Overview

This is not just another design role. Celebrating artistry, culture, and craftsmanship through timeless design. This is your opportunity to shape the creative future of a globally celebrated brand at the intersection of Luxury design, fashion, art, and culture. At David Harber, we create award-winning, hand-crafted sculptures that redefine luxury spaces around the world - from Windsor Castle to New York rooftops, from Chelsea Flower Show gardens to private collections across Asia, Europe, and the USA. As our Design Director, you'll be more than a designer. You'll be a visionary leader, and global ambassador - guiding the creative direction of our New, Bespoke, and Classic collections while inspiring a talented team and captivating international audiences with your design voice.

Role at a Glance

Design Director, Didcot, Oxfordshire HQ (Hybrid - 3 days per week in office) + Travel minimum 6 times per year, representing the brand globally. Competitive salary (based on expertise) + bonus, private healthcare with Vitality, pension, 25 days holiday rising to 28, employer pension contribution, birthday leave, employee assistance programme.

What you will work on

• Product: Multi-award-winning, internationally renowned designers of luxurious, hand-crafted sculptures.
• Clients: High Net Worth Individuals, Landscape and Garden Designers, Property Developers, Architects and Art.
• Work Destined for: Public Spaces, Luxury Developments, Hotels and Private Gardens.
• Pedigree: London Design Awards 2022; The Queen's Award for International Trade; Design and Decoration Award; 7 times winner of the Chelsea Flower Show Tradestand Trophy.
• Highlights: Three sundials unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and one by King Charles.

What you'll shape

• As Design Director, you will be the driving force behind David Harber's creative vision — shaping new concepts into elegant, commercially successful products while keeping our Classic range fresh and vital.
• You'll transform client briefs into inspiring bespoke proposals, experiment boldly with materials and finishes, and lead multiple projects from sketch to proposal with precision and flair.
• Beyond the studio, you'll be a global ambassador for the brand, representing David Harber at high-profile UK and international design events, leading thought-provoking CPDs, and building influential networks across the design world.
• You'll work closely with consultants and clients worldwide, bringing ideas to life in the most prestigious spaces.

Leadership and Collaboration

• At the heart of the role is leadership. You will inspire and mentor a talented creative team, setting the standard for design excellence while fostering innovation and curiosity.
• With a strong strategic vision, you'll collaborate with senior leaders to guide the business forward, and with exceptional communication you will unite teams, stakeholders, and clients around bold ideas and shared success.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and Marketing to energise stakeholders and drive exceptional results across the company.

External Profile

• You will act as a figurehead for the brand, representing David Harber within the global landscape and interior design community. An excellent orator, storyteller, and natural networker, you will forge strong relationships across the luxury design world in the UK and abroad. A willingness to travel frequently is essential as you champion the brand on an international stage.

About You

• You'll bring a degree in visual or product design (or equivalent experience) and extensive senior-level expertise, ideally within the luxury sector.
• With a strong grasp of historical, classical, and contemporary design, and an eye on current trends, you'll balance creativity with commercial awareness.
• Confident in face-to-face client interactions, you'll translate complex briefs into elegant solutions while inspiring trust and collaboration.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills are essential, alongside proven experience leading, motivating, and developing a creative team.
• Above all, you'll bring a positive, open approach and the ability to inspire clients, colleagues, and stakeholders alike.

About David Harber

David Harber Ltd are multi-award-winning, internationally renowned designers of luxurious, hand-crafted sculptures, whose works have graced some of the world's most prestigious addresses - from Windsor Castle and Eton to destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the USA. Every sculpture, sundial or water feature is crafted by hand on site in rural Oxfordshire. As a family-owned business, we are a small but established team, where every individual plays their part in offering the very best service to its highly affluent audience of private customers, interior and garden designers, art consultants and property developers.

Where you'll shine

As a visionary designer with artistic passion, you will lead the creation and evolution of David Harber's New, Bespoke, and Classic products while serving as a confident spokesperson for the brand. You will own the full design process: from research and ideation to concept and innovation - translating David Harber's creative direction into elegant, commercially successful products that honor the founder's legacy.

With strong design fundamentals and an eye for beauty, you will inspire both your team and the wider business. Leading and developing the creative team, you will foster curiosity, push boundaries, and unlock new potential. You will energise stakeholders and drive exceptional results across the company in collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and Marketing.

Application and Privacy

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