Senior Womenswear Designer

From concept to creation, the Senior Womenswear Designer at Finisterre will lead the entire womenswear design process. Under the guidance of the Head of Design, you will collaborate closely with all Product Team departments to create market-leading, globally focused collections that align seamlessly with the brand vision, meet commercial market demands, and uphold the exceptional quality Finisterre is known for.

You will bring an exceptional eye for style, trend, colour, and fabrication, and will work across the full Finisterre womenswear offering. You will own outerwear, wovens, and jersey across technical, workwear, and lifestyle categories, while also supporting creative direction within specialist areas including knitwear, swim, accessories, print, and brand collaborations.

With an impeccable sense of fit and a strong attention to detail, you will ensure product excellence is delivered throughout the design process, with considered focus on the women’s muse, styling, and overall aesthetic. Working closely with the Senior Design Manager, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, to brief, and to the highest standards.

As a senior member of the design team, you will lead with experience and passion, confidently presenting and communicating product vision and outcomes to the wider business. You will be a strong advocate for Finisterre Women, ensuring the category continues to evolve and maintains its position as an industry leader.

Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design Leadership & Direction: Lead the evolution of Finisterre Womenswear, shaping product design, aesthetic, styling, and overall creative vision.
• Trend, Market & Consumer Insight: Conduct ongoing trend and market research, including shopping trips, competitor analysis, and consumer behaviour insights.
• Concept, Range & Visual Planning: Develop seasonal concepts through mood boards, colour palettes, and sketching (hand and CAD).
• Creative & Commercial Range Analysis: Analyse the womenswear collection both creatively and commercially, using sales performance and market insight.
• Product Lifecycle Ownership: Manage the full product lifecycle from initial concept through to final production.
• Technical Delivery & PLM Management: Complete all Technical Packs (TPs) and artworks accurately and on time.
• Design Process & Key Milestones: Prepare and contribute to all key design meetings with c-suite and entire product team.
• Sampling & Fabric Development: Collaborate with the materials developer to brief seasonal ranges and new developments within fabric and trims.
• Innovation & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Product, Merchandising, and Marketing teams.
• Supplier & Factory Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and factories.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Support and mentor less experienced designers across the wider design function.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO FINISTERRE:

• Significant experience as a senior womenswear designer within a multi-channel clothing or lifestyle brand.
• Qualified to degree level in Fashion, Textiles or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• A consummate womenswear design professional with exceptional eye for style, colour, fabrication, and detail.
• Proven track record of delivering successful womenswear collections from concept through to production.
• Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrication, and finishing.
• Experience working collaboratively with product development, buying, merchandising and marketing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse range performance, identify opportunities, and evolve product assortments.
• Proven ability to mentor, guide and support junior designers.
• Confidence presenting ideas, concepts and product ranges clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.
• Passion, energy and aspiration in line with Finisterre values, products, brand and customers.
• Excellent self-awareness, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resourceful, creative, resilient and entirely flexible.
• 3D Design skills are beneficial.

Important: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE:

• 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays.
• Your birthday day off.
• Up to 3 days of paid volunteering.
• A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance.
• A pension scheme with Nest.
• 60% product discount for personal and gift use.
• 30% Friends and Family product discount.
• Enhanced Family Leave policies.
• Life assurance with access to an online wellbeing platform.
• Access to a range of wellbeing resources.
• Regular company and team social events.
• Access our online Learning Library and company-wide training sessions.
• An hour to spend in or by the sea every Tuesday.

Closing date: We’ll be interviewing as we go along, so we’d encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.