Job Title: Senior Designer (Outerwear)
Location: Chesterfield
Salary: £45-55 DoE
Reporting to: Design Manager
NO HYBRID WORKING - This role if office based 5 days per week in our Chesterfield office.
Who we are:
Varley is a contemporary fashion brand for the modern woman. Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife Lara and Ben Mead, we are an international, family-run business headquartered between London, Los Angeles, and New York. We offer year-round collections, including knitwear, outerwear, and everyday staples, complemented by active pieces to create an elevated wardrobe for how you live and move. We are defined by the women who wear Varley and exist to instil quiet confidence,creating collections that enhance everything they already are. As women’s lives evolve, so do we.
Job Description:
We are looking for an experienced Senior Outerwear Designer to join our thriving team. Attention to detail is essential as we obsess about every style in our collections. You must be able to follow directions while bringing your own creativity and ideas to the role. You must have proven expertise within Women’s Outerwear. You will be joining a strong and communicative in-house team who work closely together on the design and development of our collections.
Responsibilities:
• Innovate and develop seasonal women’s outerwear, driving the creative process from initial concept through to finished product.
• Mentor and support Junior Designers to foster team growth.
• Work with category leads to carry out comprehensive planning and research, looking for new ways to evolve our collections.
• Create detailed design packs and technical materials to ensure seamless handovers to the Development Team.
• Attend fittings and collaborate closely with development team to ensure design integrity from initial concept through to finished product.
• Work with Design Managers to ensure the global calendar is followed & deadlines are met.
• Present collections and product knowledge to Sales teams.
• Champion Varley quality standards, monitor product feedback and utilise these insights to continuously drive product improvements.
• Attend trade shows and research trips to inform direction.
Experience and Skills
• Degree in Fashion Design or Equivalent.
• Experience in Womenswear Outerwear Design role (6+ years).
• Advanced Illustrator & Photoshop skills.
• A curious thinker who is comfortable experimenting and pushing boundaries, whilst respecting the brands ethos and values.
• Advanced garment construction, fit and fabric knowledge.
• In-depth knowledge of fabrics within the Wovens and Outerwear market, with the ability to apply them in line with the Brand’s aesthetic.
• A passion for clothing, with a keen eye for considered details, we use trim to elevate our products, so you must be knowledgeable in this area.
• Strong Presentation and communication skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• The drive to work for a market leader and the adaptability to cope with the needs of a growing brand.
Advantageous
• In-house Fashion Brand Experience
• 3D Familiarity (Style 3D etc)
• Keynote and PowerPoint proficiency
Benefits
• Employee Purchase Scheme with 50% off for employees.
• Friend and Family Purchase Scheme with 20% off.
• Access to Bupa Health care after 2 years
• 25 Days Holiday
Our People
We think of ourselves as an international family-run business that embodies our founders’ commitment to creating timeless collections for the modern woman. What started as a company of two, has grown into a close-knit team of thinkers, creators, and innovators, taking care of our clothes, each other, and our community.
Split across the UK and USA, our team is 85% female, making us proud to be a brand for women, by women.
We are guided by two core beliefs: the pursuit of quality in everything we do and looking after one another. Everything else should take care of itself.
Company Values
We are the sum of many parts.
We may have two founders, but we are the sum of many parts. The journey is just as important as the destination. We look after one another. We promote diversity and inclusivity as central parts of the culture we are building. We are less when we don’t include everyone. Our successes and our failures we make as a team not as individuals.
We pursue quality in everything we do.
We should chase perfection in everything we do. Growth is a result of improvements to every aspectof what we do, not just reliant on an individual or department. We grow together.
We embrace possibility and push boundaries.
We believe that there are no limits to what we can achieve. We encourage innovative thinking, pushing boundaries, and embracing new possibilities. We constantly challenge ourselves to think beyond the ordinary and create extraordinary outcomes.
Data-driven decisions and purposeful actions.
We base our decisions and actions on data and reason, not on hope. We prioritize and justify our choices through thoughtful analysis. We think before we act, understanding the impact of our actions.
Our brand is timeless and valuable.
Our brand is our most valuable asset, and we treat it with the utmost respect. We recognize that our brand will outlive us and strive to enhance its value through everything we do. We prioritize long-term growth over short-term gains, ensuring the longevity of our brand's reputation.
We never compromise our product.
We believe the best form of marketing is to make better product. Let word of mouth be the most powerful marketing channel. Constantly improve, however marginal a gain. Our product is defined by the quality not price.
We respect and exceed customer expectations.
We deeply appreciate and value those who choose to consume our brand. We consistently strive to surpass their expectations in every interaction. Our goal is to transform customers into passionate advocates who enthusiastically share their positive experiences with others.
We choose partners who reflect our values.
We view our suppliers, service providers, and stockists as partners, not mere business relationships. We carefully select partners who align with our values and standards. We understand that the company we keep reflects our brand's integrity and reputation.
We grow our brand by empowering others.
We understand that the way we present information is just as crucial as the information itself. We focus not only on what we do but also on how our actions positively impact others. We aim to empower and support those around us, fostering growth and creating meaningful connections.
Responsibility is at the core of everything we do.
We believe that responsibility is as fundamental as the fit of a garment. We prioritize ethical practices and sustainability in all aspects of our business. We are accountable for our actions and strive to make a positive impact on our environment and communities.
Kindness is our guiding principle.
We prioritize treating others with respect, empathy, and understanding. We believe that kindness creates a positive work environment and fosters strong relationships with our team members, partners, and customers.