At a Glance
- Tasks: Support seasonal range development and translate trends into exciting homeware products.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retail innovator with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of homeware design.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Trainee or Junior Designer with strong design software skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About Matalan
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 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.
About the role
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.
About You
- 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.
Benefits
In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core 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: Trend-Driven Range Creator in Liverpool employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. As an Assistant Designer in the heart of retail innovation, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth and development, alongside competitive perks such as a generous staff discount and wellbeing support. Join us to be part of a team that values your unique contributions and encourages you to bring your true self to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer – Homeware: Trend-Driven Range Creator in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Matalan and their culture! Before your interview, dive into their website and social media. Understanding their values and recent projects will help you connect your skills to what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring a portfolio that highlights your best design work, especially anything trend-driven. Be ready to discuss how your designs can align with Matalan’s vision for homeware.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about market trends and customer insights. Brush up on current trends in homeware and think about how you can contribute to Matalan’s seasonal ranges. They’ll love to see your analytical side!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about the team dynamics or how they approach product development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Designer – Homeware: Trend-Driven Range Creator in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Side:When you're crafting your application, let your creativity shine through! Use your design skills to create a visually appealing portfolio that showcases your best work. Remember, this role is all about trend-driven design, so make sure your application reflects that vibe.
Tailor Your Application:Don't just send out the same application for every job. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to Matalan's values and the specific role. Highlight your experience in fast-paced retail environments and how you can contribute to their inclusive culture.
Be Insightful:Matalan loves candidates who understand the market and customer needs. In your application, share insights from your trend research or market analysis. Show them you can identify opportunities and trends that align with their vision for seasonal ranges.
Apply Early!:With a high volume of applications expected, don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Get your application in as soon as possible through our website. This way, you’ll ensure you’re considered before the post closes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Trends
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest trends in homeware. Research current styles, colours, and materials that are popular in the market. Bring examples of mood boards or trend analyses you've created to showcase your understanding and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with design software like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD. Bring a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your ability to translate trends into commercially viable products.
✨Understand the Customer
Matalan values customer insight, so be ready to talk about how you’ve used market research to inform your design decisions. Think of specific examples where you identified customer needs and how that influenced your work.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you’ve effectively communicated ideas and collaborated with others in past projects, ensuring you convey your ability to contribute to a positive team culture.
