Design Assistant - Mens

TN United Kingdom; Havant; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in menswear design seeks a passionate Design Assistant to join their dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the creation of standout collections that embody the brand's essence. You will engage in every step of the design process, from trend research to final production, while supporting the designer in crafting innovative designs. If you have a relevant degree and a flair for creativity, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment that values fresh ideas and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a design-related role or a relevant degree with a strong portfolio.
• Basic understanding of the design process and product development cycle.

Responsibilities

• Support the designer in creating collections that define the brand.
• Conduct research on seasonal menswear trends and assist in design pack production.

Skills

Fashion Design

Textile Design

Graphic Design

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Impact and Influencing Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Degree in Fashion Design

Degree in Textile Design

Degree in Print & Graphic Design

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

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Role: Design Assistant

Department: Design, Menswear

Reports to: Designer

Contract: Permanent

Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working (3 days per week office based)

Location: FatFace Head Office, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QJ

Role Overview

Join our dynamic menswear design team and help create standout collections that define our brand! Support the designer in crafting a commercial range that captures the essence of Fat Face style. Bring fresh, innovative ideas to life and make your mark on every stitch of our menswear. Dive into every step of the design process, from trend research to final production, and be a key player in our creative journey!

Role Responsibilities

1. Provide support for gathering information on seasonal menswear trends appropriate for the Fat Face brand through research and competitor visits. Assist in the completion of concept boards for presentation meetings.
2. Understand and be aware of the department product strategy, producing competitor and product information as required.
3. Assist in the production of design packs, ensuring accurate and timely completion, working with the design team to achieve the design vision.
4. Be aware of selection meetings and ensure proto samples are chased in as required.
5. Prepare design samples, boards, and information for meetings to ensure all requirements are satisfied.
6. Manage all design samples, labeling, and tidying up as appropriate.
7. Provide feedback on current trends and styling information, making suggestions for product designs while understanding the implications on the critical path.
8. Keep up to date with department and product sales performance and trading activity, incorporating this feedback into the design process.
9. Carry out department product filing and general administrative tasks as required.
10. Develop self through store visits, competitor analysis, shows, and supplier visits. Increase awareness of other company functions and activities.
11. Provide support across the wider design team as required.

Skills and Experience

• A relevant Degree in Fashion Design/Textile Design/Print & Graphic Design
• 1+ years of experience in a design related role — we would consider those with a relevant degree but no working experience, providing you have a proven portfolio with relevant work to show
• Basic experience of design process
• Good communication skills — good oral and presentation skills
• Impact and influencing skills - able to influence externally and internally, displays drive, energy, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude
• Able to organise and prioritise, deal with change well, able to suggest improvements to working practices and systems
• Team working

Role Competencies

• An understanding of the product development cycle
• Use of computerised design system — Photoshop, Illustrator
• Understanding of customer profile, competitors, and product offer
• Basic understanding of design working practices and terminology
• Some understanding of the supply chain for product and fabric sourcing and development. Brand & market aware
• Passion for product
• Affinity with the FatFace brand

Key Contacts & Relationships

Internal: Product team

External: Suppliers

Accountable for Resources

• Company integrity – relationship with externals
• Brand integrity within category