Assistant Designer (Non-Clothing) in Hampshire, Havant

Department: Design

Reports To: Designer

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Arrangements/Pattern: Full Time (35 Hours)

Working Location: Hybrid Working (3 days office based)

About us:

For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life. Our mission statement: Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always. Our Product formula: Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.

We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 best places to work 2025 and best places to work for women 2025. Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.

Role Summary:

To design a commercial range of products which is in line with the Design direction and brand strategy. Assist the Designer in all aspects of the design function.

Role Responsibilities:

• Assist in gathering information on season trends appropriate for the Fat Face brand through research, competitor visits and reviews of past performance.
• Input into the department product strategy producing competitor and product information as required.
• Monitor supplier and market activity to update own knowledge with the latest trends, techniques and washes to ensure the Fat Face products are up to date.
• Originate and develop design ideas which deliver the design direction, and which are in line with the departmental product strategy.
• Produce comprehensive design packs, ensuring accurate and completion in line with critical path, work with the buying team to achieve right first-time sampling.
• Be aware of selection meetings and chase in relevant proto samples from supplier.
• Attend fit sessions when required to ensure the design signature is accurately interpreted through the development stage and that the products remain on brand.
• Supervise, train and develop the design assistant. Monitoring performance against their training programme, highlighting areas for improvement.
• Oversee the management of design samples, boards and information for meetings to ensure all requirements are satisfied.
• Feedback on current trends and styling information and make suggestions for product designs, understanding the implications on the critical path.
• Keep up to date with department and product sales performance and trading activity and feedback into design process.
• Develop self through store, competitor, shows and supplier visits. And through increased awareness of other functions and company activity.
• Deputise for the Designer when required.
• Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times.

Skills and Experience:

• Design experience required.
• Previous experience in garments essential.
• Degree or equivalent in design-based subject.
• Presentation skills.
• Use of computerised design system – Photoshop, Illustrator.
• Good communication and influencing skills.
• Good planning and organisation skills.
• Supervisory and task delegation.

Role Competencies:

• Good understanding of customer profile, product range and competitors.
• Brand and market awareness.
• Up to date with changing trends and able to translate into commercial designs.
• Knowledge of critical path and product life cycle.
• An understanding of the supply chain for product and fabric sourcing and development.
• Understanding of garment construction.
• A team player who is happy to support across wider design team when necessary.
• Passion for product and design.

Key Contacts and Relationships:

• Internal: Design Team, Buying Team, Merchandising Team, Quality Team, Marketing Team.
• External: Suppliers, Freelancers.

Accountable for Resources:

• Design Outputs: Tech Packs, Proto Samples, Trend Reports.
• Critical Path Management: Design Timelines, Project Milestones.
• Sample Management: Design and Proto Samples.
• Design Assets and Materials: Fabric, Trim, and Color Libraries, Mood Boards and Trend Boards.
• Collaboration Tools and Reports: PLM System and Documentation, Feedback Loops.
• Brand Standards and Vision: Adherence to Brand Guidelines, Sustainability Goals.

FatFace Benefits:

• Financial & Protection Benefits: Sick pay allowances, Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues), Pension scheme, Dental insurance (colleague funded).
• Discounts & Perks: 60% off FatFace products, 25% discount at Next stores, O2 phone discount, Discounted gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, EV vehicle scheme, Perkbox.
• Health & Wellbeing: Specsavers eye care scheme, Free period products, EAP support 24/7.
• Learning & Development: THRIVE – our learning management system.
• Time Off & Leave: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Sabbatical leave, Enhanced family-friendly policies, Flexible Working Opportunities.
• Additional Perks: Refer a Friend scheme.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — you might be just the right fit.