Lead Designer, Unisex Collection

Deus Ex Machina; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Deus Ex Machina in Sydney is seeking an experienced apparel designer to lead the design and development of our unisex seasonal collections, translating creative direction into commercially relevant product. You’ll work closely with merchandisers, creative direction and production teams to bring concepts through to production approval.

You’ll have 5+ years in apparel design, a strong eye for silhouette, fabric, fit and finishing, and expert CAD skills (Illustrator/Photoshop).

Qualifications

• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in apparel design, including responsibility for seasonal collection development from concept through to production.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong design judgement, range-building ability and attention to detail.
• A thorough understanding of garment construction, fabrics, fit, washes and finishing techniques.
• Experience working with unisex silhouettes, proportions and styling.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with strong apparel CAD and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Developing seasonal research and concepts into cohesive, commercially considered collections.
• Designing across silhouette, fit, colour, fabrication, trims and finishing.
• Working within the seasonal range architecture established by merchandising, ensuring a cohesive collection across product categories.
• Developing and refining designs in collaboration with creative direction, from initial concepts through to final approvals.
• Collaborating with the graphics team to integrate artwork into the collection.
• Preparing detailed CADs, technical drawings and tech packs that clearly communicate design intent.
• Liaising directly with factories throughout development, including initial costings, sampling and production queries, in coordination with the production team.
• Reviewing samples, attending fittings and providing precise development feedback to factories.
• Working through costing, sourcing and construction challenges while maintaining the integrity of the design.
• Collaborating with merchandising to review sales performance, identify opportunities and inform seasonal design decisions.
• Styling and outfitting the collection for campaign and e-commerce shoots, range presentations and other consumer-facing and sales assets.
• Presenting collections and communicating the references and decisions behind them.
• Managing design and development deadlines, identifying issues early and coordinating with the wider team to resolve them.

Skills

Apparel design

Seasonal collection development

Garment construction & finishing

Concept to production workflow

Creative direction collaboration

Communication & timing

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced apparel designer to lead the design and development of our seasonal unisex collections, with a considered approach to silhouette, proportion and fabrication, and the technical knowledge to carry a design from concept through to production approval, working in conjunction with our garment technician.

Deus draws from motorcycles, surf, music, art and the people around them. An understanding of those cultures, alongside your own references and perspective, will inform how you interpret and develop the range, building on what has already been established.

We’re looking for an experienced apparel designer to lead the design and development of our seasonal unisex collections, with a considered approach to silhouette, proportion and fabrication, and the technical knowledge to carry a design from concept through to production approval, working in conjunction with our garment technician.

Deus draws from motorcycles, surf, music, art and the people around them. An understanding of those cultures, alongside your own references and perspective, will inform how you interpret and develop the range, building on what has already been established.

The role

Working closely with the merchandiser, creative direction and production teams, you’ll lead the design and development of the DEUS unisex collection, interpreting seasonal creative direction and translating it into considered, commercially relevant product.

Responsibilities include

• Developing seasonal research and concepts into cohesive, commercially considered collections.
• Designing across silhouette, fit, colour, fabrication, trims and finishing.
• Working within the seasonal range architecture established by merchandising, ensuring a cohesive collection across product categories.
• Developing and refining designs in collaboration with creative direction, from initial concepts through to final approvals.
• Collaborating with the graphics team to integrate artwork into the collection.
• Preparing detailed CADs, technical drawings and tech packs that clearly communicate design intent.
• Liaising directly with factories throughout development, including initial costings, sampling and production queries, in coordination with the production team.
• Reviewing samples, attending fittings and providing precise development feedback to factories.
• Working through costing, sourcing and construction challenges while maintaining the integrity of the design.
• Collaborating with merchandising to review sales performance, identify opportunities and inform seasonal design decisions.
• Styling and outfitting the collection for campaign and e-commerce shoots, range presentations and other consumer-facing and sales assets.
• Presenting collections and communicating the references and decisions behind them.
• Managing design and development deadlines, identifying issues early and coordinating with the wider team to resolve them.

What you’ll bring

• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in apparel design, including responsibility for seasonal collection development from concept through to production.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong design judgement, range-building ability and attention to detail.
• A thorough understanding of garment construction, fabrics, fit, washes and finishing techniques.
• Experience working with unisex silhouettes, proportions and styling.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with strong apparel CAD and technical documentation skills.
• An understanding of how to balance creative direction, commercial considerations and the needs of a seasonal collection.
• The confidence to make design decisions, contribute to creative discussions and respond constructively to feedback.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to manage overlapping development timelines independently.

Employment: Permanent, full-time

Location: DEUS EX MACHINA Head Office, Camperdown, Sydney.