Senior Designer - Menswear (FTC)

N Brown group have been trading in the heart of Manchester for over 150 years. Our vision is to become the universally loved experts in fashion that fits by helping our customers’ look and feel amazing through our trusted family of brands

Our people are obsessive about customer service, enriched with data and powered by the latest technology to drive our business forward. As we continue to invest in our goal of becoming a leading digital retailer there’s never been a better time to join us!

The role purpose is to support the Head of Design for Simply Be to lead the Brand. This includes designing new and innovative products and review existing products for the Outerwear & Tailoring range. Ensuring that the ranges remain inspirational and relevant is key, and covering key trends in line with our competitors. You will support the Head of Design in delivering key trends, colour and shape direction to the business through Design presentations.

You will be key in supporting the selection process to deliver exciting and commercial ranges, delivering optimal brand and customer performance whilst demonstrating full understanding of our customers’ needs in regard to shape, fit and trend direction. You will also design a range of trend-led and commercial products for Simply Be, with a focus on fit for Outerwear & Tailoring.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Collaborate with the Buying team on direction for the forthcoming season, to build a balanced and cohesive range across the product range.
• Keeping up to date with market intelligence, specifically around key competitors and future trends; providing insight and inspiration to the Design and Buying Teams.
• Creation of new and exciting ranges that innovate in terms of product opportunity and the identification of new and developing trends.
• Briefing and liaising with suppliers on new development and designs.
• Working with QA and Buying on updating fit and pushing innovation in fabric and silhouette.
• Modernisation and design of product ranges in line with key competitors, driving improved net sales performance and gains in market share.
• Ensuring harmonisation of trends across all products within relevant areas.
• Strong understanding of the Brand and customer.
• To manage key Designers and/or Assistants on strategic direction for the segment, coach, support and develop the team for delivery.
• In conjunction with the Head of Design for Simply Be, implementing the Design Strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders across the Product team. This may include presentations to our marketing colleagues and Product Directors.

What you will need to succeed:

• An experienced Designer with a related degree or equivalent qualification and broad experience in a creative, commercial retail environment.
• Able to demonstrate exceptional Design skills within the required field – for this role in Outerwear and Tailoring
• Commercially aware and motivational with the ability to coach a creative mind-set with the team.
• An understanding of how garments can be produced sustainably.
• A passion for Inclusive Fashion, and a sound understanding of the Simply Be brand.
• Have excellent time management and strong verbal and written communication skills along with ability to communicate via a variety of media with various stakeholders.
• Candidates should have at least 7-10 years of industry experience, with previous experience in leading / supporting a team of Designers.

*Employees in our business may have access to our customers’ personal data therefore for a number of our roles, offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory criminal record check. *Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from obtaining a position with JD Williams