Childrenswear Designer
Full-Time
Kingston-on-Thames
At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”. Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style. These are clothes for life’s best moments.
We believe in collaboration, kindness and creativity, in celebrating our successes and championing our customer at every step of the way. From ’93 to now, people have been at the heart of everything we do. It’s in our name – Crew.
Purpose of the role:
We are looking for a Designer to come and join the Childrenswear team and be responsible for the designs and design pack set ups for all Childrenswear product.
Responsibilities:
Trend & Market Research
* Maintain awareness of seasonal trends through market shopping, trend research and stay current with competition. Gain knowledge of multi-market product ranges.
* Create presentation material for trend, colour and must-have product in your categories.
* Shop trend in retail markets seeking new merchandise ideas, as needed.
* Create presentation boards
* Work alongside the WW and MW design team and HOD to forge ahead with cohesive collections, with consideration of how this all ranges together and provides the customer with wardrobing options in line with our brands.
Colour, print and Fabric Research & Development
* Develop and update seasonal coloured range boards, maintaining awareness of market colour direction and internal brand colour stories.
* Research market -identifying specific fabrics, yarns for the season, work directly with factories, mills & the buying team to source each fabric to meet the specific pricing needs of the collection.
* Select each style’s fabric, trims, materials and colours that fit into the mood board direction and create style plans.
* Work with team to develop standards to maintain and grow the internal material library.
Product Development & Development Packages
* Design for childrenswear specified categories within the design department.
* Prepare range and presentation boards for range reviews and buyer/product meetings. Create presentation materials for product range sign -off meetings. Work with the design team to keep up to date.
* Be prepared with proto samples, store bought samples, fabric swatches, sketches and tears during Development Meetings
* Create flat technical sketches and packs for design development packages
* Create design development Package with components
* Manage and maintain all information through to final approval.
* Manage seasonal range sheets
* Maintain records of range sheets ensure they are updated and correct for product range selection.
* Suggest colour direction for garments to properly balance the product and seasonal collections.
* Review and approve proto samples with technical team.
Team Collaboration
* Work with technical team to ensure tech packages are accurate and complete; review with HOD and provide specific feedback and collaborative direction when necessary.
* Adhere to the seasonal critical path and action calendars. Work collaboratively with internal and external supplier, teams, buyers and technical dept.
* Updating all VRP’s and cads for the design team and own departments. Elevate calendar issues and provide resolution in order to maintain calendar dates.
* Approve fabric samples, lab dips and other development materials sent from factories. Work collaboratively with internal material management teams to provide feedback and clear and concise direction in order to execute approvals properly.
* Communicate on a daily basis with overseas offices.
Skills & Experience:
* Experience within a designer role within the fashion industry.
* Excellent illustrator skills, proficiency in PC operation, Excel, Adobe Photoshop software
* Ability to impact and influence design team to gain buy-in for product that will influence the Crew customer. Ideally, experience of working in a global matrix environment.
* Knowledge of how product is sourced, developed and marketed
* Exceptional communication and presentation skills and ability to understand how to adapt presentation for relevant audiences.
* Ability to understand brand strategies and to work in a collaborative environment.
* Strong design and conceptual skills
* Strong colour sense / print sense
* Ability to quickly understand the target customer
* Ability to quickly analyse data/situations and draw relevant conclusions to have positive effects on business in a complex environment
* Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
* Ability to multi-task, problem solve, and think outside the box in a fast-paced environment