At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative babywear products and collaborate with a creative team.
- Company: Join Matalan, a forward-thinking retailer with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fashion industry while growing your design skills.
- Qualifications: 5 years of design experience, including team leadership and strong Adobe skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Matalan: From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, Matalan is ever-evolving. 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 a Babywear 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.
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. 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 forecast/insights/trading, ensuring commercial decisions are made. Support and maintain control of design/dept critical paths and take 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 to 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 practice 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.
About You: 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: 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.
Designer - Babywear in Liverpool employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. As a Babywear Designer, 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. With a commitment to innovation and teamwork, Matalan offers a unique opportunity to thrive in the dynamic retail industry while making meaningful contributions to the design process.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer - Babywear in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that align with babywear design. We want to see your creativity and how you can innovate in this space.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other designers and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job at Matalan.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Matalan’s design philosophy and current trends in babywear. We want to see that you’re not just passionate about design but also about what makes Matalan unique.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Designer - Babywear in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Side:When applying for the Babywear Designer role, let your creativity shine through your application. Share your design portfolio and highlight projects that showcase your innovative thinking and ability to translate trends into commercial designs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to align with Matalan's values and the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what they’re looking for and how you fit in.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for the hiring team to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given the high volume of applications, it’s best to apply as soon as possible. Head over to our website and get your application in early to stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Design Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand Matalan's design strategy and how it aligns with their overall business goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to formulating and presenting effective design strategies.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Babywear Designer, you'll need to work closely with buyers and merchandisers. Prepare examples of past collaborations where you successfully developed commercial ranges or innovative products, highlighting your ability to work cross-functionally.
✨Demonstrate Trend Awareness
Stay updated on seasonal trends and be prepared to discuss how you can translate these into designs that resonate with Matalan's customers. Bring along a portfolio that showcases your understanding of market trends and your creative approach.
✨Build Relationships
Matalan values strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Think of instances where you've built positive working relationships in your previous roles, and be ready to share how you can maintain and enhance these connections in your new role.
