Senior Designer - Topshop Dresses

We’re ASOS, the online retailer for fashion lovers all around the world. We exist to give our customers the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you’re free to be your true self without judgement, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.

As a Senior Designer at TOPSHOP, you’ll be designing in one of the most creative design teams and coveted brands within fashion retail. You’ll need to be a creative, commercial and highly experienced Designer who works collaboratively. Senior Designers play a critical role at TOPSHOP working closely with Merchandising, Buying and Technical teams to build a commercial and trend-led product range for the department that is loved by the TOPSHOP customer, globally.

As Senior Designer on Dresses, you’ll need to have a creative eye that can cover stand out fashion across woven dresses and a strong vision for print, embroidery & detail. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge across fabric basis and experience of working with suppliers and factories to develop the newest fabrics for every season. This is a fast-paced department which is constantly pushing new design concepts where originating not replicating is fundamental and the ability to cut, drape, sculpt and create new silhouettes is key.

Creativity and innovation are at the heart of product development at Topshop and as Senior Designer you will be key in driving this for dresses and within the wider design team. New silhouettes, fabric, print and detail drive new product and consideration over the quality is key in delivering a dress range which excites the Topshop customer and meets all her needs across multiple end uses, ensuring the range has the ultimate stand out dresses.

The Design Team look for inspiration all around the world, along with street style, vintage shopping, music, art, the catwalk and all things creative, to design the latest product for the range. TOPSHOP is all about newness and product elevation at every level. Our teams focus on developing and delivering a range that pushes the boundaries and meets the needs of our customer.

You’ll be:

• Researching, developing and creating a market leading Dress range, including developing big deals, key seasonal shapes, selecting fabrics and trends for the TOPSHOP customer.
• Researching & advising on print direction working closely with in-house & freelance graphic designers and fabric suppliers to develop the most innovative print for the TOPSHOP range.
• Strong vision and direction on fabric basics both for Core and premium ranges driving product quality and considered product that mix easily in your wardrobe with designer pieces.
• Strong vision and experience in embroidery, cutwork and embellishment is key to deliver a dress range that meets the Topshop aesthetic.
• Playing a key role in brainstorming & collating trend direction for the TOPSHOP brand.
• Presenting trend research and having strong influencing skills to ensure you are the design voice for the department when working closely with Buying, Merchandising and Commercial leadership.
• Collaborating across departments and other functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearly.
• Identifying and executing new product opportunities to ensure as a brand we are leading the fashion market not following.
• Contributing to business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change.
• Using relevant sales data and insights to design commercially relevant, fashion forward ranges.
• Anticipating the needs of the TOPSHOP customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend research to deliver commercial product ranges.
• Sourcing new fabrications, techniques and trim.
• Working closely with in-house Buying teams – collaborating to create new product, each season and shape the product direction for the department, ensuring that it is aligned to the brand and divisional strategy.
• Working with the Technical team on fits on a weekly basis, identifying and helping create new silhouette blocks for the department and produce a commercial range.
• Building relationships with suppliers and advising factories on direction, silhouette, construction, key details, fabrics, trimmings and artworks.
• Managing, developing and motivating more junior team members, providing them with clear direction and regular feedback.
• Supporting and deputising for the Head of Design as required, for example, attending product reviews or guiding the team on range building.
• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team.
• Looking for opportunities to use sustainable materials wherever possible.
• Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios and Global teams.
• Leading/Role model and contributing to a dynamic world leading design team.
• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working.
• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback.

Qualifications We’d love to meet someone with:

• Significant experience in designing dresses across woven and jersey within an aspirational designer brand or high street Retailer.
• Previous experience of direct sourcing from fabric mills, with knowledge of cut and construction to create new concepts/pieces.
• Experience of working with suppliers across Far East, India and European manufacture.
• Experience in working with pattern cutters & machinists so that you are able to develop the best stand out fashion product for the dresses range.
• Experience of working cross-functionally to deliver initiatives that have a positive commercial impact.
• Proven ability to drive the success of a department or brand through strategic and commercial thinking.
• A commercial handwriting and strong understanding of the TOPSHOP Brand and Customer and designing across varied end uses, i.e., Day dresses, Occasion wear.
• Experience with Photoshop, Adobe, CAD.
• Plugged into 20-something culture and fashion, passionate about the product.
• Strong organisational skills, initiative, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to build great relationships with colleagues across the business and suppliers alike.
• Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialise opportunities.
• Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team.
• Demonstrates an effective and inclusive leadership style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development.
• Comfortable travelling in the UK and internationally for supplier/product development meetings and inspirational purposes.

Benefits:

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
• ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
• Employee sample sales
• Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
• 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care scheme
• Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Design

Industries: Retail