At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design direction for women's softs, creating innovative and commercially viable collections.
- Company: Established supplier to high street brands in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape fashion trends and make a real impact in the women's wear industry.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years experience in women's softs design and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on sustainability and trend awareness.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are working with an established supplier to high street brands who are looking for a Senior Women's Softs Designer.
Role Overview
We are looking for a Womenswear Senior Designer (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.
- 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 productionâready designs.
Candidate / Qualifications
- At least 5-10 years of experience in women's softs woven.
- 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, whatâs happening on the high street, catwalks and social media.
- Commercial awarenessâinterpreting 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.
Senior Womenswear Designer Softs - Supplier - East London employer: CVUK
Contact Detail:
CVUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Senior Womenswear Designer Softs - Supplier - East London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure itâs up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to present, let your creativity shine and explain your design process.
â¨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Donât just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, even if theyâre not hiring. A well-timed email can open doors you didnât even know existed.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Weâve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented designers like you. Plus, it shows youâre genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Womenswear Designer Softs - Supplier - East London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for womenswear design shine through in your application. We want to see your love for fashion and how you keep up with trends, so donât hold back on sharing your inspirations and ideas!
Tailor Your Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio reflects the type of work weâre looking for. Highlight your best designs that align with the role, especially those that showcase your ability to create commercially viable garments. We want to see your creativity in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and skills are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donât miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows youâre keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CVUK
â¨Research the Brand and Market Trends
Before your interview, dive deep into the brand's current collections and their competitors. Understand whatâs trending in womenswear, especially in softs. This will not only show your passion but also help you discuss how your design vision aligns with their direction.
â¨Prepare Your Portfolio with Relevant Work
Make sure your portfolio showcases your best work in women's softs. Include a variety of designs that highlight your ability to create commercially viable garments. Be ready to discuss your design process and how youâve adapted to feedback in past projects.
â¨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since presenting collections is a key part of the role, practice how youâll present your ideas clearly and confidently. Use mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure you can articulate your design choices and the rationale behind them.
â¨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss examples of successful collaborations. Highlight how you've liaised with sales, production, or fabric sourcing teams in the past to create successful collections.