Main description:
Ranked #1 fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100 2022, AYBL has quickly become one of the most iconic women's activewear brands worldwide.
We are a passionate, innovative and ambitious brand on a mission to empower women through the power of fitness. Based in the UK, we are dedicated to providing premium, yet affordable activewear that encompasses our ‘Together we thrive' ethos.
We're constantly on the lookout for new people who are equally ambitious, share our core values and consider themselves the best in their field. If this sounds like you and you've got what it takes to help push AYBL to the next level, this could be the place for you.
The opportunities right now are limitless. We are looking to hire genuine people who demonstrate authenticity and a unique way of thinking.
As we grow, you'll grow too.
Main Purpose of the Role
AYBL are seeking an exceptionally talented and driven Menswear Designer to support and strengthen our product offering in the creation of innovative and performance led products. This role will play a key part in shaping the future direction of our menswear and sports specific categories, ensuring every product aligns with AYBL's brand image, customer expectations, and performance requirements across shape, fit, fabric, colour and trend direction.
In this role, you will work closely with our Menswear designer, to take ownership of the design and development process from initial concept through to booking across our sport's specific product category, combining technical understanding with strong commercial awareness to deliver product that performs, inspires and elevates the AYBL menswear offering.
· Drive the creative direction of AYBL's sports specific product category, taking full ownership of the design process from concept creation through to booking.
· Design and develop innovative products across multiple menswear categories, ensuring all designs meet the functional and aesthetic demands of sport, training and active lifestyles.
· Cross collaborate with the Womenswear Designer's on AYBL's sports specific categories to ensure clear consistency across the ranges.
· Consistently research, analyse and stay up to date with current and emerging trends in fabrics, colours, silhouettes and performance features across menswear, sportswear and activewear, through comparison shopping, industry awareness and analysis of existing AYBL product.
· Create inspiring mood boards, sketches, CADs, patterns and graphic designs that align with AYBL's brand image, customer needs and sports performance requirements.
· Present seasonal concepts and designs at CAD sign-off meetings to Directors, Senior Designer and wider cross-functional teams.
· Produce detailed and accurate tech packs, providing clear guidance to overseas suppliers on construction, fabrication, fit and key performance details to ensure a high sampling hit rate.
· Work closely with the Garment Technologist team, attending fit sessions and confidently communicating design comments and amendments to refine fit, function and performance.
· Create, maintain and update monthly launch range plans, clearly communicating upcoming menswear and sports category launches to the wider business.
· Supporting the Junior designers to maintain accurate sample progress trackers, monitoring development across current design seasons and supporting timely delivery against critical paths.
· Support the wider Design Team with any additional duties as required by your manager.
Person Specification
· 3 years minimum experience in a similar role
· Degree in Fashion Design or similar
· Knowledge and understanding of pattern cutting, grading and garment construction
· Ability to CAD and a competent user of Adobe creative suites (Illustrator, Photoshop)
· Previous experience in communicating with overseas suppliers
· Excellent written English and verbal communication skills
· Strong creative skills and understanding of brand guidelines
· Driven work ethic, taking ownership of your work/role
· Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
· Ability to deal with constructive feedback on designs
· Passionate about making a difference
· Good organisational and planning skills
· Interest in the fitness industry would be advantageous
A portfolio should be sent with your application. Upon successful invitation to interview you will be asked to complete a design project – further details will be given.
Perks:
Discretionary yearly bonus
25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + your birthday off
Flexible working
35 working hours per week with 1 hour lunch break
50% staff discount across AYBL Group
Social events
Pension scheme
Free on-site parking
Free gym membership
£100 gift card upon joining
Employee wellbeing support
Location:
Our home is located in Redditch, South Birmingham, with easy access routes to the M5/M42, a 20-minute walk to the train station, as well as many bus routes. Not forgetting Arrow Valley Lake which is a stone's throw away and a beautiful spot to get those steps in or enjoy your lunch with a view.