Print & Graphics Designer, Kidswear

Print & Graphics Designer, Kidswear

Department: Kidswear

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office, Chelsea House

Reporting To: FARRAH LEATHER

Description

Our Design Team deliver stand‑out, affordable fashion with the unique style and touches that underpin the River Island handwriting. As a Designer, you’ll start to set the direction for your categories, and will be accountable for the full development cycle of products for inclusion in the final ranges, that represent key trends and drive commercial results, and present a balanced overall range for our customer.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver superior product from concept to completion that represents key trends and commercial opportunities, and create a balanced range for your category
• Through strong understanding of fabric, engineering, fit and quality, produce designs to a high technical standard, and excellent first sample hit rate, for the level of the market
• Through in‑depth broad market and customer awareness and research, and a thorough understanding of the River Island brand, lead and shape Product Development discussions that address key trends and opportunities
• In developing broad industry and competitor awareness, identify and realise new product and design opportunities aligned to our overall Product strategy
• Understand sales history, sales and margin targets and range plans for your own area of accountability and division to ensure designs are aligned to deliver on commercial opportunities
• Through strong relationships and collaboration with Buying counterparts, suppliers, fabric mills and Fabric Sourcing identify and realise opportunities for newness, trends and sourcing
• Support new Design Talent through mentoring junior team members, creating learning opportunities and fostering inclusion and diversity of opinion
• Provide direction to Trainee and Assistant Designers, managing their workload to ensure they contribute effectively to the design process

Key experience required

• Previous experience as a Junior Designer or equivalent is essential
• Qualifications or studies relevant to Design are essential
• Must be able to provide a portfolio of Design work
• Track record of mentoring and developing others

Job role competencies

• Advanced Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills are essential
• Strong Product Development skills
• Strong technical and creative design skills
• Strong organisation skills
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Mentoring and development skills
• Commercial acumen
• Very strong interpersonal effectiveness and collaboration skills, emotional intelligence and self‑management
• Good network in the market and industry
• Self‑starter
• Action‑oriented
• Adaptable
• Tenacious and resilient
• Passion for the RI brand and customer

Benefits

• Generous staff discount
• Onsite gym and subsidised restaurant & café
• Flexible working, paid holiday, and opportunities for professional development
• Health and wellness support through Retail Trust
• Private pension plan
• Commute allowance
• Support for family arrangements such as maternity, paternity, adoption, etc.

Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We expect all employees to uphold our values and contribute to a positive working environment. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‐economic background, religion or belief. Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.