At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative menswear for an iconic activewear brand, from concept to production.
- Company: Join AYBL, the fastest-growing activewear brand empowering women through fitness.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, gym membership, and a generous staff discount.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of menswear in activewear.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in fashion design, strong CAD skills, and a passion for fitness.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Ranked #1 fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100 2022, AYBL has quickly become one of the most iconic women's activewear brands worldwide. We are a passionate, innovative and ambitious brand on a mission to empower women through the power of fitness. Based in the UK, we are dedicated to providing premium, yet affordable activewear that encompasses our Together we thrive ethos.
Main Purpose of the Role
AYBL are seeking an exceptionally talented and driven Menswear Designer to support and strengthen our product offering in the creation of innovative and performance led products. This role will play a key part in shaping the future direction of our menswear and sports specific categories, ensuring every product aligns with AYBL's brand image, customer expectations, and performance requirements across shape, fit, fabric, colour and trend direction.
In this role, you will work closely with our Menswear designer, to take ownership of the design and development process from initial concept through to booking across our sport's specific product category, combining technical understanding with strong commercial awareness to deliver product that performs, inspires and elevates the AYBL menswear offering.
Responsibilities
- Drive the creative direction of AYBL's sports specific product category, taking full ownership of the design process from concept creation through to booking.
- Design and develop innovative products across multiple menswear categories, ensuring all designs meet the functional and aesthetic demands of sport, training and active lifestyles.
- Cross collaborate with the Womenswear Designer's on AYBL's sports specific categories to ensure clear consistency across the ranges.
- Consistently research, analyse and stay up to date with current and emerging trends in fabrics, colours, silhouettes and performance features across menswear, sportswear and activewear.
- Create inspiring mood boards, sketches, CADs, patterns and graphic designs that align with AYBL's brand image, customer needs and sports performance requirements.
- Present seasonal concepts and designs at CAD sign-off meetings to Directors, Senior Designer and wider cross-functional teams.
- Produce detailed and accurate tech packs, providing clear guidance to overseas suppliers on construction, fabrication, fit and key performance details.
- Work closely with the Garment Technologist team, attending fit sessions and confidently communicating design comments and amendments to refine fit, function and performance.
- Create, maintain and update monthly launch range plans, clearly communicating upcoming menswear and sports category launches to the wider business.
- Support the Junior designers to maintain accurate sample progress trackers, monitoring development across current design seasons and supporting timely delivery against critical paths.
- Support the wider Design Team with any additional duties as required by your manager.
Person Specification
- 3 years minimum experience in a similar role
- Degree in Fashion Design or similar
- Knowledge and understanding of pattern cutting, grading and garment construction
- Ability to CAD and a competent user of Adobe creative suites (Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Previous experience in communicating with overseas suppliers
- Excellent written English and verbal communication skills
- Strong creative skills and understanding of brand guidelines
- Driven work ethic, taking ownership of your work/role
- Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Ability to deal with constructive feedback on designs
- Passionate about making a difference
- Good organisational and planning skills
- Interest in the fitness industry would be advantageous
Portfolio and Process
A portfolio should be sent with your application. Upon successful invitation to interview you will be asked to complete a design project; further details will be given.
Perks
- Discretionary yearly bonus
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + your birthday off
- Flexible working
- 35 working hours per week with 1 hour lunch break
- 50% staff discount across AYBL Group
- Social events
- Pension scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Free gym membership
- £100 gift card upon joining
- Employee wellbeing support
Location
Our home is located in Redditch, South Birmingham, with easy access routes to the M5/M42, a 20-minute walk to the train station, as well as many bus routes. Not forgetting Arrow Valley Lake which is a stone's throw away and a beautiful spot to get those steps in or enjoy your lunch with a view.
Menswear Designer in Birmingham employer: AYBL Group
Contact Detail:
AYBL Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Menswear Designer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow designers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching AYBL and its ethos. Understand their brand values and think about how your design philosophy aligns with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Menswear Designer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for menswear design shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating innovative products that empower people. Share your journey and what drives you in the fitness and fashion world.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your best work relevant to our brand. Include designs that reflect your understanding of activewear and sports-specific categories. We love seeing creativity that aligns with our ethos!
Be Authentic: We’re all about authenticity here at AYBL. Don’t be afraid to show your unique style and perspective in your written application. Let us know what makes you different and how you can contribute to our mission of empowering women through fitness.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at AYBL Group
✨Know Your AYBL
Before the interview, dive deep into AYBL's brand ethos and product offerings. Understand their mission to empower women through fitness and how menswear fits into that vision. This will help you align your design ideas with their core values.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to menswear and activewear. Be ready to discuss your design process and how each piece reflects your understanding of performance and aesthetics.
✨Stay Trend-Savvy
Research current trends in menswear and sportswear before your interview. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence your designs at AYBL, and share your insights on what’s next in the industry.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Since the role involves cross-collaboration with the Womenswear Designer, think about how you can contribute to a cohesive brand image. Be ready to share examples of past teamwork and how you handle feedback to refine designs.