[JOBS] HEAD OF DESIGN : PANAZ BURNLEY

Burnley, UK – May 2026  – Panaz, a leading global supplier of high-performance contract fabrics, has announced its search for a new Head of Design based at its Burnley headquarters.

The appointment will play a critical role in partnering with the Design Director to develop and deliver innovative contract textile collections for the global hospitality, healthcare, cruise, and commercial markets, addressing an urgent industry demand for sustainable and ethically produced materials.

As the commercial interiors sector faces a pressing need to transition toward environmentally responsible practices, Panaz continues to position itself at the forefront of this transformation.

The incoming Head of Design will be tasked with translating complex design briefs into commercially viable, specification-ready fabrics across woven, vinyl, dyed, and printed textile collections.

By leading CAD-based development and directing a highly skilled design team, the successful candidate will ensure that Panaz remains an authoritative thought leader in high-performance fabric engineering.

This senior position requires a pragmatic and commercially balanced creative leader who can seamlessly navigate the realities of modern manufacturing.

The Head of Design will communicate directly with international weaving mills and fabric manufacturers across Europe, China, and Turkey.

Maintaining strong global supplier relationships will be essential to balancing creative intent with practical manufacturability, strict cost targets, and lead-time constraints, all while upholding the company's rigorous performance standards.

Sustainability and ethical practices remain central to the Panaz ethos and will heavily influence the new design leadership.

Operating from a fully solar-powered headquarters, the company champions the use of recycled polyester fabrics, non-toxic antimicrobials, and SMETA-approved supply chains completely free from forced labour.

The new Head of Design will be expected to integrate these pioneering environmental management systems into every stage of the product development lifecycle, ensuring future collections are as responsible as they are beautiful.

The successful applicant will benefit from a highly collaborative workplace culture that prioritises continuous professional development and wellbeing.

With competitive remuneration and extensive exposure to global markets, the role offers a unique opportunity to directly shape the future of commercial interiors on a worldwide scale.

About Panaz

Founded in 1985, Panaz is a globally recognised innovator in the design and manufacture of high-performance contract fabrics for the hospitality, healthcare, and workspace sectors.

Operating as a £27 million global enterprise with over 140 creative professionals, the Panaz Group includes Panaz Ltd, Chase Erwin, and Essential Soft Furnishings.

Driven by a commitment to design excellence and environmental responsibility, the company continually pushes the boundaries of textile technology to deliver beautiful, sustainable, and highly durable fabrics to an international market.