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- Tasks: Lead the design direction for women's softs, creating trendy and commercially viable collections.
- Company: Join a successful supplier to high street retailers and supermarkets in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape fashion trends and make an impact in the dynamic world of womenswear design.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in womenswear design and strong team management experience required.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with a focus on sustainability and innovation in fashion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A fabulous opportunity to join a very successful supplier to high street retailers and supermarkets.
Role Overview - Design Manager Softs
We are looking for a Womenswear Design Manager (Softs) who can confidently lead the Design direction, in close partnership with the Sales Team. This role is pivotal in shaping a commercially strong and brand-appropriate collection, from initial strategy through to final range presentation.
Main responsibilities and duties
- Conduct in-depth trend research and create seasonal mood boards, colour palettes, and fabric stories.
- Using fabric sources to create, design and develop collections for two large UK commercial retailers.
- Design innovative, fashion-forward yet commercially viable garments, including blouses, dresses, shorts, skirts, loose jackets etc.
- Select appropriate fabrics, trims, and prints in collaboration with the fabric sourcing and print design teams.
- Oversee sample development and work closely with garment techs on fit, construction, and quality standards.
- Present collections internally and to key wholesale clients, taking on board feedback and adapting ranges where necessary.
- Manage a team of Designers and Assistants to all deliver the same objective.
- Collaborate with the sales team and other departments.
- Liaise with buyers, merchandisers, and production teams to ensure collections meet cost and margin requirements.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform design direction.
- Support and mentor junior designers and assistants within the team.
- Maintain the critical path and ensure timely delivery of samples and production ready designs.
The Candidate
- At least 5-10 years of experience in Womenswear.
- At least 10 years + people management skills and experience in managing Teams is essential.
- Strong work ethic, willing to go the extra mile.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, confident presenter.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Good eye for commercial product and trends.
- Passionate, enthusiastic, shows initiative.
- A strong interest and understanding of the industry, what's happening on the high street, catwalks and social media.
- Commercial awareness - interpreting and translating trends to meet the customer profile.
- Good knowledge of garment construction and fitting.
- Understands the remits of sustainability in this industry and can support processes around this.
- Excellent Photoshop and Illustrator skills.
Design Manager - Womens Softs - London employer: CVUK
Contact Detail:
CVUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Womens Softs - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local fashion events. 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! When you land that interview, bring along a well-curated selection of your best work. Make sure it highlights your design skills and your ability to create commercially viable collections.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss trends! Stay updated on the latest in womenswear and be ready to share your insights during interviews. This shows you're not just a designer but also someone who understands the market.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about joining us. It gives you a better chance to stand out and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Womens Softs - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for womenswear design shine through! We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the industry.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in managing teams and designing collections. We love seeing how your past roles align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on those relevant details!
Be Specific in Your Cover Letter: In your cover letter, be specific about your design process and how you’ve successfully collaborated with sales teams in the past. We want to know how you can contribute to our success right from the get-go!
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 you’re considered for this fabulous opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at CVUK
✨Know Your Trends
Dive deep into current fashion trends, especially in womenswear. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence your design direction and how you would incorporate them into collections for high street retailers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you foster collaboration among team members.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that showcases your best work, particularly pieces that demonstrate your ability to create commercially viable garments. Make sure to include mood boards, fabric stories, and any successful collections you've designed.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
As you'll need to present collections to clients and internal teams, practice articulating your design concepts clearly and confidently. Be open to feedback and show how you adapt designs based on client needs or market trends.