At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design of seasonal homeware ranges and collaborate with creative teams.
- Company: Join a vibrant team in a leading retail environment focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values creativity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative process that shapes products customers love.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Trainee or Junior Designer with strong design software skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As an Assistant Designer you will support the delivery of seasonal ranges, taking day‑to‑day ownership of defined product areas within a category. Working closely with your Designers, this role helps translate trend and customer insight into commercially relevant product.
- Product & Range Support
- Support the development of seasonal ranges, balancing new ideas with established core product.
- Work closely with Designers and Buying to help build balanced, commercially aligned assortments.
- Assist with product development through the supply base, supporting innovation, quality, cost, and delivery.
- Where required attend selection, sign‑off, and fit sessions, supporting preparation, documentation, and follow‑up actions.
- Build understanding of trade performance, identifying best and worst sellers and using insight to inform future ranges.
- Customer, Trend & Market Insight
- Support trend research and analysis, contributing to mood boards, styling rooms, key shapes, and colour palettes.
- Conduct regular market and competitor research, sharing insight on trends, customer behaviour, and product opportunity.
- Build understanding of the customer, ensuring design decisions reflect customer needs, preferences, and expectations.
- Work with Buying and Merchandising to ensure customer and market insight informs product decisions.
- Ways of Working & Development
- Work with an end‑to‑end product mindset, supporting delivery from initial concept through to store execution.
- Develop a strong understanding of the critical path, managing own workload to meet deadlines.
- Collaborate effectively with Design, Buying, Merchandising, Technical, and Marketing teams.
- Maintain clear communication with the supply base under guidance, supporting effective working relationships.
- Actively seek feedback, learning, and development to build technical, creative, and commercial capability.
- Support and collaborate with fellow Assistant Designers, contributing to a positive team culture and shared learning.
- Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Trainee or Junior Designer.
- Experience of working across short, medium, and long‑term timelines while adapting to changing priorities.
- Experience in a fast‑paced omni‑channel retail environment.
- Commercial awareness of the product market, with an eye for identifying opportunities and trends.
- Ability to analyse market trends and insights to inform design direction effectively.
- Analytical and problem‑solving capabilities to navigate challenges and enhance product offerings.
- Skilled in using design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, AI) to bring ideas to life with precision.
- Ability to present ideas with clarity and impact, effectively communicating design concepts to stakeholders.
- Organisational skills with a keen attention to detail, ensuring projects meet quality standards.
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
Assistant Designer - Homeware in Knowsley employer: Matalan
As an Assistant Designer in our vibrant homeware division, you'll thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. With access to extensive career development opportunities and a generous staff discount that increases with service, we empower our employees to grow while contributing to innovative product ranges that resonate with our customers. Join us in a fast-paced retail environment where your insights and ideas will shape the future of our collections.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer - Homeware in Knowsley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and culture. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your design skills. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your best work and shows how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Designer - Homeware in Knowsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for design shine through! Share specific examples of your previous work or projects that highlight your creativity and understanding of trends. We want to see how you can bring fresh ideas to the table!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Assistant Designer role. Use keywords from the job description and relate your experiences to the responsibilities listed. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Highlight your skills and experiences in a way that's easy for us to digest – we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current homeware trends. Familiarise yourself with popular styles, colours, and materials. This will not only show your passion for design but also demonstrate your ability to translate customer insights into commercially relevant products.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with design software like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with the role. This gives you a chance to present your ideas clearly and effectively.
✨Understand the Market
Research the company’s product range and their competitors. Be prepared to discuss what you think works well and where there might be opportunities for improvement. This shows your analytical skills and commercial awareness, which are crucial for the role.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with different departments. Share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles, as this aligns with the company's focus on teamwork and positive culture.
