Designer (Ladies, swimwear) in Manchester

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities? We are LF Fashion, a proud member of the Li & Fung family, a global leader in the design, development, and sourcing of consumer goods for the fashion and apparel industry. With over 115 years of supply chain expertise, our operations encompass everything from product design and production management to quality control and shipping. Our unique approach of working "As One" allows us to integrate diverse sectors of the retail market efficiently and effectively.

The Designer will play a crucial role in creating innovative and commercially viable ladies swimwear collections that meet the needs of high‑street fashion brands. As a key member of the design team, this role requires a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and strong organisational skills to collaborate effectively with the design team, account managers, offshore product development teams, and clients. The Swimwear Designer will contribute to seasonal collections, focusing on trends in colour, fabric, and micro‑trends, while ensuring that the end products align with market demands.

Why this role is exciting:

• Specialise in ladies swimwear design from concept to production — swimsuits, bikinis, beachwear and cover‑ups.
• Work “As One” with cross‑functional teams, clients and offshore partners to deliver commercially strong, trend‑led collections.
• Influence fabric and fit decisions using technical know‑how of swim fabrics (Lycra, polyamide blends, linings, performance finishes, UV/chlorine resistance) and swim construction.

What you’ll do:

• Create original, on‑trend ladies swimwear designs and translate them into sketches, technical flats and digital illustrations.
• Develop seasonal palettes, fabrics, trims and micro‑trends for swimwear ranges.
• Produce clear tech packs and guide offshore product development teams to deliver accurate samples.
• Run fittings and refine fit/comfort for multiple body shapes and size ranges.
• Test and evaluate materials for durability, performance and suitability in swimwear.
• Collaborate closely with account managers, clients, factories and quality control to ensure design intent and production quality.
• Monitor samples, resolve quality issues, and support smooth production handover.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• Proven experience designing swimwear or intimate apparel for high‑street brands.
• Strong technical knowledge of swim fabrics, construction and manufacturing processes.
• Skilled in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with 3D design tools is a plus.
• Experience producing tech packs and managing offshore development teams.
• Excellent communication, organisational skills and a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
• A creative portfolio that demonstrates swimwear design, fit work and technical competence.

Perks & Culture:

• Work within a large, collaborative global network with proven supply‑chain strengths.
• Opportunity to own swim ranges that reach major high‑street retailers.
• Fast‑paced, creative environment where commercial thinking meets design innovation.

Apply Now! As an equal opportunity employer, we shall consider all applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, marital status, race, sexual orientation, disability, disease, pregnancy, or trade union and/or political affiliation, and disregard all factors deemed inappropriate by local law and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.