Company Description:
The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour’s wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.
Position Overview:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Designer – Multi Product (Woven & Jersey) to join our fast-paced womenswear design team; you will be involved in initial concept all the way through to the finished product. You will be working very closely with the Director of Womenswear and reporting directly to the Design Manager creating and developing seasonal ranges of womenswear multi product (woven & jersey) in line with critical path deadlines. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced designer to join a successful forward-thinking team!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Design
* Knowledge and understanding of the level and attention to detail that is required for a premium product.
* Experience in factory visits developments trips.
* Design seasonal collections aligned with brand identity and market trends.
* Create mood boards, colour palettes, fabric selections, and sketches. (fabric knowledge is a key requirement)
* Design and develop collab collections in line with the Barbour internal critical path.
Trend Research & Innovation
* Conduct trend forecasting, market analysis, and competitive research.
* Innovate with new silhouettes, textiles, and garment construction techniques.
* Fabric fairs, and cultural events for inspiration.
Team & Collaboration
* Oversee designers and design assistants/junior level.
* Provide mentorship, feedback, and support during the design process.
* Work closely with technical teams and product developers.
* Responsible for lifestyle/ heritage colour palette.
Technical & Production Oversight
* Approve tech packs
* Liaise with factories on sample development.
* Troubleshoot design or construction issues with the technical team.
* Lead their own design process from concept through to final samples
* High knowledge in fitting process
Skills and Experience:
* Hold degree in clothing and fashion design.
* Excellent working knowledge of Illustrator and Photoshop packages.
* Experienced Womenswear Designer.
* Experience of managing Designers.
* Have knowledge of product development from concept to consumer launch.
* Must have knowledge of garment construction and fit across a range of jersey product.
* Knowledge of a broad range of jersey product types.
* Established experience of designing, developing, and presenting jersey product.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the Barbour brand positioning, it’s heritage and competitor brands.
* Experience in creating clothing for multiple global markets.
Benefits:
* Discretionary Company bonus scheme
* Staff discount
* Staff shop
* Healthcare cash plan
* 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
* Free onsite parking
* Subsidised canteen
Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.