At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design of trendy kidswear and collaborate on exciting seasonal ranges.
- Company: Join a vibrant team in a leading retail brand focused on creativity and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Designer and a passion for market trends.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ 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
Junior Kidswear Designer (FTC) - Trend & Range Builder in Knowsley employer: Matalan
As a Junior Kidswear Designer at our vibrant and inclusive company, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that champions creativity and personal growth. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer extensive career advancement opportunities alongside a generous benefits package, including a 20% staff discount and wellbeing support. Join us in a fast-paced retail setting where your insights will directly influence product innovation and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Kidswear Designer (FTC) - Trend & Range Builder in Knowsley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their latest collections, trends, and customer insights. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨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 your interview by practising common design-related questions. Think about how you can showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills through real-life examples.
✨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 team!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Kidswear Designer (FTC) - Trend & Range Builder in Knowsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for kidswear design shine through! Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for the industry.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team as a Junior Kidswear Designer!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key in our work culture, mention any experiences where you've successfully worked with others. Show us how you can contribute to a positive team environment while supporting your fellow designers.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love creativity, make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and structure to communicate your ideas effectively, just like you would in a design presentation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current trends in kidswear. Familiarise yourself with recent collections from competitors and be ready to discuss how these trends can influence your design ideas. This shows you’re not just passionate but also informed about the market.
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Bring a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with the role. Include mood boards, sketches, and any CAD designs you've created. Be prepared to explain your thought process behind each piece and how it meets customer needs.
✨Understand the Customer
Research the target demographic for the brand. Be ready to discuss how you would tailor designs to meet their preferences and expectations. Showing that you can think from the customer's perspective will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles or projects. Highlight your communication skills and willingness to seek feedback, as this aligns with the company’s culture of teamwork and shared learning.
