At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop menswear across all apparel categories for seasonal ranges.
- Company: Join Ben Sherman, a British Heritage brand with a rich history in music and subcultures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work in a creative, collaborative environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand's evolution and make your mark in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years experience in a similar role with strong design and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity has opened up to support our fast‑paced expansion. We are currently looking for a talented, passionate menswear designer to drive the brand forward through its next evolution. Ben Sherman started out in 1963 producing standout button‑down shirts from a factory in Brighton. Over 6 decades later the brand is still producing standout shirts but has also expanded to a full lifestyle collection rich in the brand’s DNA. From the early days the brand has been linked to music and British subcultures and that remains a core aspect of the brand’s appeal today. If you are passionate about being part of a British Heritage brand’s journey, why not join us?
Purpose of the role: As a multiproduct designer you will design and develop across all apparel product categories for Ben Sherman’s seasonal ranges. You will work closely with the Design Director and designated buyers to research, create and develop the seasonal ranges in keeping with the DNA of the brand and target market. You will work with the buying and technical team to develop product that fits within the brand’s pricing architecture balancing commerciality with creativity and newness. At times you will need to collaborate closely with other departments to communicate the detail of your designs and product expertise. This is a creative yet commercial role, needing the ability to balance delivering progressive ideas from your research and the brand’s DNA to produce product suitable for our customers.
Key Accountabilities:
- Work as part of a team with the Brand director, designers, product developer & technical team to produce a range that reflects the Ben Sherman DNA with a modern, contemporary execution.
- Undertake independent trend research and highlight emerging trends and opportunities for the brand.
- Conduct regular comp shops of competitors and aspirational brands.
- Sharing conclusions with the team and identifying opportunities for target markets and retailers.
- Creating seasonal colour palettes from trend research & historic data to be suitable for the menswear market and customer level.
- Mapping out ideas against the range plan communicating these ideas at key meetings in a confident and enthusiastic manner.
- Maintaining a balance of commerciality and new seasonal ideas.
- Creating CAD’s for all options in the range.
- Being able to self‑edit and make decisions of the styles & details prior to key contact points with the brand director.
- Exploration of colour at early & mid points of the design process.
- Designing structures & patterns each season that are unique to the brand.
- Maintain and update all design overviews, CAD’s and make sheets throughout the design process.
- Create accurate and complete tech packs for costing, developments, protos & fabric developments with the product developer & technical team.
- Packs will require handing over packs in‑person or digitally with the team and factories/suppliers.
- Working autonomously day to day and planning workload throughout the season to meet key deadlines.
- Planning key reviews and contact points.
- Following development of samples through with the buying & tech team to approve fabrics, colours & proto fits from SMS samples through to bulk production.
- Building strong relationships with the product developer, incorporating an understanding of suppliers capabilities, limitations, cost implications to influence final designs.
- Produce the seasonal InDesign CAD linebook to a high level of accuracy to support selling of ranges each season.
- Presenting SMS range to the sales teams and senior management each season to communicate key details, fabrications and product trends.
- In depth knowledge of best sellers & USA market requirements to make informed decisions about the balance of the category options.
- Full management of tech packs; following developments through to bulk production to support the ordering process.
Communications & Working Relationships: Design team, Buying & tech team, Sales Team.
Personal Specification – Knowledge & Skills:
- Minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role.
- Strong understanding of product from fabrics to styling details & limitations of the product areas.
- Collaborative approach to working in a product team.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to design to price points.
- Creative flair and imagination.
- Able to create original print/pattern artworks.
- Effective communication skills.
- Engaging and work well with a range of teams across the business.
- Occasional travel when required.
PC Skills: High level of knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop & InDesign.
Performance Measures:
- Creation and production of a range of product that is fit for purpose for salesman samples and bulk production.
- Actively conducting research of trends, benchmarks and market knowledge.
- Creation of brand relevant trend and colour presentations.
- In depth knowledge of range performance, qualities and price information.
- Accurate and complete tech packs & artworks for handover deadlines.
- Forming strong working teams with buying and tech.
- Being aligned throughout the design and development process.
- Providing feedback and comments on developments in a timely manner.
- Communication of all aspects of the product ranges to key accounts.
Compensation: Competitive salary.
Menswear Designer - Multi-product in Leeds employer: Ben Sherman Head Office
At Ben Sherman, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that champions creativity and collaboration. Located in Leeds, our vibrant work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering employees the chance to contribute to a rich heritage brand while developing their skills in a supportive environment. With competitive salaries and a commitment to nurturing talent, we invite passionate individuals to join us in shaping the future of menswear design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Menswear Designer - Multi-product in Leeds
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
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✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
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✨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 Ben Sherman Head Office.
✨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 Ben Sherman Head Office!
We think you need these skills to ace Menswear Designer - Multi-product in Leeds
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 Ben Sherman Head Office.
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 Ben Sherman Head Office!
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 Ben Sherman Head Office. 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 Ben Sherman Head Office
✨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!
