Former chief designed old Rover (8)
I believe the answer is:
overlord
'former chief' is the definition.
'overlord' can be an answer for 'chief' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'former' bit.
'designed old rover' is the wordplay.
'designed' is an anagram indicator (designed with the letters).
'old'+'rover'='oldrover'
'oldrover' anagrammed gives 'OVERLORD'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for overlord that I've seen before include "WWII Operation" , "Boss" , "top man!" , "Ruler, D-day Operation" , "Supreme ruler" .)