At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in designing women's dresses and support the Senior Designer with creative projects.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Marks & Spencer, a leader in retail innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellness support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative journey that shapes fashion and meets customer needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in design, proficiency in CAD software, and a passion for fashion.
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.
- 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. Consistently high hit rate.
- 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.
Everyone’s welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating, and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted, and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.
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 & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, allowing employees to thrive creatively while contributing to the dynamic world of retail. With generous benefits such as a 20% colleague discount, competitive holiday entitlement, and extensive training programmes, M&S prioritises employee growth and wellbeing, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about design and innovation in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer Womenswear Dresses
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work and aligns with the M&S style vision. A strong portfolio can really set you apart, so don’t skimp on this part.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant design groups, and attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching M&S’s latest collections and trends. Show that you’re not just passionate about design but also about what M&S stands for. Bring ideas to the table that align with their vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence goes a long way!
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 role!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience matches the Assistant Designer role. We want to see your passion for product and teamwork shine through.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Since this role is all about design, having visual examples of your creativity and skills will help you stand out. Tailor your portfolio to include pieces that align with the M&S style vision.
✨Research the Brand
Before the interview, dive deep into M&S's current collections and understand their customer base. Familiarise yourself with their latest trends and product offerings, especially in womenswear dresses. This knowledge will show your passion for the brand and help you discuss how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with tech packs, CAD software, and fabric knowledge. Brush up on your understanding of garment construction and be ready to discuss how you ensure product integrity. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with the Senior Designer and other teams, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of past collaborations where you contributed to successful projects. This will show that you’re not just a talented designer but also a great team player who can thrive in a collaborative environment.
