Job Title: Senior Womenswear Apparel Designer
Learn more about the general tasks related to this opportunity below, as well as required skills.
Location: Chester
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum DOE
Company Overview
Our client is a fast-growing, design-led consumer brand headquartered in Chester. The business creates technically considered, style-led product for a global customer base.
Operating within a highly competitive market, the organisation combines innovation, commercial awareness and strong brand identity to deliver product that resonates with a modern audience. The culture is collaborative, agile and product-focused, with creativity and performance at the centre of decision making.
The Role
An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Womenswear Apparel Designer to join a growing design function within a fast-paced product environment.
Reporting into the Design Director, this role plays a key part in driving seasonal direction across womenswear. You will lead the end-to-end design process across multiple product categories, including core apparel ranges, complementary product lines and associated collections.
This is a senior-level position requiring both strong creative vision and technical expertise. You will combine commercial awareness with innovative thinking to deliver brand-aligned, customer-focused product.
The role also includes direct line management of a small team, supporting development, progression and fostering a positive, high-performing culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive seasonal womenswear design direction using data, customer insight and market research
* Lead end-to-end design development from concept through to production-ready handover
* Manage and mentor junior designers, supporting growth and performance
* Conduct seasonal colour and trend research to inform cohesive ranges
* Translate global trends into commercially viable, brand-aligned product
* Undertake functional research to understand end-user needs and product performance requirements
* Collaborate cross-functionally with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Production and Wholesale teams
* Participate in overseas development trips and competitor benchmarking
* Prepare detailed tech packs and accurate production-ready artwork
* Work closely with materials teams to define seasonal fabric and trim direction
Key Skills & Experience
* Minimum 5+ years' experience in apparel design
* Extensive experience within womenswear design in a product-led environment
* Experience managing at least one direct report or small team
* Strong background in technical and commercial product development
* Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
* Strong knowledge of garment construction, pattern cutting and technical fit
* Solid understanding of the full production process
* Excellent research capability with the ability to translate insight into product
* Strong awareness of consumer trends and market positioning
* Confident communicator able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Domain Experience
* Womenswear
* Multi-category apparel
* Technical product development
If you are a commercially minded Senior Womenswear Designer with experience leading small teams and delivering technically considered, customer-focused product, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully within a growing and ambitious organisation.
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