Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the menswear design team, overseeing the entire design process from concept to delivery.
- Company: Matalan is an innovative retail brand committed to inclusivity and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, life assurance, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, with leadership experience and knowledge of garment construction.
- Other info: Matalan champions equality and supports candidates throughout the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As Design Manager you will lead and manage the menswear design team for Matalan, creating an inspiring product offer. Oversee the entire design process from concept to delivering cohesive ranges in-store and online. Ensure final products meet quality standards, market trends, and brand identity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful ranges aligned with company strategy.
Key responsibilities consist of:
- Team Leadership: Lead, inspire, and manage a dynamic design team to create inspiring ranges for Matalan. Foster a collaborative and creative environment, encouraging the team to push boundaries in design.
- Design Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy aligned with the overall company goals. Keep abreast of industry trends, competitors' ranges, and evolving consumer preferences to guide informed and strategic design decisions. Translate market research into actionable design concepts.
- Presentation and Communication: Create and deliver Matalan's seasonal trends to key stakeholders. Clearly communicate design strategies, goals, and progress to cross-functional teams.
- Cross functional collaboration: Collaborate across divisions to ensure designs align with market demands and business goals. Work closely with marketing to create compelling product stories to deliver key customer moments.
- Critical Path Management: Work closely with B&M to ensure the critical path is adhered to and achievable. Support design team members with workload to ensure the critical path remains on track.
- Budget Management: Manage yearly travel, sample and freelance budgets offering best value for Matalan. Manage designer's salaries within company budget requirements.
- Mentoring and Support: Improve the design team's skills through mentoring and support. Key areas are problem solving, communication, team collaboration and leadership skills. Develop individual career growth plans for the design team. Build resilience in team members by upskilling them and fostering a supportive environment.
About you
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
- Proven experience in a similar environment, experience in retail preferred.
- Menswear experience is advantageous.
- Previous leadership or management experience in a design-related role.
- In-depth knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour in the UK fashion industry and the skill to communicate that business wide.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability and desire to support, mentor and develop a design team.
- Capacity to thrive in an ever-changing, deadline-driven environment.
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.
Design Manager employer: Matalan
Contact Detail:
Matalan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Matalan's brand identity and current menswear offerings. Understanding their style and target audience will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the fashion industry, especially with professionals who have experience in retail design management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed design teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered creativity and collaboration, as this is a key aspect of the Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in menswear and consumer behaviour in the UK fashion market. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current trends and how they can influence Matalan's product offerings will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fashion design, particularly in menswear. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and showcase your understanding of garment construction and market trends.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for design and your ability to lead a team. Mention specific examples of how you've developed design strategies or collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your design skills and previous work. Highlight projects that align with Matalan's brand identity and show your ability to create cohesive product ranges.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you stay updated on industry trends. Prepare to share how you would mentor and support a design team, as well as your approach to managing budgets and critical paths.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've inspired and managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you foster collaboration and creativity within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Strategy Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and competitor offerings in menswear. Be ready to articulate how you would develop and execute a design strategy that aligns with Matalan's goals. Discuss how you translate market research into actionable design concepts.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with other departments, such as marketing or production, to deliver cohesive product ranges. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure alignment with business goals.
✨Discuss Budget Management Experience
Budget management is a crucial part of the role. Be prepared to talk about your experience managing budgets, including travel, samples, and freelance costs. Provide examples of how you've maximised value while staying within budget constraints.
