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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 while mentoring a dynamic team in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in womenswear design and strong people management skills required.
- Other info: Passionate about fashion? This is your chance to make an impact!
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! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at 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 your A-game by showcasing your best work. Make sure it highlights your design skills and how you’ve led successful projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about trends! Brush up on current fashion trends and be prepared to discuss how you can translate them into commercially viable designs. This shows you’re not just creative but also commercially savvy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from our site, so make sure to check out the latest openings and submit your application there. It’s a great way to stand out!
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 your love for fashion and how you keep up with trends. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and your ability to create commercially viable collections. We’re looking for specifics, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re busy too, so a well-structured application will definitely catch our eye!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at CVUK
✨Research the Brand and Market Trends
Before your interview, dive deep into the brand's current collections and their competitors. Understand what’s trending in womenswear and how the brand positions itself in the market. This will not only show your passion but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their design direction.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio with Relevant Work
Make sure your portfolio showcases your best work, especially pieces that align with the job description. Include examples of innovative designs, mood boards, and any collaborative projects. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since presenting collections is a key part of the role, practice how you would present your designs. Focus on clear communication and confidence. You might even want to simulate a presentation with a friend to get comfortable with articulating your ideas and responding to feedback.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing teams and mentoring junior designers. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully led a team to meet tight deadlines or adapt to changing trends. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
