At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop menswear collections that reflect the brand's heritage and modern trends.
- Company: Join Ben Sherman, a British Heritage brand with a rich history in fashion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for travel and personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy while shaping the future of menswear fashion.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in fashion design, strong commercial awareness, and creative flair.
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 six decades later the brand is still producing standout shirts and has 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.
- Share conclusions with the team and identify opportunities for target markets and retailers.
- Creating seasonal colour palettes from trend research & historic data suitable for the menswear market and customer level.
- Map ideas against the range plan, communicating these ideas at key meetings in a confident and enthusiastic manner.
- Maintain balance of commerciality and new seasonal ideas.
- Create CADs for all options in the range.
- Self‑edit and make decisions on styles & details prior to key contact points with the Brand Director.
- Explore colour at early & mid points of the design process.
- Design structures & patterns each season that are unique to the brand.
- Maintain and update all design overviews, CADs 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.
- Hand over packs in‑person or digitally with the team and factories/suppliers.
- Work autonomously day to day and plan workload throughout the season to meet key deadlines.
- Plan key reviews and contact points.
- Follow development of samples through with the buying & tech team to approve fabrics, colours & proto fits from SMS samples through to bulk production.
- Build strong relationships with the product developer, incorporating an understanding of suppliers’ capabilities, limitations and 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.
- Present 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; follow developments through to bulk production to support the ordering process.
Communications & Working Relationships
- Design team.
- Buying & tech team.
- Sales Team.
Personal Specification
- 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.
- Engage 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 conduct 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.
- Form strong working teams with buying and tech.
- Be aligned throughout the design and development process.
- Provide feedback and comments on developments in a timely manner.
- Communicate all aspects of the product ranges to key accounts.
Menswear Designer in Leeds employer: Ben Sherman
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 growth and professional development, offering employees the chance to contribute to a storied British Heritage brand while working alongside passionate individuals in the fashion industry. With a commitment to nurturing talent and a focus on maintaining a balance between commerciality and creativity, we provide a unique environment where your design ideas can flourish and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Menswear Designer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend fashion events, trade shows, and workshops to meet industry insiders. You never know who might be looking for a talented menswear designer like 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.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to showcase your designs and connect with brands. Tag them in your posts to get noticed – it’s all about visibility!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can tailor your submission to highlight how your skills align with the brand’s DNA.
We think you need these skills to ace Menswear Designer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for menswear design shine through! Talk about what excites you about the brand and how you can contribute to its evolution. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about our heritage and future.
Tailor Your Portfolio:Make sure your portfolio reflects your best work and aligns with the Ben Sherman DNA. Include a variety of designs that showcase your creativity and understanding of menswear trends. Remember, we want to see how you can bring fresh ideas while respecting our brand's identity!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experience and skills. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, so make sure your application is easy to read and highlights your key achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. We can't wait to see what you've got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ben Sherman
✨Know Your Brand Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Ben Sherman's history and ethos. Understand their journey from producing button-down shirts to a full lifestyle collection. This knowledge will help you connect your design ideas with the brand's DNA during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Trend Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss recent trends in menswear and how they can be integrated into the brand's seasonal ranges. Bring examples of your own trend research and highlight how you've identified opportunities in the market that align with the brand's aesthetic.
✨Prepare Your Design Portfolio
Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your ability to balance creativity with commerciality. Include CADs, tech packs, and any original print/pattern artworks you've created to illustrate your design process.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since collaboration is key in this role, practice articulating your design concepts clearly and confidently. Be ready to explain how you would communicate with different teams, from product developers to sales, ensuring everyone is aligned throughout the design process.
