At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative ladieswear collections and inspire creative teams.
- Company: Established fashion supplier with a focus on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and influence major retail partnerships.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ladieswear while driving creativity and commercial success.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in design leadership, particularly in ladieswear Jersey.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded ladieswear Design Manager to lead the UK Design function of a well-established fashion supplier, with an emphasis on Jersey product. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility across multiple product categories, focusing on driving the continued growth and success of the Ladieswear division.
The successful candidate will combine strong creative vision, commercial awareness and exceptional leadership skills to inspire teams, influence customers and shape future product strategy. In addition, you will oversee a team of freelance designers who work across Kidswear and Baby, so experience in this area is highly advantageous. Hybrid working 3/2 is offered with this role as well as excellent benefits.
Main responsibilities:- Partner with commercial and international teams to develop and deliver a customer-focused product vision across all categories.
- Drive trend forecasting, colour, fabric and product direction, ensuring innovation and newness remain at the heart of every range.
- Lead the development of a compelling Ladieswear offer, identifying opportunities to drive growth and strengthen customer partnerships.
- Oversee the design process from concept through to customer presentation, delivering inspiring and commercially successful collections.
- Present confidently at senior customer level, influencing decisions and positioning the business as a trusted product partner.
- Work closely with account management, sourcing and international design teams to deliver high-quality product solutions.
- Ensure designs align with manufacturing capability, cost targets and customer expectations across different market levels.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture, while coaching and developing both permanent and freelance design talent.
- Extensive experience in a senior design leadership role, with a strong background in Ladieswear Jersey.
- Good knowledge of Ladies Woven and/or multiproduct highly desirable.
- Kids, Baby or menswear experience advantageous but not essential.
- Proven ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing creative teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance trend, customer needs, product feasibility and profitability.
- Excellent knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, sourcing and manufacturing processes.
- Experience working with major UK retail customers.
- Outstanding communication, presentation and relationship-building skills, with experience working within long lead time supply chains.
- Experience with Bangladesh manufacturing is advantageous.
Design Manager -Ladieswear employer: The Retail Partnership Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative fashion supplier that prioritises creativity and collaboration in the heart of the UK. As a Design Manager for Ladieswear, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, excellent benefits, and a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development. This role not only allows you to lead and inspire talented teams but also positions you at the forefront of shaping exciting product strategies in a thriving industry.
Contact Details:
The Retail Partnership Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager -Ladieswear
✨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 The Retail Partnership Ltd!
✨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 The Retail Partnership Ltd.
✨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 The Retail Partnership Ltd.
✨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 The Retail Partnership Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager -Ladieswear
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 The Retail Partnership Ltd.
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 The Retail Partnership Ltd!
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 The Retail Partnership Ltd. 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 The Retail Partnership Ltd
✨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!
