Junior Clothing Designer – Outdoor
Responsible to: Department:
Senior Designer
Exclusive Brands Clothing and accessories – JD Outdoor
Location:
JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester
Role Overview:
As both a branded and own‑brand business, we pride ourselves on delivering market‑leading ranges that include the latest and most exclusive products across our fascias. Our Design and Development team works closely with Buying, Merchandising, and our supplier base to create world‑class exclusive outdoor clothing and accessories.
The Junior Clothing Designer will work closely with the Senior Designer and wider product team to support the design and development of own‑brand outdoor and technical clothing and soft accessories.
This is a varied and exciting role within a supportive, collaborative product team that values open communication, creative sharing, and continuous development. The Junior Designer will contribute across multiple brands, products, and seasons, gaining hands‑on experience throughout the full design process. With guidance and mentorship from the Senior Designer, the role focuses on creating commercial, fit‑for‑purpose products that are delivered on time and aligned with each brand’s DNA and customer.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated and creative designer to build technical, commercial, and trend‑led design skills within a fast‑paced retail environment.
Key Duties/Responsibilities:
* Build an understanding of each Own Brand’s DNA and their customer.
* Utilise trend report platforms such as WGSN to identify emerging fashion, trims, colour and graphic trends.
* Create seasonal trend reports to help drive each brand’s seasonal direction and create customer profiles to help identify each brand’s target audience / customer.
* Take part in retail research trips / comp shops to expand own brand knowledge & understanding, build trend awareness and competitor research.
* Assist the Senior Designer in creating new seasonal collections across multiple brands.
* Design (with the support of the Senior Designer) creative, commercial and compelling outdoor and/or technical clothing and soft accessories.
* Fully utilise Pantones / Coloro systems to ensure clear colour communication throughout the business.
* Create design presentations and technical CADs.
* Present designs to the wider team and ensure all product information is clear and correct for product sign offs.
* Create clear and detailed Tech Packs and setting up artworks for manufacturing - training / guidance will be provided by the Senior Designer when and where needed.
* Ensure all CADs and Tech Packs are up to date and correct throughout the season.
* Work alongside the product development team and attend fit sessions.
* Approve lab dips, trims, bulk fabric etc. – supported by the Senior Designer and Product Developers where necessary.
* Work alongside and briefing the Graphics Designer to develop on trend graphics for each season.
* Communicate with the suppliers to ensure all design queries are answered in a timely manner.
* Work with the PLM system – training will be provided if / where necessary.
* Manage & reference the fabric library and (Pantone & Coloro) colour books.
* Liaise with the buying team to understand the direction of each brand and season.
* Cross departmental communication: collaborating with buying, merchandising, web, and marketing to ensure all product information is accurate.
Experience and skills required
* A Degree / equivalent qualification in Fashion or Product Design.
* Good working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Including Illustrator and Acrobat) and Microsoft Office (Including Word and Excel).
* Experience in a fast-paced working environment.
* Good time management & organisation skills – the ability to work to the critical path with attention to detail and ensure all deadlines are met.
* Strong teamwork skills are essential.
* Strong communication skills – both verbal and written.
* Positive attitude, proactive and eager to learn & develop current or new skills are essential.
* Ability to multitask, working on multiple styles, brands and seasons at once.
* Strong interest in fashion design and emerging trends – interest in outdoor / technical design is a bonus.
* Strong creative vision and love for the outdoors is beneficial.
* Familiarity of PLM systems is a plus but not necessary – training will be provided.
* Knowledge of 3D Design and AI software is advantageous but not necessary.