A fabulous opportunity to join a very successful supplier to high street retailers and supermarkets.
Role Overview - Design Manager Softs
We are looking for a Womenswear Design Manager (Softs) who can confidently lead the Design direction, in close partnership with the Sales Team. This role is pivotal in shaping a commercially strong and brand-appropriate collection, from initial strategy through to final range presentation.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth trend research and create seasonal mood boards, colour palettes, and fabric stories.
- Using fabric sources to create, design and develop collections for two large UK commercial retailers.
- Design innovative, fashion-forward yet commercially viable garments, including blouses, dresses, shorts, skirts, loose jackets etc.
- Select appropriate fabrics, trims, and prints in collaboration with the fabric sourcing and print design teams.
- Oversee sample development and work closely with garment techs on fit, construction, and quality standards.
- Present collections internally and to key wholesale clients, taking on board feedback and adapting ranges where necessary.
- Manage a team of Designers and Assistants to all deliver the same objective.
- Collaborate with the sales team and other departments.
- Liaise with buyers, merchandisers, and production teams to ensure collections meet cost and margin requirements.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform design direction.
- Support and mentor junior designers and assistants within the team.
- Maintain the critical path and ensure timely delivery of samples and production ready designs.
Qualifications
- At least 5-10 years of experience in Womenswear.
- At least 10 years + people management skills and experience in managing Teams is essential.
- Strong work ethic, willing to go the extra mile.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, confident presenter.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Good eye for commercial product and trends.
- Passionate, enthusiastic, shows initiative.
- A strong interest and understanding of the industry, what's happening on the high street, catwalks and social media.
- Commercial awareness - interpreting and translating trends to meet the customer profile.
- Good knowledge of garment construction and fitting.
- Understands the remits of sustainability in this industry and can support processes around this.
- Excellent Photoshop and Illustrator skills.
#J-18808-Ljbffr