Design Manager - Womens Softs - London

CVUK; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A successful retail supplier in the UK is seeking a Womenswear Design Manager to lead design direction and manage a team. This pivotal role involves conducting trend research, designing collections for major retailers, and ensuring teams meet tight deadlines. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in womenswear and strong people management skills. A passion for fashion and an understanding of sustainability are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Womenswear.
• Strong people management skills and experience in managing teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth trend research and create seasonal mood boards.
• Design commercially viable garments for large UK retailers.
• Manage a team of Designers and Assistants to achieve objectives.

Skills

Womenswear experience

People management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

A fabulous opportunity to join a very successful supplier to high street retailers and supermarkets.

Role Overview - Design Manager Softs

We are looking for a Womenswear Design Manager (Softs) who can confidently lead the Design direction, in close partnership with the Sales Team. This role is pivotal in shaping a commercially strong and brand-appropriate collection, from initial strategy through to final range presentation.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Conduct in-depth trend research and create seasonal mood boards, colour palettes, and fabric stories.
• Using fabric sources to create, design and develop collections for two large UK commercial retailers.
• Design innovative, fashion-forward yet commercially viable garments, including blouses, dresses, shorts, skirts, loose jackets etc.
• Select appropriate fabrics, trims, and prints in collaboration with the fabric sourcing and print design teams.
• Oversee sample development and work closely with garment techs on fit, construction, and quality standards.
• Present collections internally and to key wholesale clients, taking on board feedback and adapting ranges where necessary.
• Manage a team of Designers and Assistants to all deliver the same objective.
• Collaborate with the sales team and other departments.
• Liaise with buyers, merchandisers, and production teams to ensure collections meet cost and margin requirements.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform design direction.
• Support and mentor junior designers and assistants within the team.
• Maintain the critical path and ensure timely delivery of samples and production ready designs.

The Candidate

• At least 5-10 years of experience in Womenswear.
• At least 10 years + people management skills and experience in managing Teams is essential.
• Strong work ethic, willing to go the extra mile.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, confident presenter.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Good eye for commercial product and trends.
• Passionate, enthusiastic, shows initiative.
• A strong interest and understanding of the industry, what's happening on the high street, catwalks and social media.
• Commercial awareness - interpreting and translating trends to meet the customer profile.
• Good knowledge of garment construction and fitting.
• Understands the remits of sustainability in this industry and can support processes around this.
• Excellent Photoshop and Illustrator skills.