At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative knitwear designs for top UK retailers and manage the development process.
- Company: Established UK apparel supplier with over 50 years of experience in knitwear.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, stable long-term opportunity, and exposure to major retailers.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy rapid development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of knitwear design and collaborate with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of knitwear design experience and strong portfolio required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Our client is a UK-based apparel supplier with over 50 years of experience working with leading retailers including Next, Urban Outfitters, River Island and others. Specialising in knitwear, supported by a global network of partner factories across countries such as Turkey, India and China. The UK studio delivers design, development and sampling with industry-leading speed. As they continue strengthening their product development capabilities, we are looking for a talented Senior Ladies Knitwear Designer to help drive new ideas, product innovation and commercial design across key customer accounts.
The Role
We are looking for a Senior Knitwear Designer with strong commercial awareness and a passion for product development. This role will work closely with in-house sample unit, customers and overseas factories to develop knitwear collections from concept through to production.
You will be responsible for:
- Creating commercially relevant knitwear designs for major UK retailers
- Developing concepts, colour palettes and seasonal ranges
- Working closely with the in-house sampling team to develop prototypes
- Collaborating with factories, mills and yarn suppliers
- Managing critical paths and sample development timelines
- Presenting designs and collections confidently to customers
- Supporting bulk approvals and product development through to production
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years professional knitwear design experience
- Strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design development
- Experience working directly with factories, mills and yarn suppliers
- Strong command of colour, layout and composition
- Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)
- Experience managing critical paths and sample rounds
- Ability to balance customer needs with commercial business goals
- Confident presenting ideas and explaining design rationale
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic and high productivity
Why Join
- Opportunity to shape the creative direction of knitwear development
- Work closely with an in-house sampling unit for rapid development
- Exposure to major UK retailers and international supply partners
- Stable, long-term opportunity within a growing team
- Collaborative and experienced in-house environment
Senior Ladies Knitwear Designer in Leicester employer: Encore Recruitment Limited
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Senior Ladies Knitwear Designer in Leicestershire, where your creativity will directly influence the design of collections for leading UK retailers. With over 50 years of industry experience, our client offers a collaborative work culture, rapid development opportunities, and a supportive environment that fosters professional growth. Enjoy the unique advantage of working closely with an in-house sampling unit and international supply partners, ensuring your designs come to life efficiently and effectively.
Contact Details:
Encore Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ladies Knitwear Designer in Leicester
✨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 Encore Recruitment Limited!
✨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 Encore Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Encore Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Encore Recruitment Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ladies Knitwear Designer in Leicester
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 Encore Recruitment Limited.
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 Encore Recruitment Limited!
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 Encore Recruitment Limited. 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 Encore Recruitment Limited
✨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!
