Margaret Howell is a contemporary British clothing designer with over five decades of success in men's and women's fashion. Today, her brand is sold worldwide, with 12 shops in Europe, over 100 outlets in Japan, and an established online presence.
We are seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to assist with executing the design critical path (CP). The successful candidate will develop sample collections and communicate effectively within the company and with external suppliers for all multi-category products (excluding knitwear) in the Mainline range. They will ensure high-quality, competitively priced products that support company targets through timely delivery.
Location
Head office, W1/Remote
Required on-site 3 days per week
Hours
Part or full-time availability, 28 to 35 hours (4 or 5 days per week)
Key Responsibilities
1. Liaise between designers and suppliers to develop the Mainline collection in line with the Critical Path (CP), advising on cost, MOQs, and supplier capability to ensure appropriate buy.
2. Act as the main contact for woven, accessories, and Mainline suppliers, building strong relationships and meeting CP deadlines, engaging with suppliers in Italy, the UK, Portugal, and Japan.
3. Collaborate on seasonal supplier allocation, balancing product suitability with buy depth to support production planning, aligned with responsible purchasing and ethical trade practices.
4. Ensure timely delivery of all samples, overseeing technical specifications, design packs, BOMs, and graded specs.
5. Coordinate with the Shirtline manufacturing unit and Senior Pattern Cutter to develop the Mainline shirt range, communicating pattern plans, product development, BOMs, fabric, and sample needs.
6. Lead all garment fittings, ensuring accurate measurements, detailed notes, and clear communication with suppliers.
7. Negotiate costs and MOQs to achieve margin targets, monitoring and communicating price changes.
8. Attend seasonal range review meetings, providing insights on product, pricing, and suppliers.
9. Contribute to sustainability initiatives aligned with company goals.
10. Maintain accurate records in ERP and PLM systems, including style setup, attributes, origin, risk assessments, shipping, labelling, BOMs, and SAP records.
11. Organize and attend supplier trips for design fittings with clear objectives.
12. Provide comprehensive handovers to production, highlighting potential risks.
13. Support the Product Development Manager with additional tasks as needed.
Role Requirements
* Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Italian.
* Minimum 3 years’ experience in Product Development, with a focus on multi-category products.
* Technical knowledge of garment fitting and construction, especially tailoring and high-end craftsmanship.
* Ability to build relationships, source, negotiate, and manage suppliers effectively.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PLM, and ERP systems.
* Understanding of sustainability and ethical compliance, with a drive to meet targets.
* Experience in pricing negotiations, working within budgets.
Rewards
* Competitive salary from £30,000
* 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 6 weeks with service
* Generous clothing allowance
* Staff discount
* Life insurance
* Contributory pension and salary exchange scheme
* Personal development grant
* Cycle to work scheme
* Birthday and volunteering days off
We are committed to blind recruitment practices to promote diversity and inclusion. Applications are considered as received, with shortlisted candidates based on skills and experience matching our requirements.
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