About the role
As Design Manager you will lead and manage the menswear design team for Matalan, creating an inspiring product offer. Oversee the entire design process from concept to delivering cohesive ranges in-store and online. Ensure final products meet quality standards, market trends, and brand identity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful ranges aligned with company strategy. Key responsibilities consist of:
Team Leadership:
* Lead, inspire, and manage a dynamic design team to create inspiring ranges for Matalan.
* Foster a collaborative and creative environment, encouraging the team to push boundaries in design.
Design Strategy:
* Develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy aligned with the overall company goals.
* Keep abreast of industry trends, competitor's ranges, and evolving consumer preferences to guide informed and strategic design decisions.
* Translate market research into actionable design concepts.
Presentation and Communication:
* Create and deliver Matalan's seasonal trends to key stakeholders.
* Clearly communicate design strategies, goals, and progress to cross-functional teams.
Cross functional collaboration:
* Collaborate across divisions to ensure designs align with market demands and business goals.
* Work closely with marketing to create compelling product stories to deliver key customer moments.
Critical Path Management:
* Work closely with B&M to ensure the critical path is adhered to and achievable.
* Support design team members with workload to ensure the critical path remains on track.
Budget Management:
* Manage yearly travel, sample and freelance budgets offering best value for Matalan.
* Manage designer's salaries within company budget requirements.
Mentoring and Support:
* Improve the design team's skills through mentoring and support. Key areas are problem solving, communication, team collaboration and leadership skills.
* Develop individual career growth plans for the design team.
* Build resilience in team members by upskilling them and fostering a supportive environment.
About you
* Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
* Proven experience in a similar environment, experience in retail preferred.
* Menswear experience is advantageous.
* Previous leadership or management experience in a design-related role.
* In-depth knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
* Strong understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour in the UK fashion industry and the skill to communicate that business wide.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability and desire to support, mentor and develop a design team.
* Capacity to thrive in an ever-changing, deadline-driven environment.
About Matalan
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together - we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want to give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
Benefits
In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
* 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service.
* Thrive Recognition Scheme.
* Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust.
* Life Assurance.
* Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers.
* Pension Scheme.
* Access to a wide range of career development. Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business.
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