Junior Womenswear 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
As part of the design team the Junior Womenswear Designer is responsible for the research, design and development of brand right and commercial product. The Junior Designer will also be excellent at collaborating with the design team, as well as the buying, merchandising and tech teams and suppliers in order to ensure the product is of the highest standard.
Responsibilities:
Trend and 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
Colour and fabric research and development:
* Develop and update seasonal coloured
range boards, maintaining awareness of market colour direction and internal
brand colour stories
* Research the market - identifying specific
fabrics, yarns, jersey for the season. Working with the sourcing team and suppliers to
source each fabric to meet the specific pricing needs of knitwear and
jersey
* 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 and development packages:
* Design for womenswear 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 DD & 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 CAD's 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
Key Skills and Experience
* Experience within a junior designer
role within the fashion industry
* Excellent illustrator skills,
proficiency in Excel and Adobe Photoshop software
* Ability to impact and influence
design team to gain buy-in for product that will influence the Crew customer
* 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
What we can offer you:
* Staff Discount
* Uniform allowance
* Pension scheme
* Refer a Friend scheme
* Training and career development
* Supportive and rewarding culture