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- Tasks: Lead the design of modern knitwear collections, focusing on premium yarns like cashmere.
- Company: Luxury knitwear brand with a growing presence and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a creative role that influences luxury fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in womenswear knitwear design and advanced skills in Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to mentor juniors and work in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with a luxury knitwear brand who are seeking a Senior Knitwear Designer to lead the creation of refined, modern collections in premium yarns, with a particular focus on cashmere. This role spans concept, colour and stitch development through to SMS and production, partnering closely with sales, technical and global manufacturing to deliver beautifully made product on time and to margin. Based in Leeds, this is an exciting opportunity within a growing business and is ideal for someone looking to step up, make their mark, and grow with the brand. You will need to be a team player: organised, commercially aware, and genuinely passionate about knitwear. This role offers hybrid working, 3 days per week in the office (Leeds).
Main responsibilities will include:
- Defining seasonal direction across silhouette, stitch, gauge and colour, translating insights into clear range plans and mood boards.
- Designing cohesive womenswear capsules that balance brand DNA with commercial viability across fine to chunky gauges.
- Creating precise CADs and factory-ready tech packs, including stitch layouts, measurements and construction notes.
- Steering sample development with overseas partners, assessing fit, handle and wash, and driving timely approvals.
- Working alongside production to confirm yarn selection, make methods and costings that meet quality and margin targets.
- Preparing and presenting collections for internal reviews and client meetings, responding quickly to feedback and briefs.
- Managing the design critical path from concept to SMS, ensuring milestones, samples and sign-offs are met.
- Mentoring junior team members and supporting smooth workflow, sample tracking and documentation.
Person specification:
- Previous experience in womenswear knitwear design within a luxury or contemporary environment.
- Advanced Illustrator and Photoshop skills; familiarity with 3D or AI-aided workflows is advantageous.
- Excellent understanding of knit structures, garment construction and fitting, with experience working with Far East factories.
- Confident presenter and collaborative communicator, able to influence cross-functional teams and clients.
- Highly organised, proactive and comfortable owning multiple projects from concept through delivery.
Senior Knitwear Designer in Leeds employer: The Retail Partnership Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Retail Partnership Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Knitwear Designer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend knitwear events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Knitwear Designer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work in knitwear design. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, have your portfolio ready to impress them with your creativity and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the brand thoroughly. Understand their aesthetic, values, and recent collections. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely passionate about their knitwear.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Knitwear Designer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Knitwear: When you're writing your application, let your love for knitwear shine through! Share specific examples of your previous work and how it aligns with the luxury brand's ethos. We want to see that you’re not just skilled, but genuinely excited about creating beautiful knitwear.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the Senior Knitwear Designer role. Highlight your experience in womenswear knitwear design and any relevant projects you've led. We appreciate a personal touch, so don’t hesitate to mention why you’re drawn to this particular brand and position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your skills and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for someone organised and proactive, so show us that in your writing style!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our brand and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Retail Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Knitwear
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of knit structures and garment construction. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with luxury or contemporary knitwear design, especially focusing on cashmere. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, particularly any cohesive womenswear capsules you've designed. Include mood boards and CADs that demonstrate your ability to balance brand DNA with commercial viability. This is your chance to impress them with your design vision!
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role requires collaboration with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with sales, technical, and manufacturing teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve mentored junior designers or managed workflows to ensure smooth project delivery.
✨Master the Presentation
Practice presenting your collections confidently. You might be asked to present your ideas during the interview, so rehearse how you would respond to feedback and adapt your designs accordingly. Being a confident presenter can set you apart from other candidates.
