At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design and development of outdoor clothing and accessories with a creative team.
- Company: Join a leading outdoor clothing brand known for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and develop your design skills in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and learning in a fast-paced retail setting.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that shape the future of outdoor fashion.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion or Product Design; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
Responsible to: Department Senior Designer
Location: JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester
Role Overview
As both a branded and own‑brand business, we pride ourselves on delivering market‑leading ranges that include the latest and most exclusive products across our fascias. Our Design and Development team works closely with Buying, Merchandising, and our supplier base to create world‑class exclusive outdoor clothing and accessories.
The Junior Clothing Designer will work closely with the Senior Designer and wider product team to support the design and development of own‑brand outdoor and technical clothing and soft accessories. This is a varied and exciting role within a supportive, collaborative product team that values open communication, creative sharing, and continuous development. The Junior Designer will contribute across multiple brands, products, and seasons, gaining hands‑on experience throughout the full design process. With guidance and mentorship from the Senior Designer, the role focuses on creating commercial, fit‑for‑purpose products that are delivered on time and aligned with each brand’s DNA and customer. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and creative designer to build technical, commercial, and trend‑led design skills within a fast‑paced retail environment.
Key Duties/Responsibilities
- Build an understanding of each Own Brand’s DNA and their customer.
- Utilise trend report platforms such as WGSN to identify emerging fashion, trims, colour and graphic trends.
- Create seasonal trend reports to help drive each brand’s seasonal direction and create customer profiles to help identify each brand’s target audience / customer.
- Take part in retail research trips / comp shops to expand own brand knowledge & understanding, build trend awareness and competitor research.
- Assist the Senior Designer in creating new seasonal collections across multiple brands.
- Design (with the support of the Senior Designer) creative, commercial and compelling outdoor and/or technical clothing and soft accessories.
- Fully utilise Pantones / Coloro systems to ensure clear colour communication throughout the business.
- Create design presentations and technical CADs.
- Present designs to the wider team and ensure all product information is clear and correct for product sign offs.
- Create clear and detailed Tech Packs and setting up artworks for manufacturing - training / guidance will be provided by the Senior Designer when and where needed.
- Ensure all CADs and Tech Packs are up to date and correct throughout the season.
- Work alongside the product development team and attend fit sessions.
- Approve lab dips, trims, bulk fabric etc. – supported by the Senior Designer and Product Developers where necessary.
- Work alongside and briefing the Graphics Designer to develop on trend graphics for each season.
- Communicate with the suppliers to ensure all design queries are answered in a timely manner.
- Work with the PLM system – training will be provided if / where necessary.
- Manage & reference the fabric library and (Pantone & Coloro) colour books.
- Liaise with the buying team to understand the direction of each brand and season.
- Cross departmental communication: collaborating with buying, merchandising, web, and marketing to ensure all product information is accurate.
Experience and skills required
- A Degree / equivalent qualification in Fashion or Product Design.
- Good working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Including Illustrator and Acrobat) and Microsoft Office (Including Word and Excel).
- Experience in a fast‑paced working environment.
- Good time management & organisation skills – the ability to work to the critical path with attention to detail and ensure all deadlines are met.
- Strong teamwork skills are essential.
- Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
- Positive attitude, proactive and eager to learn & develop current or new skills are essential.
- Ability to multitask, working on multiple styles, brands and seasons at once.
- Strong interest in fashion design and emerging trends – interest in outdoor / technical design is a bonus.
- Strong creative vision and love for the outdoors is beneficial.
- Familiarity of PLM systems is a plus but not necessary – training will be provided.
- Knowledge of 3D Design and AI software is advantageous but not necessary.
Junior Clothing Designer in Manchester employer: Naylor's Equestrian Llp
At JD Group, we foster a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions creativity and collaboration, making it an exceptional place for aspiring designers. Located in Bury, Greater Manchester, our Head Office offers a supportive culture where Junior Clothing Designers can thrive through mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth within the fast-paced outdoor retail sector. Join us to develop your skills while contributing to innovative and trend-led collections that resonate with our diverse customer base.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Clothing Designer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially anything related to outdoor and technical clothing. We want to see your creative flair and how you interpret trends, so include sketches, CADs, and any seasonal collections you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend fashion events, workshops, or even local meet-ups where you can connect with industry folks. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know, so get out there and make those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you land that interview, be ready to talk about your design process, your understanding of brand DNA, and how you keep up with trends. We want to hear your passion for outdoor fashion and how you can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Clothing Designer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion and outdoor design shine through! Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for the industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and trend analysis.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your information well so it’s easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Junior Clothing Designer position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our design team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naylor's Equestrian Llp
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into understanding the brand's DNA and target audience. Familiarise yourself with their previous collections and current trends in outdoor clothing. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how your design ideas can align with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Be prepared to talk about your design process during the interview. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your best work, including sketches, CADs, and any trend reports you've created. This will give the interviewers insight into your creative thinking and technical skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the design process, or how they incorporate feedback from the product development team. This shows your interest in collaboration and your eagerness to learn from others.
✨Demonstrate Your Trend Awareness
Stay updated on emerging fashion trends, especially in outdoor and technical clothing. Mention specific trends you've noticed and how they could influence future collections. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for the industry.
