Senior Designer -Knitwear
Altrincham
This role is responsible for managing the design process from concept to production, ensuring that collections are innovative, on-trend, and meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical understanding of garment construction, excellent multi-disciplinary design skills, and a proven track record of developing successful products. This role works cross-functionally with key departments, including sales, merchandising and garment technology, to drive commercial success as well as supporting and mentoring more junior members of the design team.
Your Responsibilities:
- Research and identify current and emerging trends, including styles, colours, yarns, and techniques.
- Lead the development of original designs, including sketches, technical drawings, and specifications.
- Create seasonal collections that align with the brand's aesthetic and target market.
- Select appropriate techniques for each design.
- Liaise confidently with overseas offices on sampling & sourcing to meet customer deadlines
- Approve final line-ups, ensuring product range aligns with customer needs and commercial objectives
- Evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to drive future design strategies and direction
- Oversee collection planning, ensuring design workstreams align with critical path and business priorities
- Mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance on both creative and technical aspects
- Collaborate with senior members (Account managers, Head of Design and Garment Tech) to align creative direction
- React strategically to trade and performance feedback, driving quick-turn updates or edits to enhance sell-through
- Regularly attend customer meetings to present design concepts & samples & communicate with buying teams to ensure we are fulfilling their objectives
Your talent:
- 5+ Years experience, preferably working on the supplier side, however not essential
- Previous multi-disciplinary design experience
- Adobe Illustrator proficient
- Strong construction knowledge with practical understanding of cost drivers and a commercial eye when selecting fabrics
- Comfortable leading conversations & presenting trends to customers
- Portfolio examples of tech packs / artworks
- Experience liaising with overseas offices to manage sample development.
- Willing to travel UK & overseas