Senior Designer (Wovens, Multi-Product)

Are you a movement maker? Are you seeking new and exciting career opportunities? Here is what you need to know about the job:

About the Role:

As a Senior Designer, you will work closely with the design team to oversee and execute the entire design process, from initial concept to finished products. Your primary goal will be to deliver high-quality, fashionable designs that meet client specifications and align with current market trends. You will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring that our designs resonate with mass-market consumers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Range Creation: Develop innovative and commercially viable ranges based on client specifications and market research. Maintain a strong commercial awareness of current fashion trends to inform design direction and ensure product relevance.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Communicate daily with third parties, including suppliers and production teams in Turkey and short lead time, to ensure alignment on designs and timelines. Work closely with Account Managers and buyers to develop strong working relationships and understand customer needs.
• Design Translation: Accurately translate creative ideas into commercial designs for the mass market, ensuring that all artistic elements align with business goals. Produce detailed design sheets and artwork for factories, providing comprehensive specifications needed to develop samples.
• Customer Engagement: Present designs and concepts to customers and buyers during face-to-face meetings, ensuring clear understanding and buy-in. Travel to production locations as required, fostering relationships with factories and suppliers.
• Trend Research and Forecasting: Conduct shopping trips, both in the UK and internationally, to research new trends, sourcing samples judiciously to maximise the usage of the business sample budget. Undertake trend prediction to keep the design process innovative and ahead of the competition.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, exploring new or exciting product development. Actively engage in recruiting placement students and mentoring junior design team members.
• Mentorship: Coach and guide less experienced designers within the team, sharing knowledge and encouraging professional growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field is essential.

Relevant Experience:

• Design Skills: Strong creative flair with an excellent sense for colour; ability to conceptualise and execute designs that appeal to the target market. Previous experience designing jersey and woven multi-product including denim. Proven ability as a senior designer working with shapes and fabrics.
• Production Knowledge: Familiarity with production construction techniques in the textile industry to ensure designs are manufacturable.
• Trend Prediction: Ability to identify and analyse emerging trends to inform product development effectively.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of the retail market dynamics and customer preferences; able to lead and take accountability for larger customer accounts.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presentations and collaboration with team members and clients.
• Organisational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, maintaining a structured approach to tasks.

Technical Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Proficient in software tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Freehand, and Shima Apex for design visualisation and presentation.
• Product Development Processes: Familiarity with the product development lifecycle from concept through to production, including sample development and fitting processes.
• Spec Generation: Ability to create detailed technical specifications and design sheets used by factories for sample production.
• Digital Skills: Ability to utilise digital tools and platforms for trend analysis, design presentation, and collaboration with remote teams.
• Data Management: Competence in managing and analysing design metrics to inform decisions and support presentations.

Personal Attributes:

• Creative Thinker: Demonstrates creativity and innovation in designing that sets trends and captures the market's attention.
• Proactive and Initiative-Driven: Forthcoming with ideas for process improvements; displays initiative in project direction and design exploration.
• Collaborative Team Player: Works effectively as part of a team while also being self-motivated and capable of independent work.
• Mentorship Qualities: Passionate about coaching and developing junior team members; eager to share insights and support their growth.
• Adaptable and Resilient: Able to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment while maintaining attention to detail.

This job description outlines the responsibilities, core skills, technical skills, and personal attributes required for the Senior Designer role. The emphasis on creativity, technical expertise, and collaboration aims to highlight the importance of delivering high-quality, trend-driven products that meet market demands.

If this sounds like you, 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.