Location: Altrincham (hybrid working)
Reports to: Head of Design
Role Overview:
The Knitwear Designer is responsible for leading the knitwear design process from concept to production, ensuring that our knitwear collections are innovative, on-trend, and meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical understanding of knitwear construction, excellent design skills, and a proven track record of developing successful knitwear products. This role works cross-functionally with key departments, including buying, marketing, and garment technology, to drive commercial success while mentoring and developing junior members of the design team.
Your Responsibilities:
· Research and identify current and emerging knitwear trends, including styles, colours, yarns, and techniques.
· Lead the development of original knitwear designs, including sketches, technical drawings, and specifications.
· Create seasonal knitwear collections that align with the brand's aesthetic and target market.
· Select appropriate yarns, stitches, and knitwear techniques for each design.
· Oversee the creation of prototypes and samples, ensuring accurate execution of designs.
· Approve final line-ups, ensuring product range aligns with customer needs and commercial objectives
· Evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to drive future design strategies and direction
· Oversee collection planning, ensuring design workstreams align with critical path and business priorities
· Mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance on both creative and technical aspects
· Collaborate with senior members (Buying, Marketing, Merchandising) to align creative direction
· React strategically to trade and performance feedback, driving quick-turn updates or edits to enhance sell-through
Requirements
· 5+ years experience, preferably working on the supplier side, however not essential
· Previous experience working with knitwear
· Adobe Illustrator proficient
· Strong yarn/knit and construction knowledge with practical understanding of cost drivers and a commercial eye when selecting yarns
· Comfortable leading conversations & presenting trends to customers
· A clear understanding of knit across gauges, stitches, textures, and ply
· Portfolio examples of tech packs / artworks (for example jacquard artworks, cable designs, stitch layouts)
· Experience liaising with overseas offices to manage sample development.
· Willing to travel UK & overseas
Benefits
· Birthday day off
· 25-day holiday
· Flexible hours
· Vibrant team
· 40% off 4th & Reckless, sister brand
· Team socials
· Competitions
· Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office