At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of Swim and Beach collections while collaborating with a talented team.
- Company: Join New Look, a vibrant fashion retailer focused on creativity and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40% staff discount, private pension, virtual GP access, and extra holiday on your birthday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make waves in fashion by influencing trends and driving innovative designs.
- Qualifications: Experience in swimwear design and strong skills in Adobe Suite required.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
The Role
This is the perfect role for an experienced Senior Designer to join our Design team on a 12 month maternity cover contract.
The role will be focused on Swim and Beach working closely with the wider design team on all things trend.
Design is at the frontier of everything we do, working together to build the vision for the season.
If you enjoy working in a fast paced and creative environment, spinning multiple plates and having a good laugh as you do – then the New Look Design team is for you!
This role offers a great deal of autonomy, reporting directly into the head of design and working with a super talented team.
Here at New Look we put the customer at the centre of everything we do.
Working closely and building great relationships with buying and merchandising is key in this role to deliver a balanced and commercial range that maximises sales opportunity.
You will support the Company Design strategy by designing and developing core ranges in line with current trend, customer profiles and brand direction.
To identify department key item blocks and ensure they are delivered.
You will manage direct reports and ensure they are coached and given clear objectives to support their growth within the business.
WHATS IN IT FOR YOU
- 40% staff discount plus friends & family discounts throughout the year
- Access to our reward platform for external discount and offers
- Private pension scheme
- Virtual GP access for you and your children – it allows you to speak to a doctor at a time and date that suits you
- All employees are covered by our life assurance policy from day one
- Unlock extra leave with our buy more holiday scheme.
- Celebrate YOU! Enjoy an extra paid day off on your birthday each year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental leave (eligible after 2 years’ service).
- Spread the cost of your commute with interest-free season ticket loans
- Do your bit for the environment and save money with our Cycle2Work scheme
- We're proud to partner with the Retail Trust and Fashion & Textile Children's Trust
What you’ll be doing
- Clearly identifying department key items at the start of the season and ensure they are delivered in line with New Look customer profiles
- Identifying key item blocks for the season in line with Brand strategy working with buying to create a balanced and commercial range that feels new for the customer.
- Driving forward the Design team, with support of the Heads of Design, and be a vocal voice in strategic opportunities
- Strategically manages the critical path from design concept through to final buying samples reacting to market changes and challenges.
- Creating mood boards, trend presentations and catwalk reports giving clear and concise trend messages to Buying teams
- Sourcing new fabrications overseas inspired from trend research and to share new ideas on fabrics with the wider Design team where relevant
- Working in synergy with Buying to build a strong fashion yet commercial range, sharing ideas and information with other product areas to ensure brand / product consistency
- Good influencing skills and self believe, to ensure that newness is delivered into the range, at the correct grading in collaboration with Buying
- In-depth trend knowledge, being able to identify emerging trends and influence the business at critical points.
Looking at opportunities to react quickly, with strong understanding of the supply base and how to get quick reads on product
- Identifying new sourcing opportunities and providing focused, clear development direction to current supplier base
- Developing the right product at the right time, in line with the departmental design strategy to meet customer requirements
- Monitoring, maintaining and actioning in-depth competitor analysis, and presenting ideas and new product opportunities to gain competitor advantage
- Sharing information where relevant on product, suppliers, best / worst sellers within business area and across the wider business
- Communicating effectively with all internal and external teams
- Working with QA to complete fit sessions in order to develop block and fit that reflects design direction and customer trends
- Driving trends and themes for each range period and the delivery of these in a timely manner, supporting the Head of Design / Design Manager
- Planning, development and inspiration trips with the Buyer in line with the critical path
- An excellent understanding of the New Look Customer
- Strong understanding of our Customer Insight and Market Share
- Actively contributing in trend and competitor analysis, making recommendations for changes or developments
- Ongoing familiarity of the competition’s product range
- Challenging current ways of working and practices across departments and functions, coming up with new initiatives to benefit the whole Business and implementing these
- Managing and developing the Team, displaying strong leadership skills to enable achievement of New Look’s strategy
- Giving 1:1 coaching on the job, transferring skills and knowledge to others
- Conducting regular catch ups and performance reviews, proactive in managing performance, ensuring constructive feedback, recognition and praise is given.
- Driving the BMD vision into clear goals and objectives for your direct reports and their teams.
Who you are
- Previous experience within Swimwear is essential.
- PC / Mac literate - Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel, Word, Adobe Suite
- Excellent spec skills using a mix of hand sketching, illustrator and Photoshop
- Able to present work in an exciting format to Heads Of and / or Directors, influencing buying decisions
- Management of workload according to the critical path
- An in-depth knowledge of the current competitive and inspirational market place
- Excellent interpersonal / communication skills
- Superb understanding of the department, and the ability to predict trend / key items with full conviction at the start of the season
- Ability to line manage, motivate and develop the team
- Ability to initiate, build and maintain strong relationships with Buying/Merchandising /QA
- Good influencing skills
- Ability to contribute to the bigger picture and Design department as a whole
- Good organisational skills
- Flexible, adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Forward thinking in approach
- Presentation skills
- Pro-active in approach and seeks solutions
- Fully represent and demonstrate our New Look Values
- Previous experience as a Designer / Senior Designer within a major retailer / department within New Look / established supplier
- Fashion Qualification / Other degree desirable
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Designer - Swim & Beach (12 month Maternity Cover) employer: New Look
New Look is an excellent employer that fosters a high-performing work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members while enhancing your own skills in a dynamic retail environment. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a commitment to work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to advance your finance career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer - Swim & Beach (12 month Maternity Cover)
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like New Look. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer - Swim & Beach (12 month Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into New Look's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit New Look during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at New Look.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at New Look.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Look
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand New Look. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
