Designer - Womenswear Knitwear

About the role:

As a Womenswear Jersey & Knitwear Designer at Matalan you will be responsible for designing and innovating the best prints for our product, at the right place, at the right time for the required place for specified categories. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & KPI’s:

• Work in conjunction with the Head of Design/Design Manager to formulate, plan & present the departmental design strategy ensuring alignment with the Menswear / Company strategy guidance. 
• Formulate and agree the product direction for your specified categories with the Head of Design/Design Manager.
• Define the seasonal range framework for your specified categories, that is aligned to the overall strategy and KPI’s 

Range Design/Development:

• Collaborate with the Buyer and Merchandiser to develop commercial ranges within the agreed seasonal range framework and in line with the defined strategy and KPI’s.  
• Present the ranges in an impactful way ensuring correct samples are used and all product delivers the agreed vision and strategy.
• Working collaboratively to forecast and agree Key/Core/Continuity/Fashion Line packages aligned with the main departmental strategy and range framework.
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure product is fit for purpose and of the right fit/shape/quality/value for the Matalan customer.
• Collaborating and aligning with the Head of Design/ Design Manager/ Designers you identify and drive the delivery of innovative, new product opportunities for your category and department.  

Trading:

• Using a broad and relevant range of internal / external data and insight, continually evaluate your specified categories to ensure design plans are adapted and informed by timely forecast / insights / trading, ensuring commercial decisions are made.
• Supporting and maintaining control of design/dept critical paths and taking appropriate commercial action alongside Buying & Merchandising.
• Maximise the use of trading reactions and OTB working with the buying team to seek the latest product innovation within your categories.
• Understand market trends and translate for the Matalan customer to optimise category performance.

Suppliers:

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with key suppliers to ensure we have the very best product, delivered on time for our customer.
• Working with the buying/sourcing team, continuously review the design process within the supply base, working with suppliers on new techniques and product innovations to continuously build and push on existing/new product within your categories.
• With the Head of Design/Design Manager, support the delivery of outsourced design, and coordinate Supplier Designers and Freelancers

Team Leadership and ways of working: 

• In collaboration with your peers, take a common approach to addressing key business and people challenges.  
• Share best practise to benefit the overall Design team and Trading function.  

Create an environment for the team where:  

• Each colleague is clear in their role and the part they play in delivering the overall Trade strategy and KPI’s.  
• Everyone can develop their skills and capabilities and see opportunities for personal growth.  
• Colleagues are supported and coached based on individual strengths, development needs and aspirations. 

About You:

• Womenswear experience essential
• Knit/Jersey Design background essential
• Relevant qualification in fashion design or equivalent experience
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Software including Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of seasonal trends with the ability to translate this in both a creative and commercial manner in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated experience in growing and managing a team
• Strong relationship builder with a proven record of managing stakeholders cross functionally.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• Experience managing 3rd party suppliers and Freelancers.

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 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