Urgently Needed – Technical Knitwear Designer
Join an award-winning British luxury brand. Be part of something exceptional.
240 Years of Heritage. One Exciting Opportunity. - At John Smedley, British Luxury Brand of the Year 2026, we have been creating exceptional British knitwear since 1784. - Now in our eighth generation as a family business, we're proud of our heritage, our craftsmanship and, above all, our people. Based at our historic mill in Derbyshire, we combine centuries of expertise with innovation, creativity and a commitment to responsible British manufacturing.
We're more than a luxury fashion brand. We're a community of talented, passionate people who take pride in what they do, support one another and share a commitment to excellence. - We're looking for a Technical Designer to join our Design & NPD team on a 12-month contract – and we're looking for someone who can start as soon as possible!
Bringing collections to life – supporting the development of seasonal collections, wholesale ranges and exclusive projects.
Getting the details right – creating accurate CAD drawings, technical specifications and production-ready design packs.
Perfecting the fit – conducting fittings, measuring samples and managing amendments to achieve exceptional quality.
Supporting the creative process – developing seasonal colour palettes, fabric swatches and moodboards.
Championing quality – maintaining technical standards, garment specifications and consistency across collections.
Keeping everything on track – managing critical paths, range documentation, style libraries and seasonal deadlines.
Working together – collaborating with Design, Production, Garment Technology, Trading and Marketing to ensure products are both beautifully designed and commercially successful.
Making things better – contributing ideas to improve processes, efficiency and product development.
A degree in Fashion Design (ideally specialising in knitwear) or equivalent industry experience.
Proven experience in technical garment design and product development.
Strong knowledge of knitwear construction, garment specifications and manufacturing processes.
Confidence using Adobe Illustrator for CAD design and Microsoft Office (Photoshop and InDesign would be a bonus).
Experience managing critical paths, fittings, technical documentation and quality standards.
Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
A proactive, collaborative approach and great communication skills.
Energy, enthusiasm and a genuine pride in producing exceptional work.
Competitive salary – up to £30,000 per annum.
Flexible working hours – supporting a better work-life balance.
Enhanced annual leave – giving you more time to enjoy life outside work.
Exclusive John Smedley discounts – enjoy our luxury knitwear at special employee prices.
Discounts at hundreds of retailers – helping your money go further.
Complimentary tea and coffee – because the little things count.
Team events and activities – opportunities to connect, celebrate and have fun.
Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing services – because your wellbeing matters.
Death in service benefit – providing additional peace of mind.
Access to top-tier training and development programmes – helping you continue to learn, grow and succeed.
A welcoming, supportive working environment – where your ideas, expertise and contribution are genuinely valued.
Start Date: ASAP – Immediate availability preferred
This position is based at our historic Lea Mills in Matlock, Derbyshire, where our design expertise and manufacturing heritage come together.
You must be able to work on-site four days per week. This is an essential requirement of the role, allowing you to collaborate closely with our teams and be part of the hands-on development process.
We're hiring now and want to hear from you! - If you're an experienced Technical Designer looking for your next challenge, this is your opportunity to make a real impact at one of Britain's most iconic luxury knitwear brands.
We're particularly keen to hear from candidates who are available immediately or at short notice.
John Smedley | British Luxury Brand of the Year 2026
Crafted in Britain since 1784. Driven by people. Defined by quality.
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Technical Knitwear Designer (Urgently Needed) in Matlock employer: John Smedley Limited
John Smedley Limited is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Matlock, offering a unique opportunity to work in a historic setting while contributing to the production of world-renowned knitwear. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the company provides 32 days of holiday, access to wellbeing programmes, and discounts on products, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Join a team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a tangible impact on quality standards and continuous improvement.
