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 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 and Location

The 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.

Salary: Competitive salary (based on expertise) + bonus, private healthcare with Vitality, pension, 25 days holiday rising to 28, pension contribution, birthday leave, employee assistance programme.

What We Do and Who We Work With

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 (twice), Recipient of The Queen's Award for International Trade. Design and Decoration Award, 7 times winner of the Chelsea Flower Show Tradestand Trophy. Highlights include three sundials unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and one by King Charles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and evolution of David Harber's New, Bespoke, and Classic products, serving as a confident spokesperson for the brand.
• Own the full design process: research and ideation to concept and innovation — translating creative direction into elegant, commercially successful products that honour the founder's legacy.
• Inspire and develop the creative team; foster curiosity, push boundaries, and unlock new potential.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and Marketing to energise stakeholders and drive exceptional results across the company.
• Act as a global ambassador for the brand, representing David Harber within the luxury design world, building relationships and traveling frequently to champion the brand internationally.
• Transform client briefs into inspiring bespoke proposals, experiment with materials and finishes, and lead multiple projects from sketch to proposal with precision and flair.
• Lead thought-provoking CPDs and build influential networks across the design world; work with consultants and clients worldwide to bring ideas to life in prestigious spaces.
• Provide leadership that inspires and mentors a talented creative team; set the standard for design excellence while fostering innovation and curiosity.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Degree in visual or product design (or equivalent experience) with extensive senior-level expertise, ideally within the luxury sector.
• Strong grasp of historical, classical, and contemporary design; balance creativity with commercial awareness.
• Excellent in-face client interactions; ability to translate complex briefs into elegant solutions while inspiring trust and collaboration.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills; proven experience leading, motivating, and developing a creative team.
• Positive, open approach with 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 across 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 delivering the very best service to a highly affluent audience of private customers, interior and garden designers, art consultants, and property developers.

Application and Privacy

Application notice: We take your privacy seriously. As you might expect you may be contacted by email, text or telephone. Your data is processed by our talent partner RR (Recruitment Revolution) on the basis of their legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process. Please refer to their Data Privacy Policy & Notice on their website for further details.