At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative girlswear products and collaborate with a creative team.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retailer known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while growing your design skills.
- Qualifications: 5 years in design, strong Adobe skills, and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
As a Girlswear 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 & KPIs
- 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 KPIs.
- 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 KPIs.
- Present the ranges in an impactful way ensuring correct samples are used and all product delivers the agreed vision and strategy.
- Working 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.
- Collaborating and aligning with the Head of Design/Design Manager/Designers you 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.
- 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.
- Working 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
- 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 KPIs.
- 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.
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.
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how 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 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.
Designer - Older Girls in Liverpool employer: Matalan
Matalan is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering its employees to thrive creatively while contributing to innovative designs for the Girlswear category. With a strong focus on personal growth, Matalan offers extensive career development opportunities, alongside attractive benefits such as a generous staff discount, wellbeing support, and a recognition scheme that celebrates individual contributions. Located in a dynamic retail environment, Matalan champions equality and encourages team members to bring their authentic selves to work, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer - Older Girls in Liverpool
✨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 Girlswear category to really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Matalan’s latest collections and trends. Be ready to discuss how your design vision aligns with their brand strategy and how you can contribute to their success.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Designer - Older Girls in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair:When you're putting together your application, let your creativity shine through! Use your design skills to create a visually appealing portfolio that showcases your best work. Remember, first impressions count!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to the role of Girlswear Designer. Highlight your experience in fashion design and how it aligns with Matalan's vision. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:While we love creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your achievements and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Matalan!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Trends
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest trends in girlswear. Research current styles, colours, and fabrics that resonate with the target audience. Being able to discuss how these trends can be translated into innovative designs will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Include a variety of designs that demonstrate your creativity and ability to adapt to different styles. Be prepared to explain your design process and how each piece aligns with commercial goals.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your experience working with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with buyers, merchandisers, and suppliers to create successful product ranges. This will showcase your ability to work within a team and drive results.
✨Prepare for Questions on KPIs
Understand the key performance indicators relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data and insights to inform your design decisions in the past. This shows that you not only have a creative flair but also a strong commercial awareness.
