At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative womenswear prints and collaborate on exciting product ranges.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retailer with a focus on creativity and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an evolving company that champions equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in fashion while working with a supportive and creative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in womenswear design and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
As a Womenswear 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 & KPI’s: 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 KPI’s.
- 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 KPI’s. Present the ranges in an impactful way ensuring correct samples are used and all product delivers the agreed vision and strategy. Working 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 you 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. Supporting and maintaining control of design/dept critical paths and taking 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. Working 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 practise 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 KPI’s. 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.
Qualifications:
- Womenswear experience 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.
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here. 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 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
Designer Womenswear employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer for Womenswear Designers, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and development, employees benefit from comprehensive career advancement opportunities, alongside a generous staff discount and wellbeing support. Located in a dynamic retail environment, Matalan champions equality and encourages its team members to bring their authentic selves to work, making it a truly rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer Womenswear
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best womenswear designs and prints. We want to see your creativity shine, so include a variety of styles that reflect current trends and your unique flair.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend fashion events, workshops, or even online webinars. Connect with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Matalan or other brands.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get that interview, be ready to talk about your design process and how you collaborate with teams. We love candidates who can articulate their vision and show how they align with our strategy and KPIs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Matalan team. Don’t wait too long; we’re excited to meet you!
We think you need these skills to ace Designer Womenswear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair:As a Womenswear Designer, we want to see your unique style! Make sure your portfolio showcases your best prints and designs. Highlight any innovative ideas you've had in past projects that align with our vision.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates take the time to tailor their CV and cover letter to reflect how their experience matches the job description. Mention specific categories you’re passionate about and how you can contribute to our strategy.
Be Data Savvy:We’re looking for someone who understands market trends and can use data to inform design decisions. In your application, share examples of how you’ve used insights to adapt your designs or improve product performance in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Matalan!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Prints
As a Womenswear Designer, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of prints and patterns. Before the interview, research Matalan's current collections and identify key trends in womenswear. Be ready to discuss how you can innovate and contribute to their design strategy.
✨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 vision.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Be prepared to walk through your design process during the interview. Bring a portfolio that not only showcases your best work but also illustrates your approach to seasonal trends and how you adapt designs based on market insights. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and creativity.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Matalan values inclusivity and teamwork, so show that you resonate with their culture. Research their initiatives and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment. Share your thoughts on fostering creativity and supporting colleagues in their development.
