We have an excellent vacancy for a Senior Designer! Our Client is a leading British multichannel retailer specialising in Men’s formal, casual wear and accessories.
The successful candidate will be accountable for the design of all Woven product areas, with responsibility for supporting the development of junior members of the team. You will support the Product Design Director in producing product ranges and ensure that product is relevant for markets both in the UK and internationally.
Key Responsibilities:
• Collaborating with the Menswear Design Director to design and develop aspirational and appealing clothing collections
• Lead research, organisation and production of concept themes, bringing these to life through mood boards and presentation tools satisfying the product strategy in collaboration with the Design Director
• Continually deliver a fresh, creative & commercial product range, taking accountability for all clothing categories
• Formulate each season’s range direction according to the brief given by the Design Director to meet the design and costing requirements, technical specifications and palette
• Work alongside Buying, Technical & Merchandising to ensure proposed product ranges cover historical sales, new innovative product whilst also being aware & reacting to real time sales information
• Adhere to the product critical path & ensure all deadlines are met across the design department
• Take full responsibility for the handover of clear, understandable, completed master design packs to Technical and interface regularly with garment technologists with regards to size specifications, fit sessions, prototypes, technical construction and the suitability of designs for end use
• Design, develop and resource handlooms, knit-downs patterns and colours for all woven categories
• Travel internationally for both design research and supplier visits. Undertake UK design research, inspirational & competitors as well as Brand store visits to build a greater picture of the customer and how the product presents itself
• Building relationships with Suppliers and attending regular meetings with them collaborating on product development
• Ensure you and the team constantly research new innovations and fashion trends by attending trade fairs and online research
• Work hand in hand with Buying to improve margin without sacrificing quality & detail, collaborating on trim sheets for proto instruction and corrections for samples through production including approval of colours, fabrics hand-feel, washes, construction with Technical
• Help develop the team and the wider design community through guidance and coaching
• Have a strategic customer focus
• Work with the Buying & Merchandising team to present finished product categories to our Directors
Experience Required
• Experience in producing creative and fresh designs with a strong branded feel, across multiple ranges and product types gained in a fashion/lifestyle brand
• A highly creative commercial portfolio demonstrating your ability to present a concept following through to finished garment across all clothing categories.
• Strong understanding of the market and the Brand’s customer profile
• Design-focused, with a commercial eye and passion for product
• Development of leadership skills
• Effective communication and influencing skills
• Experience working collaboratively with Product, Retail, Marketing Design & Ecommerce teams
• Flexibility to travel is essential
Behavioural Competencies
• Good communication and influencing skills
• Enjoy working effectively as a team both within our departments and across departments
• Professionalism in all aspects of the role and ensuring personal behaviour reflects the values of the business at all times
Technical Skills
• Advanced CAD and Illustrator/Photoshop
• Proven sense of colour across all clothing categories
• Understanding of garment construction across all clothing categories
Qualifications/ Training
• Degree qualified in fashion or textile design