At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of trendy womenswear knitwear from concept to final samples.
- Company: Join a leading, design-focused fashion business in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, creative freedom, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make your mark in fashion with full creative ownership and impactful designs.
- Qualifications: Strong portfolio in womenswear knitwear and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a leading, design-led fashion business to recruit a Senior Knitwear Designer to drive the womenswear knitwear category. This is a high-impact role with full creative ownership, shaping knit direction from initial concept through to signed-off samples, delivering product that is both trend-right and commercially strong. Based in Manchester, you'll join a collaborative, close-knit design team and play a key role in defining seasonal knitwear strategy. You'll bring confidence in presentation, a strong technical grounding, and the ability to balance creativity with commercial decision-making. This role offers hybrid working.
Main responsibilities will include:
- Owning end-to-end knitwear design across seasonal and in-season drops, from research and concept development through to SMS, specs, and pre-production.
- Defining cohesive colour, yarn, and stitch stories by translating trend, street, and social insights into wearable, commercial product.
- Creating detailed, accurate tech packs and artwork to drive first-time-right sampling and speed to market.
- Leading fit sessions in partnership with Technical, refining blocks, measurements, and constructions to achieve consistent, flattering fits.
- Briefing, collaborating, and problem-solving with mills and factories to deliver quality, cost-effective product.
- Confidently presenting concepts and full ranges to Buying, supported by clear storytelling, rationale, and data-led insights.
- Monitoring competitor activity, trading performance, and sell-through to inform future drops and continuous improvement.
Person specification:
- A strong portfolio showcasing womenswear knitwear across gauges, stitches, textures, and proven commercial bestsellers.
- Proven experience designing womenswear knitwear, ideally at Senior or equivalent level.
- Excellent yarn, fabric, and knit construction knowledge, with a practical understanding of cost drivers, margins, and commercial levers.
- Highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with experience using PLM systems.
- Commercially aware, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership of a key category within a fast-paced fashion business.
Senior Knitwear Designer in Manchester employer: TRP Recruitment
Contact Detail:
TRP Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Knitwear Designer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, attend industry events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best knitwear designs. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your creative process and the commercial success of your pieces.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be prepared to confidently present your ideas and concepts. Think about how you can tell a compelling story around your designs that showcases your understanding of trends and market needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team and being part of the design-led fashion world.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Knitwear Designer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a strong portfolio that highlights your womenswear knitwear designs. We want to see your creativity and technical skills, so showcase a variety of gauges, stitches, and textures that demonstrate your commercial success.
Tailor Your Application: When applying, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Knitwear Designer role. Highlight your experience in end-to-end design and your ability to balance creativity with commercial decision-making, as this is key for us.
Be Data-Driven: In your application, don’t forget to mention how you use data to inform your design decisions. We love candidates who can back up their creative ideas with insights from competitor activity and trading performance, so make sure to include examples!
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 this exciting opportunity in our collaborative design team.
How to prepare for a job interview at TRP Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a strong portfolio that highlights your best womenswear knitwear designs. Focus on showcasing a variety of gauges, stitches, and textures, especially those that have proven to be commercial bestsellers. This will give the interviewers a clear insight into your design capabilities and style.
✨Know Your Trends
Stay updated on current fashion trends, street styles, and social insights that influence knitwear. Be prepared to discuss how you can translate these trends into commercially viable products. This shows that you’re not just creative but also commercially savvy, which is crucial for this role.
✨Master the Tech Talk
Brush up on your technical knowledge regarding yarns, fabrics, and knit construction. Be ready to discuss how you create detailed tech packs and artwork, as well as your experience with fit sessions. Demonstrating your technical grounding will reassure them that you can handle the end-to-end design process effectively.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to confidently present concepts and ranges, practice your storytelling skills. Prepare to back up your ideas with data-led insights and rationale. This will help you communicate your vision clearly and persuasively, making a strong impression on the interviewers.