Location: MANCHESTER
Type: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 Per Annum
SENIOR MENSWEAR PRINT DESIGNER (PREMIUM FORMAL WEAR BRAND )
MANCHESTER / HYBRID ROLE
Our client based in Manchester, creates bold and original designs that are incorporated into premium quality men’s garments which are sold online and through a growing number of retailers. Their range started with formal men’s shirts which is expanding to jerseys, jumpers, overshirts and trousers. They work closely with a growing community of artists and incorporate regular customer feedback in the product and print development process. This premium brand is embarking on a period of rapid growth as they expand their product range and market coverage.
Their Mission is to ‘Enable men to express themselves with confidence, originality and authenticity’.
The brand has a friendly, open, driven and flexible culture. They are serious about the work they do – creating premium quality, inspiring products and developing their brand. They have a core set of values that are really important to how they work together and get stuff done. These values are captured in three words: bold, curious and caring.
The main purpose of the Senior Fashion Designer is to conceptualise, design and develop fashion collections and individual garments that align with the brand’s aesthetic and customer profile. They like to, at least occasionally, buck market trends with a view to standing out and ultimately elevating the brand's awareness and presence.
The Fashion Designer will use their technical knowledge and creative energy to work on designs for new and original men’s clothing,
A key element of the role will be working collaboratively with the buying, merchandising and marketing teams as well as with the brand community of artists and a selection of key customers.
This is a new role which will be critical to support our ambitious growth plans over the next 5 years.
THE ROLE
· Take over responsibility for assigned design projects and deliver results in line with the brands product development calendar and commercial strategy
· Develop a team approach that incorporates collaborative design community to create unique and market relevant apparel designs
· Lead development and creation of innovative and visually appealing fashion designs that align with the brand's identity.
· Create accurate product CADS and detailed information for all new designs
Plan and develop ranges
· Oversee the development of prototypes and samples, ensuring the translation of design concepts into high quality garments
· Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including pattern makers, sample sewers and production teams to bring designs to life
· Work closely with the buying department to source and select materials, fabrics and colours that align with design concepts and meet quality standards
· Maintain awareness of sustainable and ethical sourcing practices
· Work as a partner with Marketing to develop unique and relevant product stories and collection plans
· Compose a strategic plan, a vision for product designs mid- to long term aimed at continuous design innovation and achieving set goals within business target
· Reinforce and strengthen the brand position and help to generate consumer demand
· Provide market research and design trend analysis supporting theme and design directions, forecasting what will be popular with the Customer
· Present concepts/sketches/designs to management for approval
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
· Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel, Industrial, Fashion Design and/or relevant field of study
· Minimum 5+ years relevant experience in the premium men’s formal fashion sector – an eye for colour and detail as well as a feel for fabrics and materials
· Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite
· Strong leadership skills including the ability to drive and mentor internal and external team members
· Proficiency and refinement in all stages of presentation, from concept to final design review using best available methods
· Broad knowledge of all aspects of apparel product development from positioning to prototype making through to manufacturing
· Display awareness and understanding of the brands consumer
· Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation and influencing skills
· Good organisation and time management skills
· Commercial awareness in the online and high street premium market
· A creative, visionary team player with the ability to adapt quickly
· As an ambitious and relatively small company embarking on a period of growth.
, Candidates who are results focused and who work well in a team environment
· Someone who is excited to work within a small brand where all functions are close knit
· Has the ability to multitask and juggle priorities with ease
BENEFITS
· 25 days holiday in addition to Bank Holidays
· Bonus (plan to be agreed with manager)
· Discount on products
· Stakeholder Pension Scheme
· Company Sick Pay Scheme
· A friendly relaxed environment with regular social activities (eg: Christmas Party and Summer Social)
· Flexible / remote working (3 of 5 days/week working from the Manchester office)
· Professional and personal development