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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction and product development for kidswear and homeware collections.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retail innovator with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape exciting designs that resonate with customers and drive brand success.
- Qualifications: Proven design management experience and strong portfolio required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 a Design Manager, you are the design subject matter expert for your division, leading the delivery and curation of the creative direction and product development ensuring brand-aligned and commercially successful collections alongside the Head of Buying & Merchandising.
- Strategy & Creative Leadership
- Partner with Buying & Merchandising leadership teams to define and deliver a clear, long-term design strategy for your given product category that aligns to divisional and company objectives.
- Set the creative vision and strategic direction for your product category, translating market insight and customer needs into compelling design outcomes.
- Establish and own a seasonal range framework that reflects strategic priorities, supports KPIs, and drives design excellence.
- Lead category design with a strong point of view, introducing insight-led concepts that elevate product relevance and innovation.
- Build strong, senior cross-functional partnerships to align design, buying, merchandising, and trading priorities.
- Drive cohesive execution of collaborative ranges and initiatives across divisions, ensuring alignment with the overall design vision and buying strategy.
- Range Planning & Development
- Partner with the Heads of Buying and Merchandising to deliver commercially robust ranges aligned to the seasonal framework and overarching design strategy.
- Own the seasonal creative direction across colour, print, and fabric, ensuring a consistent and compelling aesthetic across categories.
- Lead best-in-class range presentations that clearly articulate the design narrative, style credentials, and quality standards.
- Present and influence confidently at Executive and Investor level, incorporating feedback to strengthen strategic decision-making.
- Champion continuous improvement in quality, fit, and range composition through structured review and feedback loops.
- Leadership & Accountability
- Act as the senior leadership voice for the Design function, influencing direction and decisions within the wider leadership team.
- Confidently drive constructive challenge and healthy debate at senior level, using insight and judgement to strengthen outcomes and decision quality.
- Set clear expectations and hold teams accountable for delivery, quality, and behaviours aligned to the product strategy, KPIs, and company values.
- Lead and sponsor cross-functional initiatives, anticipating challenges, driving decisive action, and ensuring clarity of ownership and outcomes.
- Develop and coach talent through purposeful feedback, capability building, and succession planning.
- Create a high-performance, psychologically safe environment where roles, objectives, and impact are clearly understood.
- Role-model disciplined, commercially minded ways of working, balancing creative ambition with executional rigour.
About You
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Designer, showcasing a strong portfolio of innovative work.
- Ability to manage projects across short, medium, and long-term timelines while adapting to changing priorities.
- Experience in a fast-paced omni-channel retail environment, understanding the dynamics of both online and offline markets.
- Strong commercial awareness of the product market, with an eye for identifying opportunities and trends.
- Skilled in using design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, AI) to bring ideas to life with precision.
- Capable of engaging in direct and constructive conversations that drive design success.
- Proficient in influencing and negotiating solutions that align with both design vision and business objectives.
- Exceptional organisational skills with a keen attention to detail, ensuring projects meet quality standards.
- Experienced in leading design teams and managing projects, fostering collaboration and creative excellence.
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
Design Manager - Kidswear & Homeware in Warrington employer: Matalan
Contact Detail:
Matalan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Kidswear & Homeware in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend design events, and connect with fellow creatives on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and the thought process behind them. This is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Matalan’s design ethos and recent collections. Tailor your answers to show how your vision aligns with their brand. Being knowledgeable about their work will definitely impress them!
✨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 that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Kidswear & Homeware in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair: When you're putting together your application, make sure to showcase your unique design style and creativity. Use your portfolio to highlight innovative projects that align with the role of Design Manager – we want to see what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Design Manager position. Mention how your experience aligns with Matalan's values and the role’s responsibilities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to highlight your key achievements and skills without overwhelming us with too much information.
Apply Early!: If you’re interested in this role, don’t wait around! Apply as soon as possible through our website. With a high volume of applications expected, getting your application in early can really make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Design Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Matalan's design philosophy and recent collections. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their brand and how you can contribute to their creative direction.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your innovative work in kidswear and homeware. Make sure to include projects that demonstrate your ability to translate market insights into compelling designs.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about cross-functional partnerships. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with buying and merchandising teams to deliver cohesive product ranges.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed talent in previous roles. Share specific instances where you've driven constructive challenges and fostered a high-performance environment.
