At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead menswear design, mentor junior team members, and create innovative collections.
- Company: Join a vibrant brand known for its unique menswear and commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and discounts on products.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in fashion while driving innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Senior Designer experience in menswear with strong CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
You will drive the menswear product development in tandem with the print design team, identifying relevant trends & new yarns, fabrics and silhouettes delivering innovation & driving growth to meet business KPI's. Mentor & be a role model for more junior team members. Create mens designs that offer newness, choice & a cohesive brand handwriting throughout the seasons so that White Stuff stands out from the crowd.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership & support to the menswear team, training & guiding more junior members of the team on design development.
- Collaborate with the wider senior team to create seasonal trend themes that inspire and drive each collection, ensuring they are relevant and engaging for the White Stuff customer.
- With the Head of Design identify fashion must-haves that are brand relevant to drive the brand forward.
- Develop & identify new sustainable fabric and yarn bases with key suppliers that are on brand & within price architecture.
- Create on-brand unique designs from sketch stage to ready-to-brief spec packs, sharing with senior management at sketch & swatch & sign-offs.
- Ensure all developments meet agreed quality standards & brand values, working collaboratively with wider team and supply base.
- Ensure all work is delivered in line with the critical path.
- Plan options for the season with the wider team ensuring a balanced trend-right range is delivered.
- Chair regular team meetings, actively sharing trend information & competitor activity.
Qualifications
- Previous experience at a Senior Designer level in menswear and development, with a strong eye for detail, colour, shape and fabric/yarn.
- Fully CAD literate within Photoshop & Illustrator.
- Relevant technical knowledge, with extensive experience designing into menswear designs from concept through to production.
- Able to create factory-ready specifications, liaising directly with factories to ensure commercially balanced yet creative designs are actioned, while troubleshooting technical and production issues throughout the development process.
- Excellent organisational skills, works to & sets deadlines, ensuring direct reports also adhere to the critical path and delegates where necessary.
- Strategical thinking and ability to stand back from the day-to-day issues to see & act on the bigger picture.
- Excellent team player who leads by example to wider team & division and is seen as a brand ambassador.
- Very competent communication, influencing, negotiation skills, good working ethics & able to work with peers equally in managing up/down.
- Identifies improvements in existing ways of working to achieve all KPI's, communicates this clearly to the team.
- Ensure direct reports are mentored, coached, developed & kept abreast of company strategies & understand how they relate to themselves.
- Strong energized & engaging presentation skills, showing a positive/pro-active approach whilst being a dynamic team leader.
- Excellent at appraisals and able to deliver both positive and negative feedback.
Benefits
- Hybrid working.
- Annual bonus opportunity.
- Up to 33 days holiday per annum.
- 2 extra (paid!) days off per year to volunteer in the local community.
- 50% discount.
- Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance.
- Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance.
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- Pension contribution.
Designer (Menswear) in City of Westminster employer: White Stuff
At White Stuff, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity and innovation in menswear design. Our collaborative work culture encourages mentorship and professional growth, offering opportunities for team members to thrive while contributing to a brand that values sustainability and community engagement. With benefits like hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our designers not only excel in their roles but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer (Menswear) in City of Westminster
✨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 White Stuff!
✨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 White Stuff.
✨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 White Stuff.
✨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 White Stuff!
We think you need these skills to ace Designer (Menswear) in City of Westminster
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 White Stuff.
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 White Stuff!
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 White Stuff. 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 White Stuff
✨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!
