At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating stunning knitwear designs and support the design process from concept to production.
- Company: Join John Smedley, a prestigious British knitwear brand with over 240 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 24 days annual leave, and discounts on retail and leisure services.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with access to wellbeing programmes and exciting team activities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and contribute to real design projects in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Studying Fashion Design or related field; proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is essential.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 25000 £ per year.
Be part of 240 years of British knitwear excellence. Are you a creative, detail-oriented design student looking to gain hands-on industry experience with a world-renowned British knitwear brand?
We’re offering an exciting 12-month Design Placement opportunity for a second-year undergraduate completing a year in industry, or a postgraduate seeking practical industry experience, to join our Design & New Product Development team. This is your chance to bring fresh ideas to a brand steeped in heritage, supporting real projects, contributing to seasonal collections, and learning from experienced designers in the heart of Derbyshire.
What You'll Do- Work closely with our Head of Design and the wider team, involved in every stage of the creative process from concept to production.
- Support the creation of garment specifications, CAD drawings, and design documentation.
- Assist in developing seasonal collections including moodboards, colour palettes, and swatches.
- Help prepare and measure samples, attend fit sessions, and record design amendments.
- Liaise with internal teams to track samples and follow up on deadlines to keep projects on schedule.
- Contribute to sustainability and innovation projects supporting process improvements and waste reduction.
- Prepare presentation materials for photoshoots, product launches, and customer meetings.
- Maintain organised sample archives and departmental stock, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
- Able to commute 5 days a week to our Mill in Matlock, DE4.
- A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
- Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple tasks and keep others on track when needed.
- Curious, creative, and eager to learn from a fast-paced design environment.
- Confident using IT tools including Microsoft Outlook and Teams.
- Passionate about fashion, design, knitwear and sustainability.
- Currently studying a Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or Textile Design degree (knitwear specialism desirable).
- Essential: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical CAD drawings.
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
- Desirable: Familiarity with Shima APEX design software.
- Be part of a globally recognised British heritage brand.
- Gain hands-on experience working on real design projects.
- Work in a collaborative, supportive, and creative environment.
- Access to wellbeing programmes and our in-house Culture Club activities.
- Discounts on hundreds of retail, travel, and leisure services.
Ready to knit your future in design? Apply now and take the first step in your creative journey with John Smedley.
Location: Shirebrook, England, United Kingdom
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Design
Industries: Design Services
Fashion Designer Assistant - 12 month contract in Lea employer: RGM Builders General Construction
At John Smedley, we pride ourselves on being a globally recognised British heritage brand with over 240 years of excellence in knitwear. Our collaborative and supportive work culture fosters creativity and innovation, providing you with hands-on experience on real design projects while enjoying benefits like wellbeing programmes and discounts on various services. Located in the picturesque Derbyshire, this is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring fashion designers to grow and thrive in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
RGM Builders General Construction Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fashion Designer Assistant - 12 month contract in Lea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, including sketches, CAD drawings, and any projects you've contributed to. We want to see your unique style and how you can bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about our brand and what we stand for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to 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 proactive and really interested in joining our team at John Smedley.
We think you need these skills to ace Fashion Designer Assistant - 12 month contract in Lea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion and design shine through! Share what excites you about knitwear and why you want to be part of John Smedley. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant skills like your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and any experience with CAD drawings. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us what you've got!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Explain how your studies and experiences have prepared you for this role. Be specific about what you hope to learn from us and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at John Smedley. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGM Builders General Construction
✨Know Your Knitwear
Before the interview, dive deep into John Smedley's history and their knitwear collections. Familiarise yourself with their signature styles and any recent projects. This will not only show your passion for the brand but also help you connect your design ideas to their heritage.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially any projects related to knitwear or textiles. Include moodboards, sketches, and CAD drawings if possible. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach design challenges.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Since proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is essential, make sure you're comfortable using it. Consider doing a quick project or two to refresh your skills. Being able to demonstrate your technical abilities during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the role, the team, or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to their sustainability and innovation efforts.
