Job Description
Studio Manager (Textile Design) – Maternity Cover (with potential to become permanent)
Makower UK (Concord Fabrics UK Ltd) has been designing and producing beautiful, printed cotton fabrics for the patchwork, quilting and craft industry since 1999.
We’re a small, passionate, entrepreneurial team based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, working closely with our US sister company Andover Fabrics NYC, to create high-quality printed textile collections for independent retailers and wholesalers across the UK, Europe and the growing US market.
We’re in an exciting phase of investment and modernisation, backed by ambitious leadership from the US and rising demand. We’re looking for a technically strong and creative Studio Manager to cover maternity leave and help drive the next stage of growth in our business.
We need someone as soon as possible to maximise the handover and training period. Initially the role would require you to be office based but once the key tasks are handed over the role is flexible and hybrid.
This is far more than short-term cover, it’s a genuine opportunity to strengthen and shape our creative department long term. If the fit is right, we’re open to making this a new and permanent position tailored to your strengths and ideas.
Key Responsibilities
* Developing new collection themes and designing/adapting seamless repeat patterns
* Day-to-day management and smooth running of the design studio
* Coordinating artwork, strike-offs, sampling and approvals with textile mills and print suppliers
* Managing design schedules, deadlines, and freelance textile designers
* Developing sourced artworks into production-ready designs
* Preparing product presentations and marketing materials
* Maintaining high quality standards, studio systems, archives and digital asset management
Essential Skills & Experience
* Textile design qualification (BA or equivalent) or strong equivalent experience
* Highly proficient in CAD software for textiles + full Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop essential)
* Proven experience creating and adapting seamless repeat patterns for printed fabrics
* Solid working knowledge of textile print production techniques and mill coordination
* Creative flair with the ability to develop fresh collection concepts
* Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
* Competent with Excel and Microsoft Office
Desirable: An interest in patchwork, quilting or the craft sector.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
* Hybrid working after initial office-based training period
* Real opportunity to shape and grow into a permanent role in the business
* Collaborative, supportive team that truly values design and the independent craft businesses we serve
If you have strong textile design and studio management experience and would love to join a growing, creative fabric company, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV, a link to your portfolio (must include examples of seamless repeat patterns), and a short cover note telling us why you’re interested to: john@makoweruk.com
We review applications on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.