At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative womenswear jersey and knitwear, creating impactful prints and collaborating with teams.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retailer known for its inclusive culture and creative innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values creativity and personal growth while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in womenswear design, strong Adobe skills, and a passion for seasonal trends.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Womenswear Jersey & Knitwear Designer at Matalan, you will be responsible for designing and innovating the best prints for our product, at the right place, at the right time for the required place for specified categories.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & KPIs: Work in conjunction with the Head of Design/Design Manager to formulate, plan & present the departmental design strategy ensuring alignment with the Menswear / Company strategy guidance. Formulate and agree the product direction for your specified categories with the Head of Design/Design Manager. Define the seasonal range framework for your specified categories, that is aligned to the overall strategy and KPIs.
- Range Design/Development: Collaborate with the Buyer and Merchandiser to develop commercial ranges within the agreed seasonal range framework and in line with the defined strategy and KPIs. Present the ranges in an impactful way ensuring correct samples are used and all product delivers the agreed vision and strategy. Work collaboratively to forecast and agree Key/Core/Continuity/Fashion Line packages aligned with the main departmental strategy and range framework. Work with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure product is fit for purpose and of the right fit/shape/quality/value for the Matalan customer. Collaborating and aligning with the Head of Design/Design Manager/Designers, identify and drive the delivery of innovative, new product opportunities for your category and department.
- Trading: Using a broad and relevant range of internal/external data and insight, continually evaluate your specified categories to ensure design plans are adapted and informed by timely forecast/insights/trading, ensuring commercial decisions are made. Support and maintain control of design/dept critical paths and take appropriate commercial action alongside Buying & Merchandising. Maximise the use of trading reactions and OTB working with the buying team to seek the latest product innovation within your categories. Understand market trends and translate for the Matalan customer to optimise category performance.
- Suppliers: Build and maintain positive working relationships with key suppliers to ensure we have the very best product, delivered on time for our customer. Work with the buying/sourcing team, continuously review the design process within the supply base, working with suppliers on new techniques and product innovations to continuously build and push on existing/new product within your categories. With the Head of Design/Design Manager, support the delivery of outsourced design, and coordinate Supplier Designers and Freelancers.
- Team Leadership and ways of working: In collaboration with your peers, take a common approach to addressing key business and people challenges. Share best practice to benefit the overall Design team and Trading function. Create an environment for the team where each colleague is clear in their role and the part they play in delivering the overall Trade strategy and KPIs. Everyone can develop their skills and capabilities and see opportunities for personal growth. Colleagues are supported and coached based on individual strengths, development needs and aspirations.
About You
- Womenswear experience essential
- Knit/Jersey Design background essential
- Relevant qualification in fashion design or equivalent experience
- Strong working knowledge of Adobe Software including Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Strong understanding of seasonal trends with the ability to translate this in both a creative and commercial manner in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated experience in growing and managing a team
- Strong relationship builder with a proven record of managing stakeholders cross-functionally.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills.
- Experience managing 3rd party suppliers and Freelancers.
About Matalan
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, Matalan is ever-evolving. We know as a team, we are stronger together; we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth. We want to give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
Benefits
- 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
- Thrive Recognition Scheme
- Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
- Life Assurance
- Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
- Pension Scheme
- Access to a wide range of career development
- Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
Locations
Designer Womenswear in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering its employees to thrive creatively and professionally. With a strong focus on personal growth, Matalan offers extensive career development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a generous staff discount that increases with tenure, making it an attractive place for those passionate about fashion design in the vibrant retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer Womenswear in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, attend industry events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. 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 culture. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to share how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Designer Womenswear in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creativity:As a Designer, your creativity is your superpower! Make sure to showcase your unique design style and innovative ideas in your application. Use visuals or a portfolio link if you can – we love seeing what you can do!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Womenswear and Knit/Jersey design. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Matalan!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and relevant experience without rambling on. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Prints
As a Womenswear Jersey & Knitwear Designer, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of prints and patterns. Bring a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially those that align with Matalan's style. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you stay ahead of seasonal trends.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Collaboration is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with buyers, merchandisers, and suppliers in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively across teams, as this will be essential for aligning with Matalan's strategy.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable discussing your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Bring along samples or mock-ups that demonstrate your technical abilities. This will show that you can translate creative ideas into commercial designs effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Trends
Matalan values designers who understand market trends and can adapt their designs accordingly. Research current trends in womenswear and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these insights to create innovative products that resonate with Matalan's customers.
