At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior Designer in creating stunning womenswear dresses and driving global product direction.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic and inclusive brand committed to quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes fashion and makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in design, strong CAD skills, and a passion for fashion are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
As we continue to transform our business to meet the evolving needs of our customers, we're looking for results-driven individuals who bring a passion for product, strong teamwork, creativity, and a commercial mindset to join us on this exciting journey. As an Assistant Designer for Dresses (12-month maternity cover), you will work closely with the Senior Designer to support and deliver the global product direction for the department. You'll take ownership of a defined area within the range, designing product under guidance to meet key strategies, customer needs, and target price points.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.
What's in it for you
Being a part of M&S is exactly that - playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We're an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever-evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special:
- After completing your probationary period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry-leading parental, adoption, and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
What you'll do
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Work with Design Lead to deliver global product direction for the category through seasonal Briefs and OTB opportunities and identify up-trending and down-trending products, categories, fabrics, and items etc.
- Design and develop product.
- Deliver consistently high standards of Tech packs on PLM to Sourcing offices to meet critical paths.
- Work in collaboration with the Technical teams through the design and development process to ensure delivery of the agreed fabric and innovation strategy.
- Create tech packs via PLM delivering an accurate and commercial interpretation of the product design including the BOM, design aesthetic of garment make up and agreed fabric specifications.
- In-depth research of the product scope including global retail research to trades fairs etc. as appropriate.
- Identify and communicate key opportunities and actions post trips.
- Work with DL and Designers on coordinated looks/trends through the process as required.
- Work with Designers across Clothing & Home Design sharing trends to build strong XBU looks and lifestyles for the customer.
Who you are
Your skills and experience will include:
- Design handwriting and taste level to be in line with M&S style vision and in line with the M&S customer expectation.
- Expert in the field of design with significant designer experience within the Retail and/or Manufacturing industry.
- Strong understanding of fabric, fit, and garment make up to ensure product integrity.
- Ability and strong competence in creating Tech packs.
- Expert level of proficiency in Design related CAD software to include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design and PLM.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Assistant Designer Womenswear Dresses employer: Marks and Spencer
Joining M&S as an Assistant Designer for Womenswear Dresses means becoming part of a vibrant and inclusive team that values creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, extensive training programmes, and industry-leading parental policies, M&S fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. Located in a dynamic environment, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative product design while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer Womenswear Dresses
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow designers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their style and customer base so you can tailor your answers and show how you fit into their vision. We want to see your passion for the brand!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team. Let’s make magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Designer Womenswear Dresses
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Make sure to attach a copy of your portfolio when you apply. This is your chance to showcase your design skills and creativity, so pick your best work that aligns with the M&S style vision!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your experience in womenswear and any relevant projects that demonstrate your understanding of fabric, fit, and garment make-up.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We love individuals who are passionate about product and can bring their unique perspective to the team, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board for this exciting journey with M&S!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in womenswear dresses. Include a variety of designs that demonstrate your understanding of fabric, fit, and garment make-up, as well as your design handwriting. This will give the interviewers a clear insight into your style and capabilities.
✨Research the Brand
Before the interview, take some time to research M&S and their current product offerings. Understand their style vision and customer expectations. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software like Adobe Illustrator and PLM. You might be asked to explain how you create tech packs or your approach to collaborating with technical teams. Brush up on these topics so you can speak confidently about your skills.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Creativity
Since the role involves working closely with the Senior Designer and other teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any creative projects where teamwork played a key role in achieving great results, as this aligns with M&S's values.
