Head of Design (Parental Leave Cover)

Founded in May 2015, Papier is a London based start-up, which has raised £60m+ million since launch. Papier’s collection of stationery products, from notebooks & diaries to notecards and wedding invitations, is designed to feed curiosity and contemplation, to invite people to uncover the possibility of a blank page. The business is growing and internationalising rapidly, particularly experiencing growth in the US across both D2C and wholesale channels.

As the Head of Design at Papier, you will play a crucial role in leading and inspiring the Papier design team across stationery, lifestyle accessories and packaging. This will be across both our D2C & Wholesale channels with a focus on the US & UK markets. Your responsibilities will include setting trends within the stationery & lifestyle accessories market by conducting design research, establishing category direction & range planning as well as seeing our products from conception to production. To achieve this, you should possess an extensive knowledge of design trends, a strong commercial acumen as well as product development experience to deliver exceptional products that align with the overall creative vision of the organisation.

In addition to this, you will foster and develop a team of talented designers, creating an inclusive, diverse, and agile environment. You will set standards, develop your team to meet them, and encourage a growth mindset to continually improve.

Our mission is to redefine the stationery category for the modern consumer. This role requires a creative vision and thinking outside the box to deliver our design vision. You should be brimming with creative energy and propose new ideas to create exciting and constantly evolving designs that push the brand forward.

Working closely with the Chief Product Officer, you will be an integral part of growing and developing Papier's in-house design handwriting & product ranges, which will transform the brand into a global stationery lifestyle brand. Your leadership, creative vision, and ability to inspire and develop your team will be essential to the success of Papier's design team. This role is a parental leave cover.

Areas of Responsibility

Design Delivery 

• As Head of Design, your main responsibility is to oversee the entire Papier design process from concept to product development, ensuring that all designs are of the quality and consistency required for manufacturing across different printers globally. In addition to this, you will be responsible for working with the Design Studio Manager to manage resources and freelancers to deliver the design strategy as required.
• You will work closely with the Chief Product Officer to deliver designs in line with the overall brand vision & the seasonal concepts. You will be the custodian of the Papier design identity within the Design team and will be responsible for ensuring that all designs created by the Design Team adhere to this by holding regular feedback sessions.
• To ensure that the team stays up-to-date with emerging trends and new ideas, you will need to maintain awareness of the industry landscape and translate these trends into new designs. You will also be responsible for pushing designs forward by organizing regular competitive shopping and inspiration activities and championing Papier’s creative visual tone of voice.
• As Head of Design, you will work alongside other designers and departments to assist in developing new designs while maintaining effective communication throughout. Collaborating with the Sourcing and Commercial Planning teams, you will ensure that the ranges are commercially viable while also pushing design boundaries.
• You will be responsible for presenting team designs for sign-off to the Chief Product Officer, as well as presenting designs with confidence and clarity to key cross-functional stakeholders including Sourcing, Commercial Planning, Marketing, Operations and Tech teams.
• You will also collaborate with the Marketing, Operations, and Tech teams to ensure that designs are planned and communicated clearly to key stakeholders and that the go-to-market strategy is effectively executed.

Product Development 

• Lead the full product development lifecycle, from concept to final production, ensuring the successful execution of new and existing product lines.
• Define the technical and functional requirements for all new products, ensuring alignment with commercial goals, market trends, and Papier’s brand vision.
• Partner with Sourcing to identify and work with manufacturers and suppliers globally, ensuring product feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the highest quality standards. This will include international travel to our suppliers (mainly Asia).
• Conduct competitive research to identify gaps and opportunities in the market, ensuring that Papier’s products offer clear differentiation and compelling USPs.
• Drive innovation by exploring new materials, production techniques, and sustainable solutions, ensuring our products remain relevant and forward-thinking.
• Develop robust technical specifications for all products, ensuring efficient handover between design, sourcing, and production teams.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Creative, Design, Operations, and Tech teams to ensure smooth product launches and successful commercialisation

Development to Production  

• Partner with Sourcing and global manufacturing partners to optimise product quality, efficiency, and production timelines.
• Establish best-in-class development processes, ensuring seamless prototyping, sampling, and production approvals.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance teams to maintain the highest product standards, conducting rigorous testing and refinements before launch.
• Own the critical path for product development, ensuring that every stage from concept to launch is delivered on time and within budget.
• Negotiate with suppliers to improve cost efficiencies while maintaining the quality and integrity of the products.
• Travel globally to visit factories, printers, and suppliers, ensuring smooth production processes and strengthening supplier partnerships.

Range Planning & Category Strategy

• Work closely with the Chief Product Officer to define long-term category strategies, identifying opportunities for range expansion and new product categories.
• Build and execute a seasonal product development roadmap, ensuring the right mix of core, trend-driven, and innovation-led products.
• Maintain a structured pipeline of new product opportunities, ensuring commercial alignment and a balance between newness and proven bestsellers.
• Collaborate with Commercial Planning to define target RRPs, cost structures, and margin expectations for each product category.
• Conduct trend analysis and market research, leveraging insights to inform new product opportunities and ensure Papier stays ahead of market trends.

Team Coaching and Development 

• You will work closely with the Chief Product Officer to steer the development and progression of the Design team by identifying training and development needs, providing clear objectives, and supporting structure and succession planning. 
• You will also build, grow, and lead a Design team that aligns with the company's wider strategy. To support the career development of direct reports, you will hold regular PD sessions, coach them to identify areas for their own improvement and contribute towards their professional growth. Building rapport with your direct reports is essential to creating a sense of team belonging and structure.
• Finally, you will be responsible for necessary recruitment and induction planning and any other HR processes required.
  

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven expertise in leading a design team, with a strong background in product development within premium lifestyle, stationery, or gifting brands.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design trends, materials, and production techniques, coupled with the ability to create commercially successful products.
• A balance of creativity and business acumen, with the ability to transform design concepts into market-ready solutions that align with brand vision and commercial goals.
• Excellent project management skills, capable of overseeing multiple product development cycles and ensuring timely, high-quality launches.
• Strong understanding of market trends and competitive landscapes, with the ability to define product USP & pricing.
• Experience managing relationships with global suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring seamless product development and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Passionate about sustainability, with a track record of incorporating sustainable practices and materials into product innovation.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing design teams, offering guidance, mentorship, and fostering a growth mindset.
• Exceptional at collaborating cross-functionally, with the ability to influence stakeholders and align teams towards shared objectives.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a structured, solution-focused approach to overcoming challenges.

• We recognise the need for a work-life balance and offer a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office at Maison Papier, our lovely Camden office.
• 25 days annual leave per year + buy an extra five days.
• 20 days per year to Work from Anywhere

• Private medical and rewards scheme with Vitality Health (including 50% off gym memberships with Virgin Active, Pure Gym and more).
• Enrolment into the Papier Pension scheme through the People Pension.
• Enhanced parental leave policies.
• Cycle to work loan scheme.
• £45 monthly cultural allowance
• £75 personal stationery allowance, and £150 to spend on our Occasion stationery for a lifetime special event
• 40% staff discount along with a family and friends discount.
• Papier with Purpose. We give back to the community and offer 2 days paid per year to volunteer for a cause you/we care about.
• Constant access to mental health, well-being resources and support from our in-house first aiders.
• Weekly team lunches & regular cultural trips.
• Our pooches are a part of the Papier team and you may see them from time to time in Maison Papier.
• Inclusive and friendly team who will make you feel welcome from day one.
  
  At Papier, we believe that the diverse perspectives of all paper people deserve to be celebrated. A creative and curious community, we strive to be inclusive and equitable to all. We’re an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on any grounds. From hiring processes to day-to-day business, we aim to create an environment that is accessible and safe for everyone. We’re always working towards building a balanced and supportive workplace, with policies and ways of working to ensure everyone can make the most of their time at Papier.