At a Glance
- Tasks: Design vibrant womenswear collections inspired by retro trends and playful prints.
- Company: Join Little Bird at NEXT, a brand known for its eclectic kidswear and womenswear.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative workspace with Google tools and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion by bringing joy and quality to everyday wardrobes.
- Qualifications: Strong background in womenswear design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
Location: Market Harborough or London Office.
The Role: Little Bird is known for its vibrant, nostalgic, and joyfully eclectic kidswear & womenswear, bringing retro inspiration and bright, playful personality to everyday wardrobes. As a Womenswear Designer for Little Bird at NEXT, you’ll be at the heart of driving the brand’s unique visual identity and product strategy, making a real difference by bringing playful, high quality womenswear to life. You’ll translate emerging trends, vintage archives, and colourful print concepts into commercially viable, head to toe womenswear collections that resonate with our loyal, style conscious customers. Working closely with our Buying, Merchandising, and Product Tech teams, you will turn creative concepts into commercial bestsellers.
What You’ll Take On:
- Design & Concept Development: Research trend forecasts, vintage womenswear, and colour stories to build cohesive, fun, and forward thinking seasonal womenswear concepts.
- Collection Creation: Produce detailed, accurate CAD drawings, fabric specifications, and tech packs ready for global supply chain production.
- Collaborative Working: Partner closely with Buyers & Merchandisers to ensure range plans strike the perfect balance between distinct brand aesthetic and commercial viability.
- Sample & Fit Reviews: Attend fit sessions with Product Technologists to review prototypes, refine fits for comfort and durability, and ensure the signature Little Bird quality is maintained.
- Market Awareness: Keep a close eye on competitor activity, womenswear market trends, and sales data to continually identify new product opportunities and growth areas.
What You’ll Bring:
- Womenswear Passion: A strong background or proven track record in womenswear and/or older girls design, with a deep appreciation for vibrant colour palettes, playful prints, and functional design.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) to produce clean, high-spec CADs, graphic placements, and technical packs.
- Commercial Acumen: A sharp creative eye coupled with a practical understanding of key volume drivers, price points, and target demographics.
- Organisation & Agility: Excellent time management and organisational skills to handle busy peak periods, manage multiple ranges simultaneously, and hit strict critical path deadlines.
- Strong Communication: Great interpersonal skills with the confidence to articulate design ideas, present ranges to stakeholders, and build strong relationships across teams.
Portfolios: To help us get a feel for your style, please attach a digital portfolio to your application. We are looking for work that demonstrates a sharp eye for the future of womenswear design at Little Bird, how your ideas can be commercially viable for NEXT, and showcases your direct design and CAD work. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
Sponsorship: Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned. At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace. From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast. If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.
Womenswear Designer - Little Bird in Market Harborough employer: Next Careers
At Victoria’s Secret, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and passion for customer service thrive. Our Sales Associates enjoy flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment, all while being part of a globally recognised brand that values creativity and innovation. Located in Exeter, our store provides a unique chance to engage with customers in a dynamic setting, making every day rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Womenswear Designer - Little Bird in Market Harborough
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Next Careers!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Next Careers.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Next Careers.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Next Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Womenswear Designer - Little Bird in Market Harborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Next Careers.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Next Careers!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Next Careers. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
