Design Manager - Childrenswear

Who are we?

At Target, we deliver quality products at prices the whole family will love for longer. We’re home to quality pieces, made for you and your life.
With our iconic logo, we are one of the most renowned Australian retail brands and for almost 100 years, we have held a special place in the hearts and minds of Australian families. We’re immensely proud of our history and are looking for people to join us who are as excited by our future as we are.

Join One of Australia’s Most Iconic Brands 

Be part of something truly special. As we celebrate 100 years as one of Australia’s most loved and iconic retail brands, we’re entering an exciting new chapter—and we’re looking for an exceptional Design Manager – Childrenswear to help shape our future. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role, where you’ll inspire creativity, elevate design standards, and lead a talented team to deliver beautiful, customer-loved product at scale.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a legacy: Join a brand trusted by generations of Australians for 100 years
• Lead with impact: Shape the future of Childrenswear design at scale
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside passionate, talented teams across design, merchandise, and sourcing
• Create what customers love: Design meaningful product for everyday families

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Design, Trend & Forecasting, you will play a critical leadership role in driving the creative direction and performance of the Kidswear Design team.

You’ll lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing design team, ensuring the consistent delivery of commercial, high-quality, and customer-focused Childrenswear ranges. Your leadership will be key in setting the creative vision, aligning product with customer needs, and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing team of designers and graphic designers
• Build a strong creative culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Provide clear direction, ongoing feedback, and day-to-day support to drive execution excellence

Creative Direction & Trend Leadership

• Set and lead the design vision and seasonal direction for Babywear
• Identify, interpret, and implement global and local trends to drive commercial success
• Guide Senior Designers to develop cohesive, on-brand trend stories
• Present clear and compelling trend direction to stakeholders

Range & Product Development

• Partner with Merchandise, Planning, and Sourcing teams to deliver compelling, customer-centric ranges
• Develop coordinated, commercially successful product that aligns with brand strategy
• Influence and negotiate outcomes to ensure the best balance of design, cost, and customer appeal
• Ensure consistency in handwriting, quality, and aesthetic across the category

Operational Excellence

• Drive adherence to critical path timelines and production processes
• Champion continuous improvement across design processes and ways of working
• Deliver strong range outcomes that support overall business performance

What We’re Looking For

You are a creative leader with strong commercial acumen, passionate about product, people, and delivering results in a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Requirements:

• Circa 10+ years’ experience in Design, with deep experience in trend forecasting and range building
• Proven track record in leading and developing high-performing design teams
• Strong experience creating coordinated, commercially successful apparel ranges
• End-to-end understanding of the design and product development lifecycle
• Strong trend forecasting capability with the ability to translate insights into product
• Highly developed influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator & Photoshop)
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Fashion Design or related discipline

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re a passionate design leader ready to take on a pivotal role within an iconic Australian brand, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us define the next chapter.

Benefits we’ll offer:

• Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
• Access to our team member discount program which can be used across our company network, including Target, Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.
• A free OnePass membership offering free delivery across Target and Kmart on eligible product.
• Access to our benefits program, which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health, with over 60 suppliers.
• We want you to feel rewarded for your commitment and hard work, that's why there is opportunity for eligible team members to participate in a bonus program.
• Free onsite parking when you’re required to come into the office.
• We offer inclusive parental leave and ongoing support through our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances.
• A dynamic learning and support program.
• Opportunity to fast-track your career through our Mentor Program as a Mentee or Mentor.
• Kudos recognition program, where you are nominated by your peers to spin a wheel, to win a stack of cool prizes.
• Wesfarmers is Kmart and Target’s parent company, and each year, eligible employees can elect to purchase shares through a salary sacrifice arrangement.
• Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group.

A place you can belong 

We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate. We are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected, and safe, and strive to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and welcoming, with applications encouraged from all candidates.

We encourage you to tell us about any workplace adjustments that you would like by emailing kmartgroupcareers@kmart.com.au.

                                                                                                                     #LI-Hybrid