselves through strength training. We want to inspire women to take centre stage in the gym by promoting strength training, which underpins all movement and sport, as a healthy foundation in life.

YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Strategic Leadership & Vision Execution

• Partner closely with the Creative Director to bring the brand vision to life through product and design strategy.
• Translate brand and business objectives into a cohesive seasonal design direction that aligns with commercial plans and customer expectations.
• Lead the strategic development of collections that reflect both innovative thinking and market relevance.

Team Management & Mentorship

• Lead and manage a team of designers, providing mentorship, clear direction, and consistent feedback to foster professional growth and high performance.
• Build and nurture a strong team culture rooted in creativity, accountability, and collaboration.
• Identify skill gaps and future team needs, playing an active role in hiring and resource planning.

Brand & Design DNA

• Be the guardian of the Oner Active aesthetic and voice across all product categories.
• Continuously refine and articulate the brand’s design language, ensuring consistency across collections and touchpoints.
• Maintain a future-forward approach, evolving the brand’s identity in line with customer lifestyles and global trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure alignment of product direction with commercial goals.
• Integrate customer insights, sales data, and market analysis into the design process to ensure designs are both innovative and profitable.
• Present design strategies and concepts to key internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Product Innovation & Execution

• Oversee the full design lifecycle from concept through to final sample, ensuring products meet both creative and technical standards.
• Lead fabric and material research in partnership with Product Development to ensure innovation in performance, sustainability, and aesthetics.
• Ensure deadlines and critical paths are met across the design function, maintaining a balance between creativity and efficiency.