At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the womenswear design team while driving innovative fashion projects.
- Company: Crew Clothing, a brand rooted in timeless British style and coastal spirit.
- Benefits: Flexible work schedule, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team that values creativity and celebrates success.
- Why this job: Shape the future of womenswear and make a mark in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management, strong illustration skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Womenswear Design Manager
Full Time (4 days in office, 1 day from home)
Kingston-on-Thames
At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”.
Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style.
These are clothes for life’s best moments.
Womenswear Design Manager
Full Time (4 days in office, 1 day from home)
Kingston-on-Thames
At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”.
Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style.
These are clothes for life’s best moments.
We believe in collaboration, kindness and creativity, in celebrating our successes and championing our customer at every step of the way.
From ’93 to now, people have been at the heart of everything we do.
It’s in our name – Crew.
Purpose Of The Role
We are looking for a Womenswear Design manager to come and join the team and be responsible for managing the womenswear design team, as well as supporting design across multiple categories.
Key Responsibilities
- People Management
- Management of the womenswear design team, including performance management and workflow.
- Trend & Market Research
- Maintain awareness of seasonal trends through market shopping, trend research and stay current with competition. Gain knowledge of multi-market product ranges.
- Create presentation material for trend, colour and must-have product in your categories.
- Shop trend in retail markets seeking new merchandise ideas, as needed.
- Create presentation boards
- Colour and Fabric Research & Development
- Develop and update seasonal coloured range boards, maintaining awareness of market colour direction and internal brand colour stories.
- Research market -identifying specific fabrics, yarns, jersey for the season, work with sourcing team and suppliers to source each fabric to meet the specific pricing needs of knitwear and jersey.
- Select each style’s fabric, trims, materials and colours that fit into the mood board direction and create style plans.
- Work with team to develop standards to maintain and grow the internal material library.
- Product Development & Development Packages
- Design for womenswear specified categories within the design department.
- Prepare range and presentation boards for range reviews and buyer/product meetings.
Create presentation materials for product range sign -off meetings.
Work with the design team to keep up to date.
- Be prepared with proto samples, store bought samples, fabric swatches, sketches and tears during Development Meetings
- Create flat technical sketches and packs for design development packages
- Create design development Package with components
- Manage and maintain all information through to final approval.
- Manage seasonal range sheets
- Maintain records of range sheets ensure they are updated and correct for product range selection.
- Suggest colour direction for garments to properly balance the product and seasonal collections.
- Review and approve proto samples with technical team.
- Team Collaboration
- Work with technical team to ensure tech packages are accurate and complete; review with HOD and provide specific feedback and collaborative direction when necessary.
- Adhere to the seasonal critical path and action calendars. Work collaboratively with internal and external supplier, teams, buyers and technical dept.
- Updating all VRP’s and cads for the design team and own departments. Elevate calendar issues and provide resolution in order to maintain calendar dates.
- Approve fabric samples, lab dips and other development materials sent from factories.
Work collaboratively with internal material management teams to provide feedback and clear and concise direction in order to execute approvals properly.
- Communicate on a daily basis with overseas offices.
Key Responsibilities
- Experience within a designer management role within the fashion industry.
- Excellent illustrator skills, proficiency in PC operation, Excel, Adobe Photoshop software
- Ability to impact and influence design team to gain buy-in for product that will influence the Crew customer. Ideally, experience of working in a global matrix environment.
- Knowledge of how product is sourced, developed and marketed
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills and ability to understand how to adapt presentation for relevant audiences.
- Ability to understand brand strategies and to work in a collaborative environment.
- Strong design and conceptual skills
- Strong colour sense / print sense
- Ability to quickly understand the target customer
- Ability to quickly analyse data/situations and draw relevant conclusions to have positive effects on business in a complex environment
- Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
- Ability to multi-task, problem solve, and think outside the box in a fast-paced environment.
Skills
- Design Management
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Design Manager in Kingston upon Thames employer: Crew Clothing Company
At Crew Clothing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration, kindness, and creativity. As a Key Holder, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, a uniform contribution to help you look your best, and a future-focused pension plan, all while working in a supportive environment that champions your personal and professional growth. Join us in celebrating life's best moments through timeless British style and be part of a team that truly puts people at the heart of everything we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Kingston upon Thames
✨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 Crew Clothing Company!
✨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 Crew Clothing Company.
✨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 Crew Clothing Company.
✨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 Crew Clothing Company!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Kingston upon Thames
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 Crew Clothing Company.
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 Crew Clothing Company!
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 Crew Clothing Company. 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 Crew Clothing Company
✨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!
