Design Assistant

Mint Velvet; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant and growing business as a Design Assistant, where your creativity will shine in designing leather bags, scarves, and accessories. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with the Design Manager, presenting innovative ideas while demonstrating your knowledge of fabrics and trends. With a focus on collaboration and passion, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values growth and progression. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, health insurance, and a dynamic workplace culture that fosters creativity and well-being.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company-funded private health insurance

Life assurance

Discretionary bonus scheme

50% staff discount

Summer hours - 3pm finishes on Fridays

Yoga classes and social activities

Qualifications

• Experience working in-house for a brand.
• Ability in hand-drawn designs and software like Photoshop/Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Research and design ranges in line with brand handwriting.
• Present ideas to Design & Buying teams each season.
• Review and fit samples with Buyer.

Skills

Hand-drawn designs

Photoshop

Illustrator

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Design or related field

Job description

Mint Velvet began when founders Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea set out to create an unfailingly chic collection of contemporary, great quality staples and elevated fits that they felt were missing from their wardrobes. Feeling frustrated that they couldn’t find anything they wanted to wear, or the great customer service they craved, they started fusing relaxed comfort with glamorous yet wearable fashion trends. Relaxed Glamour was born.

As collaborative creatives, we take untold pride in our work, designing with heart and soul. We want to be a force for good and are committed to becoming a more circular and responsible business, from the fabrics we choose to our considered processes. We are an agile and growing business, and we work hard to create an environment which allows for growth and progression, balanced with the support and flexibility needed to meet the challenge of a high-performance culture.

Our leadership teams and founders sit amongst the teams and encourage a culture of balance and passion. MV is a very special place, and our values are anchored by three main pillars: people, planet, and community.

We are looking for a Design Assistant to join our dynamic and passionate Design team at Mint Velvet, based at our Head Office in High Wycombe. Depending on your area of strength, product areas may include leather bags and small leather goods, scarves, cold weather accessories and jewellery.

Our Values:

With Soul. Courage & Resilience. Passion & Drive. Entrepreneurial Spirit. Collaborative.

The Role:

• Under the direction of the Design Manager, you will research, interpret and design ranges in line with the Mint Velvet handwriting
• Presenting ideas to the Design & Buying teams each season
• Demonstrating a good knowledge of fabrics/hardware etc
• Spec drawings to a high standard
• Reviewing and fitting samples with Buyer
• Visiting key suppliers to action new samples
• Shopping ideas for new shapes/trims etc. and have a commercial awareness of key competitors

To join our vibrant business:

• You have experience working in-house for a brand
• You can demonstrate your ability in hand-drawn designs, as well as Photoshop and/or illustrator
• You are passionate about creative design, with a strong brand focus and keen commercial eye
• You have excellent communication skills and build relationships across the business with a proactive nature
• You work at pace and are comfortable adapting to unforeseen change

You will be rewarded with:

• Competitive starting salary and great career prospects in a fast-paced and growing business
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and a day off on your birthday
• Company-funded private health insurance and access to Smart Health
• Life assurance
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 50% staff discount
• Summer hours - 3pm finishes every Friday throughout June, July & August
• Bespoke induction support and ongoing development to help you thrive in your new role
• A welcoming and inspiring work-environment - take advantage of Yoga classes, social activities, an early finish on pay day and more

Please include examples of work and/or your portfolio in your application.