At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative knitwear designs and lead a talented team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join AM London, a family-driven brand at the heart of UK fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, generous discounts, and enhanced parental pay.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in fashion with creative freedom and impactful designs.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in womenswear design and strong CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
About us...
AM London, and our in house brands Threadbare and Saltwell was built out of something personal – a bond between father and daughter, and a shared love of fashion passed down through generations.
What began as a family passion has grown into British brands recognised for their commitment to Trusted Style and Honest Value.
Based in Manchester, the heart of the UK’s fashion and textile industry, Threadbare and Saltwell continues to design with one clear purpose: to create clothing that combines elevated design, everyday wearability, and lasting quality.
Built for the everyday wardrobe, Threadbare and Saltwell are proud to be stocked in iconic fashion marketplaces including Next, ASOS and Zalando – bringing our vision of Trusted Style and Honest Value to customers across the world.
We're now looking for an established Senior Knitwear Designer on our womenswear team, to work in our Manchester HQ.
Key roles and responsibilities...
- Creating and developing original knitwear design concepts, with a strong focus on stitch development, yarn selection, and innovative knit techniques.
- Working closely with yarn suppliers and spinners to source new, relevant, and sustainable yarns and trims suitable for seasonal collections.
- Creating comprehensive design packs, including detailed stitch diagrams, yarn specs, construction notes, and technical handovers.
- Leading trend and colour research and translating key seasonal knitwear trends into commercially viable product ranges.
- Managing, mentoring, and developing junior designers or assistants within the knitwear team.
- Regular liaison with Account Managers and buyers to ensure timely development and alignment with client briefs and brand direction.
- Communicating with factories and overseas development teams to resolve technical queries and ensure accurate sample execution.
- Planning and coordinating yarn and factory sourcing trips; creating clear development briefs and tech packs for suppliers.
- Presenting range reviews to Directors, ensuring each collection aligns with brand strategy and seasonal goals.
- Managing the design and development process in line with critical path timelines to ensure on-time delivery to customers.
- Overseeing sample management, including expenses, tracking, returns, and showroom organisation.
- Leading and organising inspiration and trend sourcing trips (including international travel where required), identifying new techniques and yarn innovations.
- Leading trend forecasting updates (e. g., WGSN, Knitwear Lab, Première Vision) and analysing social media and cultural influences such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and TV for knitwear-specific insights.
- Maintaining an organised archive of knitwear samples, yarn cards, and swatches, ensuring materials are accessible and up to date.
- Full ownership of the knitwear design range, from concept through development, ensuring creative integrity and commercial viability throughout.
Skills required...
- Commercial / high street design experience preferred
- Experience of international travel, including supplier meeting, sourcing trips and comp shops
- +6 years minimum background in design
- Experience working within Womenswear.
- Excellent understanding of Illustrator and/or Photoshop
- Confident at CAD work.
- Creative and trend driven with an eye for colour and fabric
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Team player and able to build relationships
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Manage challenges in a calm and positive manner.
- Understand the different customer handwritings and adapt designs accordingly.
- Work quickly and efficiently under time pressures.
- Proactive nature to work with different part of the business, e. g. QC, Buyer and external customers.
- Leadership skills
- Excellent fabric knowledge and understanding of production.
Our benefits...
- 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays, plus your birthday off
- Generous 40% staff discount and sample sales
- 25% friends and family discount
- Company Pension Scheme
- Length of Service Awards
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
Senior Knitwear Designer in Bolton employer: A.M. London Fashion Ltd
At AM London Fashion Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, where team members are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers in the dynamic fashion industry. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a substantial staff discount, and flexible working hours, we ensure that our employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to our mission of delivering stylish and sustainable fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Knitwear Designer in Bolton
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like A.M. London Fashion Ltd!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including A.M. London Fashion Ltd.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for A.M. London Fashion Ltd.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at A.M. London Fashion Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Knitwear Designer in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at A.M. London Fashion Ltd.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to A.M. London Fashion Ltd!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at A.M. London Fashion Ltd. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at A.M. London Fashion Ltd
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
