Print & Graphics Designer, Kidswear

Our Design Team deliver stand-out, affordable fashion with the unique style and touches that underpin the River Island handwriting. As a Designer, you’ll start to set the direction for your categories, and will be accountable for full development cycle of products for inclusion in the final ranges, that represent key trends and drive commercial results, and present a balanced overall range for our customer. 

Key Accountabilities: 

• Deliver superior product from concept to completion that represents key trends and commercial opportunities, and create a balanced range for your category 
• Through strong understanding of fabric, engineering, fit and quality, produce designs to a high technical standard, and excellent first sample hit rate, for the level of the market 
• Through in-depth broad market and customer awareness and research, and a thorough understanding of the River Island brand, lead and shape Product Development discussions that address key trends and opportunities 
• In developing broad industry and competitor awareness, identify and realise new product and design opportunities aligned to our overall Product strategy 
• Understand sales history, sales and margin targets and range plans for your own area of accountability and division to ensure designs are aligned to deliver on commercial opportunities 
• Through strong relationships and collaboration with Buying counterparts, suppliers, fabric mills and Fabric Sourcing identify and realise opportunities for newness, trends and sourcing 
• Support new Design Talent through mentoring junior team members, creating learning opportunities and fostering inclusion and diversity of opinion 
• Provide direction to Trainee and Assistant Designers, managing their workload to ensure they contribute effectively to the design process 

Key experience required: 

• Previous experience as a Junior Designer or equivalent is essential 
• Qualifications or studies relevant to Design are essential 
• Must be able to provide a portfolio of Design work 
• Track record of mentoring and developing others

Job role competencies:

• Advanced Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills are essential 
• Strong Product Development skills 
• Strong technical and creative design skills 
• Strong organisation skills 
• Strong verbal communication skills 
• Mentoring and development skills 
• Commercial acumen 
• Very strong interpersonal effectiveness and collaboration skills, emotional intelligence and self-management 
• Good network in the market and industry 
• Self-starter 
• Action-oriented 
• Adaptable 
• Tenacious and resilient 
• Passion for the RI brand and customer 

About Us:

We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do.  Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts.

What we can offer you:
????  Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
 
????  Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.

????  A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.

????  Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders!

????  Flexible working, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.

????  Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.

????  Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.

????  A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan.

???? The choice to opt in for healthcare through our provider AXA.

???? An allowance supporting your commute to work.

☀️ 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!

Keeping You Safe:

We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We expect all employees to uphold our values and contribute to a positive working environment.
Our business is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.