DESIGN ADMIN ASSISTANT - CHILDRENSWEAR / FASHION GRADUATE in Slough

About the role

Our client, a successful fashion supplier of childrenswear to multiple high street retailers in the UK and overseas, is looking to recruit a highly organised and proactive Design Administrator to join their small fast-paced design team. This pivotal support role bridges the gap between creative concept and technical execution. You will be the "engine room" of the department, ensuring their PLM system, design boards and tech packs are meticulously maintained, their seasonal catalogues are both visually engaging and precise, and their physical libraries remain well organised and inspiring.

Key Responsibilities

• Input and maintain data within the PLM system, including creating new style numbers, uploading artwork, linking bought sample imagery, and adding fabric compositions.
• Update design descriptions (e.g. fabric composition, techniques) across Design Boards and Tech Packs using Adobe Illustrator.
• Create Design Colourways using Adobe Illustrator, guided by the design team.
• Work on tech packs for repeat styles and/or new colourways – amendments to existing tech packs, purely data amends or basic design amendments as instructed by the design team.
• Organise bought samples and assist with photoshoots when required.
• Maintain and organise fabric, trims, and techniques libraries to ensure relevance and accessibility.
• Assist the design team with mood boards, trend research, and competitor shop data.
• Pull and share relevant reports from WGSN with the design team.
• Support UK and international comp shop planning, including itineraries, maps, and accommodation.
• Create artwork packs, physical colour palettes, and fabric swatches for licensors and customers, using design information provided by the design team.
• Coordinate approvals with licensors and manage customer selections.
• Work closely with the sales team to ensure accuracy across Design Boards, Tech Packs, and the PLM system, keeping up to date with ongoing changes and amendments.
• Create seasonal catalogues across the design departments.

Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in fashion, childrenswear, textiles, and the wider creative industry.
• High level of attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy.
• Ability to manage repetitive tasks while maintaining consistency, focus, and quality.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is advantageous but not a requirement on application; however, a willingness and enthusiasm to learn these tools is required.

Who you are

This role is ideal for someone with a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, who also takes satisfaction in the fundamentals of design administration. You enjoy working behind the scenes to ensure systems are accurate, aligned, and up to date, and you’re comfortable managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. From pulling WGSN trend reports and creating inspirational mood boards to coordinating customer selections and licensor approvals, you play a vital role in keeping the design cycle running smoothly from initial concept through to final sample. You’re confident and have a natural ability for learning new tools & systems quickly. You’re highly organised, with strong time management skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively. You collaborate well with others, communicating clearly and professionally with colleagues across departments. You understand the importance of clean, consistent data in supporting business operations and take pride in getting the details right the first time. You’re proactive, dependable, and thrive in a team-oriented environment.