At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop luxury knitwear collections from concept to production.
- Company: Join John Smedley, a prestigious British luxury knitwear brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, employee discounts, and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with unique on-site manufacturing opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of premium fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion or knitwear design; strong Adobe skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Knitwear Technical Designer
Luxury Knitwear Full Time | Fixed-Term Contract (12-18 Months) £30,000 per annum + Allowances 32 Days Holiday Per Year Matlock, Derbyshire Start Date: September 2026
Help shape the future of British luxury knitwear at John Smedley, where design is where heritage, craftsmanship and innovation come together. For over 240 years we've been creating the world's finest knitwear, combining exceptional British manufacturing with contemporary design to produce garments recognised and respected around the world.
We're looking for a talented and enthusiastic Knitwear Technical Designer to join our business on a 12-18 month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of Britain's most iconic luxury brands, supporting the technical design, development and delivery of premium knitwear collections.
Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, you'll work closely with our Design, Product Development and Technical teams, contributing to seasonal collections while translating design concepts into technically robust, production-ready knitwear, ensuring products are successfully developed from concept through to production.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about product and enjoys turning creative ideas into beautifully crafted garments. You'll work collaboratively with Technical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Marketing teams, helping to create products that reflect the quality, innovation and craftsmanship that define John Smedley through excellent technical development, garment construction and product engineering.
The Role
- Support the Design, Product Development and Technical teams in creating seasonal collections and developing new product opportunities.
- Contribute throughout the technical design and product development process, from initial concepts through to production.
- Prepare detailed technical documentation, supporting garment development and working closely with cross-functional teams.
What You'll Do
- Support the design and development of seasonal knitwear collections from concept through to production.
- Assist in researching seasonal trends, colours, yarns, fabrics and silhouettes.
- Create design concepts, sketches, CADs and presentation materials.
- Produce accurate technical specifications, garment packs, construction details, measurement specifications and product documentation.
- Work closely with the Product Development, Technical and Manufacturing teams.
- Support garment fittings, sample reviews and product evaluations.
- Liaise with Manufacturing to ensure products are developed efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
- Collaborate with Design, Technical and Manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges.
- Assist with maintaining seasonal critical paths and ensuring key development milestones are achieved.
- Collaborate with Commercial and Marketing teams to ensure products meet customer and market requirements.
- Contribute ideas for product innovation while respecting the heritage and values of the John Smedley brand.
- Help maintain accurate product records and development documentation.
Who We're Looking For
- A creative, organised and technically minded Knitwear Technical Designer.
- Experience within fashion, apparel or knitwear design.
- Good knowledge of garment design, technical garment development, technical specifications and the product development process.
- An understanding of knitwear construction, garment engineering, fabrics, yarns and manufacturing processes.
- Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills, particularly Illustrator, together with CAD experience.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A collaborative approach and the confidence to build positive relationships.
- Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn from experienced colleagues.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of customer-focused product design.
- A passion for premium fashion, innovation and beautifully crafted products.
Why Join John Smedley?
This is an exciting opportunity to develop your design career within an internationally recognised British luxury brand. Working alongside the Chief Product Officer and our experienced Design and Product Development teams, you'll gain exposure to every stage of the technical product development journey while contributing to future collections and product innovation.
In return, we offer:
- The opportunity to work on premium knitwear collections for a globally recognised British heritage brand.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Hands-on involvement throughout the complete product development process.
- The opportunity to contribute to exciting new product development projects.
- Discounts at hundreds of retailers.
- Access to wellbeing services.
- Fantastic employee discount.
- 34 days' annual leave.
Knitwear Technical Designer - Luxury Fashion in London employer: JOHN SMEDLEY LTD
John Smedley is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a legacy that spans over 240 years in British knitwear excellence. With a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that values attention to detail, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth within a renowned brand. Located in a vibrant community, the company fosters a collaborative environment where passion for quality is celebrated and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knitwear Technical Designer - Luxury Fashion in London
✨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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD!
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✨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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD.
✨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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD!
We think you need these skills to ace Knitwear Technical Designer - Luxury Fashion in London
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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD.
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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD!
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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD. 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 JOHN SMEDLEY LTD
✨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!
