At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and innovate trendy boyswear products that resonate with our customers.
- Company: Join Matalan, a leading retailer known for its vibrant culture and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on personal growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of boyswear fashion.
- Qualifications: 5 years in design, with strong Adobe skills and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
As a Boyswear Designer at Matalan you will be responsible for designing and innovating the best product, at the right place, at the right time for the required place for specified categories.
Responsibilities
- Work 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Collaborate and align with the Head of Design/Design Manager/Designers to 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 forecasts/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.
- 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
- Take a common approach to addressing key business and people challenges with your peers.
- Share best practice to benefit the overall Design team and Trading function.
- Create an environment where each colleague is clear in their role, can develop skills and see opportunities for personal growth, and is supported and coached based on individual strengths, development needs and aspirations.
Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in a Design role with at least 2 years in a people management/team lead position.
- 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.
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 - Boyswear (FTC) in Knowsley employer: Matalan
Contact Detail:
Matalan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer - Boyswear (FTC) in Knowsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion industry, especially those who work at Matalan or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or recruiters, bring along your best design work. Make sure it’s tailored to the Boyswear category to really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on the latest boyswear trends and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate them into Matalan's offerings. This shows you're not just a designer, but a trendsetter too!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can tailor your submission to highlight how your skills align with Matalan’s vision and strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Designer - Boyswear (FTC) in Knowsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair: When you're putting together your application, let your design skills shine through! Use visuals or a portfolio that showcases your best work. We want to see how you can innovate and create, so don't hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Boyswear Designer role. Highlight your experience in fashion design and team leadership, and align your skills with what we’re looking for. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and achievements are easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps – we want to get to know you quickly!
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 without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Trends
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest trends in boys' fashion. Research current styles, colours, and materials that are popular in the market. This will not only show your passion for design but also demonstrate your ability to align with Matalan's vision.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Prepare a strong portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that relate to boys' wear. Be ready to discuss your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will give the interviewers insight into your creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with buyers and merchandisers, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of how you’ve built relationships and worked as part of a team to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like adapting designs based on trading insights or managing supplier relationships. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and have clear, structured responses ready to showcase your strategic thinking.