At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop trendy footwear and accessories for diverse brands.
- Company: Join N Brown, a leading digital retail platform focused on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and 24 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making stylish products that empower customers.
- Qualifications: Experience in ladies footwear design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,200 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by 'championing inclusion, we'll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer'. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.
A day in the life of a Junior Footwear Designer here at N Brown:
- Design and develop innovative, trend-led footwear and potentially accessory ranges across multiple brands and customer profiles.
- Research and translate emerging trends, colour palettes, and materials into commercial product concepts.
- Work cross-functionally with Ladieswear, Buying, Technical, and Studio teams to ensure collections are cohesive and aligned with brand direction.
- Prepare and present design concepts, mood boards, and trend direction for internal reviews and seasonal sign-offs.
- Design with the customer in mind, understanding brand positioning, price architecture, and key seasonal focuses.
- Partner with suppliers and factories to develop samples, refine materials, and maintain product integrity through to production.
- Balance creativity with commercial viability, ensuring products meet margin and cost targets.
- Support the Head of Design with seasonal strategy, product innovation, and long-term design direction.
What are we looking for:
- Proven experience designing ladies footwear (and ideally accessories) for a fashion retailer or supplier.
- A strong portfolio showcasing creative, trend-led, and commercially viable designs.
- Excellent understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong trend forecasting and visual research skills.
- Confident in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and proficient in CAD.
- Exceptional styling eye and ability to interpret trends across different customer demographics.
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to work to multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
What's in it for you? Hybrid working (2-3 days in the office at a minimum) 24 days holiday (+ 8).
Junior Footwear Designer in Manchester employer: N Brown
Contact Detail:
N Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Footwear Designer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow designers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its brands. Understand their target audience and current trends. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨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 are proactive about joining our inclusive and diverse culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Footwear Designer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a strong portfolio that highlights your best ladies' footwear designs. We want to see your creativity and how you interpret trends, so pick pieces that really showcase your style and skills!
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, tailor it to reflect our values and the job description. Mention your understanding of footwear construction and how your designs align with our commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the Junior Footwear Designer role.
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 on joining our team at N Brown!
How to prepare for a job interview at N Brown
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best designs. Include a variety of styles and concepts that demonstrate your understanding of current trends and customer needs. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece!
✨Research N Brown
Familiarise yourself with N Brown's brands and their target demographics. Understand their commitment to inclusivity and how it shapes their product offerings. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Prepare for Trend Discussions
Be prepared to discuss current footwear trends and how they can be translated into commercial designs. Bring examples of trends you've researched and be ready to explain how you would incorporate them into your work at N Brown.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to present design concepts, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Use mock interviews to refine your presentation style, ensuring you can effectively communicate your vision and collaborate with others.