At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of luxury knitwear collections and inspire creative teams.
- Company: Join John Smedley, a prestigious British luxury knitwear brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, employee discounts, and 34 days' annual leave.
- Other info: Work on-site with all teams for seamless product development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of knitwear in a collaborative, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion design, particularly in knitwear, is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
4 Days per week | Fixed-Term Contract (12-18 Months)
Up to £36,000 per annum
Matlock, Derbyshire
Start Date: September 2026
Lead the future of British luxury knitwear design. At John Smedley, 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.
Unlike many fashion brands, our design, product development and manufacturing teams all work together on-site. This fully integrated approach gives our Design team the rare opportunity to collaborate closely throughout every stage of the product journey, seeing ideas develop seamlessly from concept through to production while maintaining the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that define John Smedley.
We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring Design Manager to join our business on a 12-18 month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the design and development of premium knitwear collections within one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands. Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, you’ll lead our Design and Product Development function, shaping the future direction of our collections while ensuring products are successfully developed from concept through to production.
This is a role for someone who is passionate about product. You’ll enjoy being hands-on, solving design challenges and transforming ideas into commercially successful collections. Working closely with Technical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Marketing teams, you’ll ensure every product reflects the quality, innovation and craftsmanship that define John Smedley.
The Role
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the Design and Product Development teams, setting priorities, providing direction and creating an environment where creativity and commercial thinking thrive.
- Partner with the Chief Product Officer to shape seasonal product strategies, future collections and new product opportunities.
- Lead the design and development of premium knitwear collections from concept through to production, ensuring products align with brand direction, customer needs and commercial objectives.
- Produce and oversee detailed technical specifications, garment packs, construction details and product documentation to ensure concepts are successfully translated into production-ready products.
- Work closely with Technical and Product Development teams to ensure products are commercially viable, manufacturable and delivered to the highest quality standards.
- Champion a right-first-time approach to product development, reducing unnecessary sampling, rework and delays.
- Lead planning meetings to monitor workloads, priorities, risks and seasonal critical paths.
- Build strong collaborative relationships across Design, Technical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Marketing teams.
- Act as the first point of escalation for design-related product quality issues, identifying practical, commercially focused solutions.
- Coach, mentor and develop members of the Design and Product Development teams, encouraging innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced product design leader who combines creativity with commercial awareness and enjoys developing both products and people. Experience within knitwear would be highly desirable, as knitwear sits at the heart of our business. However, we’ll also consider candidates with a strong background in premium apparel or fashion design.
You’ll bring:
- Significant experience within fashion, apparel or knitwear design, with knitwear experience highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of garment design, technical specifications, product development and the complete product lifecycle.
- Excellent understanding of fashion manufacturing processes.
- Experience leading product development across multiple collections and managing seasonal critical paths.
- Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, yarns and product development processes.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while coordinating the work of others.
- A collaborative approach, building strong relationships across Design, Technical, Quality, Commercial and Marketing teams.
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge constructively, solve problems and influence decisions.
- Experience mentoring, coaching or leading colleagues within a design environment.
- A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and creating exceptional products.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of how outstanding product design contributes to business performance and customer satisfaction.
Why Join John Smedley?
This is an excellent opportunity to lead product design within an internationally recognised British luxury brand. Working alongside the Chief Product Officer, you’ll have genuine influence over future collections, product innovation and the continued evolution of one of Britain’s most respected knitwear manufacturers.
What makes John Smedley truly unique is our fully integrated, on-site manufacturing. You’ll work alongside Design, Technical, Product Development and Manufacturing teams under one roof, giving you the opportunity to see your ideas evolve from concept to finished garment through a level of collaboration that’s increasingly rare within the luxury fashion industry.
In return, we offer:
- The opportunity to lead the design and development of premium knitwear collections for a globally recognised British heritage brand.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Genuine influence over future collections and product innovation.
- The opportunity to lead exciting product development projects from concept through to launch.
- Discounts at hundreds of retailers.
- Access to wellbeing services.
- Fantastic employee discount.
- 34 days’ annual leave, including Bank Holidays.
- Salary of up to £36,000 per annum.
Hours: 4 days per week
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract (12-18 Months)
Start Date: September 2026
Ready for your next challenge? If you’re an experienced product design leader with a passion for creating exceptional knitwear and inspiring others to deliver their best work, we’d love to hear from you.
Design Manager - Luxury Knitwear Fashion in Matlock 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 Design Manager - Luxury Knitwear Fashion in Matlock
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like JOHN SMEDLEY LTD. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Luxury Knitwear Fashion in Matlock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into JOHN SMEDLEY LTD's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit JOHN SMEDLEY LTD during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at JOHN SMEDLEY LTD.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at JOHN SMEDLEY LTD.
How to prepare for a job interview at JOHN SMEDLEY LTD
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand JOHN SMEDLEY LTD. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
