Haroon Younis
Birmingham,Warwickshire
Summary
Dynamic and strategic design leader with a robust aptitude for innovative thinking and thorough industry awareness. Demonstrates exceptional skills in brand development strategy, budget handling, and design trend forecasting. Known for seamless cross-functional collaboration and multidisciplinary teamwork, consistently meeting deadlines while remaining resilient under pressure. Career goals include advancing design leadership capabilities to drive impactful brand transformations.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior Designer Footwear & Accessories
Tu at Sainsburys
London
2014.09 - 2026.07
- Research and compile trend and mood boards to include themes, seasonal colour flow and materials and trims relevant for the season and present back to stakeholders.
- Devise new season strategy, identifying growth opportunities and threats to ensure departmental building blocks are realised.
- Collaborate with apparel designers to ensure synergies and ease of outfit building in line with customer segment and profiles.
- Spearheaded team of junior designers to meet project deadlines and ensure brand culture is first in mind.
- Deliver on-time, relevant launches by aligning critical path planning with trading team.
- Managing supplier/importers and direct sources to deliver best product and execution- regular touch points to include Far and Near East travel.
- Achieved department growth from £45 million to circa £76 million (over 6 year period)
- Attend marketing meetings to shape the look and feel of campaigns through the identification of key styles and hero pieces.
- Improve product quality by attending fit meetings and coordinating supplier collaboration.
Senior Footwear Designer (Freelance)
Fat Face
Havant, Hampshire
2013.07 - 2014.08
- Own technical specification creation for factory execution, first-sample production and final sign-off red seal samples
- Created shoe design concepts to capture new market share opportunities.
- Led development of new Fat Face handwriting for footwear across all genders.
- Attended international trade shows gaining valuable insights into global footwear trends which are complimentary to the brand.
- Created streamlined workflow processes working with direct sources and factories to leverage closer working partnerships
- Improved production efficiency with detailed technical packages for manufacturers.
- Create trend and mood boards with key shapes by phase and season, and present this to the Brand Director to scale new opportunities around good/better/best
Senior Footwear & Accessories Designer
Republic
Leeds, North Yorkshire
2012.08 - 2013.02
- Collaborated across sub-brands Soulcal & Co, Miso, Crafted to develop casual ranges that are brand relevant
- Identify fashion must haves and key items for both retail and wholesale channels.
- Trend forecasting with an emphasis on lifestyle and a younger demographic.
- Designed trims and innovative product packaging for improved brand visibility.
- Improved visual consistency across stores and VM using bay plans style guidance.
- Implemented design strategies to boost company's market presence.
- Using Illustrator and Photoshop prepared detailed cads for prototypes and design samples.
Senior Footwear & Accessories Designer
George ASDA
Lutterworth, Leicestershire
2007.01 - 2012.08
- Prepare and maintain accurate design packs, sketches, artwork and product information to support effective communication with suppliers and internal teams.
- Lead cross-functional coordination with design, buying, and technical teams for sign-off.
- Research, design development and preparation of seasonal boards, colour palettes, fabric direction and key product details.
- Formulate seasonal strategy to ensure growth across category- Market share growth on ladies footwear from 4th to 2nd place for Volume for year 2010.
- Improved fabric sourcing decisions by researching new qualities within pricing architecture.
- Expanded sourcing opportunities by attending Garda trade show twice yearly and enhanced fabric discovery through attendance of Lineapelle Italy.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Shoe Construction & Design
ModaInPelle Academy
Milan Italy 2004.08 - 2005.05
Foundation Degree in Arts - Footwear Design
Cordwainers London College Of Fashion
London 09/2001 - 06/2003
Skills
- Design leadership
- Thorough industry awareness
- Innovative thinking aptitude
- Strategic thinking capability
- Budget handling prowess
- Brand development strategy
- Adept at meeting deadlines
- Design trend forecasting
- Resilient under pressure
- Seamless cross-functional collaboration
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
Timeline
Senior Designer Footwear & Accessories
Tu at Sainsburys
2014.09 - 2026.07
Senior Footwear Designer (Freelance)
Fat Face
2013.07 - 2014.08
Senior Footwear & Accessories Designer
Republic
2012.08 - 2013.02
Senior Footwear & Accessories Designer
George ASDA
2007.01 - 2012.08
Bachelor of Arts - Shoe Construction & Design
ModaInPelle Academy
2004.08 - 2005.05
Foundation Degree in Arts - Footwear Design
Cordwainers London College Of Fashion
09/2001 - 06/2003