Design Assistant - Runway (12 month contract)

COS; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

Company Description

Runway showcases the most innovative and meticulously crafted collections at COS, often presented in striking and unique locations. The Spring/Summer 2025 collection was recently unveiled at the Dionysos quarry in Athens, Greece, featuring sculpted silhouettes, soft draping, and deconstructed tailoring. This curated collection highlights the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, construction, and innovative design, seamlessly blending structure with fluidity across both men's and womenswear.

Job Description

As a Design Assistant, you will support the Runway Design Team with a range of responsibilities. In this role you will have a clear understanding of the COS aesthetics and the customer to ensure visual and design targets of the brand. You will be responsible for communicating sketches clearly and maintaining a clear view of the assortment. You will be eager to push the product to the next level and pay attention to the smallest of details.

What you will do:

1. Support to drive the assortment throughout your department, by having a clear understanding of our customer and the COS aesthetics.
2. Collaborate with all functions in the design/buying/pattern department, to ensure you deliver an efficient workflow.
3. Assist in fittings, taking notes and updating technical sketches on illustrator and make sure files are communicated.
4. Assist and help to research as well as file research for the department.
5. Produce clear and detailed technical packs and build sketch libraries.
6. Handle samples as well as oversee and maintain the collection samples and overviews as appropriate.
7. Demonstrate a strong design identity in line with COS aesthetics, provide a sense of colours and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

Alignment to our company values is the most important characteristic we look for in all new joiners. Our values are the behaviours that we appreciate above and beyond anything else. We are open-minded and curious, we dare to be different, we believe in constant improvement and we empower and trust you to take ownership. Our values are part of who we are, what we stand for and how we act.

In combination with our values we are also looking for:

1. Previous experience in a Design Assistant position, premium brands beneficial.
2. A certifiable fashion design qualification.
3. Ability to research thoroughly into the seasonal directions and suggest new ideas suitable for the COS aesthetic.
4. Understanding and interest in sustainable fashion solutions, material innovation and product development.
5. Customer-centric and passionate about fashion, with a genuine interest in the COS brand.
6. Strong organisational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment meeting tight deadlines.
7. Proficient in Adobe suite (especially Illustrator and In-design).
8. Wide technical knowledge and strong 3-dimensional sense, and able to do Tech packs.

Please kindly note that in order for us to consider your application, you will need to include a portfolio or examples of your work most suited to the COS design aesthetic.

Additional Information

This is a full-time temporary 12-month contract based at our Head Office in London.

Benefits

We offer all our employees attractive benefits with extensive development opportunities around the globe. All our employees receive a 25% staff discount usable on all our H&M Group brands in stores and online. In addition to our staff discount, all our employees are included in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP. You can read more about our H&M Incentive Program here.

In addition to this, UK-based colleagues also receive:

1. Up to 25 days holiday.
2. Annual health checks.
3. Pension scheme.
4. Discounts on various activities and financial/lifestyle products via our benefits hub.
5. Cycle to work scheme.
6. Discounted gym membership.
7. Employee assistance via retail trust.
8. Private health & dental care.

Inclusion & Diversity

At COS, we’re determined to create and maintain inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces throughout our organisation. Our teams should consist of a variety of people that share and combine their knowledge, experience and ideas. Having a diverse workforce leads to a positive impact on how we address challenges, on what we perceive possible and on how we choose to relate to our colleagues and customers all over the world. Hence all diversity dimensions are taken into consideration in our recruitment process.

We strive to have a fair and equal process and therefore kindly ask you not to attach a cover letter in your application as they often contain information that easily can trigger unintentional biases.

Company Description

COS offers a wardrobe of ready-to-wear and accessories rooted in exceptional quality and lasting design. The creative soul of the brand is fuelled by a deep connection to modern culture, dynamic global cities and compelling fashion movements. With an emphasis on expert craftsmanship, innovation and materiality, collections are created with a mindful approach, seamlessly blending contemporary and timeless. Learn more about COS here.

Ready to apply? Click on the I’M INTERESTED link where you can upload your CV and portfolio securely. Once we have received your application, we will keep you updated regularly about the status of your application so please look out for our email.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!