About Us
Overview: Driven by exploration and innovation, Shackleton is built on the values of polar titan Sir Ernest Shackleton and exists to inspire, prepare and equip individuals to Live Courageously. Informed by world-class polar expertise, the apparel range includes high-performance down jackets, heritage-inspired knitwear and expedition-grade parkas, engineered for extreme environments. Shackleton Challenges deliver unique expedition experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular and extreme locations. Meticulously planned, the Challenges aim to have a transformational impact, developing a participant's physical, mental and emotional capabilities and outlook on life.
Shackleton has played a part in breaking three world records. We’ve won multiple awards for our industry leading product design. We’re a team of 20+ people taking on the world. We’ve got thousands of passionate customers who love what we do. We combine hardcore, expedition-grade performance with luxury-level materials, comfort and refinement. We design in London, test in Antarctica and manufacture with the best partners in the UK and around the world.
Website: shackleton.com
About the Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be an integral part of our team continuing to build our British brand, Shackleton, for global success. Reporting to the Head of Design you will support the execution of an original and distinctive creative vision for Shackleton's product and brand. You will be joining the company at a time of rapid growth and will have the opportunity to push boundaries and lead Shackleton in support of our mission to become a £100m global brand that inspires millions to “Live Courageously”.
The absolute focus of this role is to assist the design of world class performance products that our customers not only need but want to wear for years to come. You will support the design of technical apparel that will keep courageous explorers alive at -40 degrees that will also make them look and feel fantastic when walking into The Grosvenor Hotel.
In this role you will be responsible for:
* Conceptualise and implement the vision of the Head of Design. Develop a clear and compelling creative direction for Shackleton’s collections, focusing on luxury performance apparel
* Researching seasonal trends and themes guided by the overarching creative direction
* Create world-class, “on-brand” products that are built and engineered toShackleton’s design aesthetics and attention to detail. Continuously challenge the norm and push boundaries in luxury performance apparel to keepShackleton ahead of the industry
* Help develop concepts for seasonal collections
* Create detailed technical flat sketches for sample creation
* Prepare tech packs including measurements, trims, stitching details, and fabric info
* Communicate design details clearly to pattern makers and manufacturers
* Up-dating CADs with any amendments after design reviews
* Colouring up the range overview charts
* Support apparel, branding and trim design with sketches and CAD creation.
About you
You have worked in a Junior Designer role and will have a minimum of 2-3 years industry
experience working in luxury performance apparel. You have experience developing high luxury
performance apparel across multiple categories, outerwear experience is essential. This role will require the candidate to be flexible and agile working on several different projects with different delivery dates at the same time.
Whilst we have many successful working processes in place, the growth of the business requires
us to constantly evolve and redesign processes on the move. You are comfortable with this fast
paced, high demand environment.
The ideal candidate will flourish and enjoy creative problem solving. You will be passionate about
the outdoors and be an active adventurer in your chosen pursuit be that hiking, running, cycling,
skiing etc. with a keen understanding of assessing product performance in the field.
Knowledge
* A good understanding of the following areas is required:
* Performance fabric technology; understanding fabric composition, yarns, weights, denier and weave, waterproofing, breathability, air permeability and windproofing. A solid understanding of the upcoming PFAS ban is preferable
* Insulation; down, down schedule, synthetic, scrim, baffle bags, box wall baffle construction
* Knit yarns; yarn performance, composition, gauge and ends
* Garment construction to aid performance across outerwear and knitwear
* Pattern amendment, fitting, grading and building blocks
* Strong awareness of the luxury performance sector and competitor brands
* Keen interest and knowledge of trends in the technical performance and luxury apparel market.
Qualifications
A fashion design qualification at degree level, is essential with a minimum of 2-3 years' industry experience of a similar role for a premium/luxury or sports/performance brand, in a fast-paced environment.
Proficient in Adobe Suite, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets/Slides and willing to learn new applications as the role demands.
Skills/competencies
* Experience of working directly with factories, and a good understanding of how factories are structured and operate
* Strong quality judgement with an eye for detail
* Experience in pattern cutting, garment construction, fit and grading is essential
* Ability to work to tight and challenging deadlines, meeting targets under pressure with a positive attitude taking ownership of projects
* Strong time-management skills with the ability to both prioritise tasks and change direction with agility as the situation requires, working effectively around numerous meetings
* Strong organisational skills utilising Critical Paths/Gantt and the WIP
* First-class interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal are essential, as well as experience of working with different cultures
* You must be willing and able to travel both domestically and overseas as necessary
* Ability to multi-task and coordinate several projects at one time, you must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and be able to inspire and motivate team members
* High adaptability and flexibility to changing business environments and structure of a growing company and team
* Motivated to improve product at every stage and strive for the highest achievable quality, you must be a critical thinker and have an interest in innovation.
Benefits
* 25 days holiday with increases due to length of service and option to purchase additional days
* Company sick pay and enhanced maternity and paternity pay
* Company pension contribution of 3%
* Group Life Assurance of 3 x salary
* Private health care
* Access to Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP
* Team Discount and annual product allowance
* Friends and Family Discount
How to apply? Please forward a CV, portfolio and covering letter to talent@shackleton.com