C4 GM Furniture Designer
You’ll be delivering inspirational designs that support the values of the category vision and ambition. Manage relationships with suppliers and the design teams behind the suppliers to create original, exclusive product.
You will be a manager and a mentor to junior members of the team, supporting the Senior Designer by owning your category and developing others. An experienced eye for delivering key seasonal trends will be second nature ensuring your ranges are full of newness. With a skilled hand in delivering innovative and commercial designs for a broad range of customer types.
As well as being a good communicator capable of representing the team in front of key stakeholders, you’ll manage your time effectively ensuring deadlines are always met.
In a nutshell
To support and assist the senior designer, whilst having responsibility for the creation and development of successful product ranges, adhering to current trends, customer needs and convenience, meeting KPI’s of sales, profit and market share. Management and development of an assistant where relevant.
What I need to do
* Design commercial, competitive, quality and functional aspects of the product using creativity and effective translation of customer needs into deliverable product attributes in line with relevant legislation and Sainsbury’s policies.
* Input creativity within the team to share innovation, product trend and lifestyle
* Manage the development of the product from concept design to launch, liaising with product technologists and buyers ensuring that the critical path targets are met.
* Identify new products and ensure product fit for purpose, delivering design packs right first time, in conjunction with the buyer & product technologist.
* Adhere to safety, quality and legal requirements, engaging with technical & legal teams regularly.
* Support quality standard requirements to maintain clear differences in quality compared to competitors.
* Coach the Assistant Designer to grow talent and identify potential.
* Utilize market data analysis to inform design decisions
* Maintain awareness of market trends and competitor ranges, producing relevant seasonal trends for the Sainsbury’s customer
* Create design packs to an agreed standard and level, in line with the critical path
* Develop products directly with the overseas supply base (SAAL)
* Assist the senior designers with strategic direction for the design department
* Provide bought sample direction
* Formulate concept, colour, and trend boards for presentations and meetings
* Create project briefs and communicate all design specs to relevant suppliers in line with the critical path
* Maintain and update design/artwork files and colour/theme/trend boards for relevant meetings
* Work with external designers, communicate with SAAL and suppliers as required
* Assist with preparation for selection, sign-off, review, and trading meetings
* Liaise with key stakeholders ahead of meetings
* Visit stores, trade fairs, and press shows and compile reports
* Conduct competitor shop reports and update on internet fashions and feedback to team
* Provide creative input with an excellent eye for colour and trend, creating artworks and palettes
* Attend weekly trade meetings
* Represent the design team at graduate shows and external events
* Ensure PR & Marketing have the assets to tell each range's story
* Mentor graduate work placements
How I will succeed
* Deliver financial and commercial targets (KPIs) through successful product design
* Improve market share and product category position
* Ensure the right product and trends are available at the right time
* Demonstrate passion for the brand and customer focus
What I need to know
* Recent relevant design experience in a comparable role
* Technical knowledge of manufacturing processes and working with suppliers
* Understanding of commercial issues and creative ability
* Customer and market knowledge
* Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced retail environment
* Results-oriented with team collaboration skills
* Influencing and relationship-building skills with stakeholders
* Effective communication and presentation skills
* Strong organizational and planning skills
* Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator; knowledge of 3D software is beneficial
* Up-to-date retail and consumer trend knowledge
* Critical path management skills
What I need to show
* A strong portfolio of relevant design work
* Relationship-building with key stakeholders
* Problem-solving skills
* Effective communication and approachability
* Openness to new ideas
* Customer feedback integration
* Honest feedback management
* Opportunity identification and initiative
* Results-focused process management
* Teamwork and communication skills
Resources available to me
* Design systems support and training
* Guidance and objectives from line manager
* Opportunities to attend meetings and events
* Assistant Designer support
* Adobe Creative Cloud & 3D software
What decisions I can make
* Input in design direction and strategy
* Delivery of design packs for business and suppliers
* Involvement in range and product design decisions
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