Designer - Menswear

MATALAN; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company seeks a Designer to drive product innovation and strategy in various categories. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage supplier relationships, and lead a team to deliver quality designs. Ideal candidates will have significant design experience and a strong understanding of market trends.

Benefits

20% staff discount, increasing with service length

Wellbeing support from the Retail Trust

Life Assurance

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a design role, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop required.
• Strong understanding of trends and ability to translate them creatively and commercially.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with buyers to develop commercial ranges within the seasonal framework.
• Manage design critical paths and support commercial decisions.
• Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of quality products.

Skills

Communication

Trend Analysis

Team Leadership

Supplier Management

Education

Qualification in fashion design or equivalent experience

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

About Matalan

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.

We know as a team, we are stronger together - we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want to give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

About the role

As a Designer at Matalan, you will be responsible for designing and innovating the best product, at the right place, at the right time for specified categories.

Responsibilities include:

Strategy & KPIs

• Work with the Head of Design/Design Manager to develop and present the departmental design strategy aligned with the Menswear/Company strategy.
• Define the product direction for your categories.
• Establish the seasonal range framework aligned with overall strategy and KPIs.

Range Design/Development

• Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to develop commercial ranges within the seasonal framework.
• Present ranges effectively, ensuring samples and product align with vision and strategy.
• Forecast and agree on Key/Core/Continuity/Fashion Line packages.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and fit for customers.
• Identify and drive innovative product opportunities for your categories.

Trading

• Use data and insights to evaluate categories and adapt design plans accordingly.
• Manage design critical paths and support commercial decisions with the buying team.
• Leverage trading reactions and OTB to innovate within categories.
• Translate market trends to optimize category performance.

Suppliers

• Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of quality products.
• Review and improve the design process with the supply base.
• Support outsourced design delivery and coordinate with suppliers and freelancers.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with peers to address business and team challenges.
• Share best practices within the team.
• Create an environment where colleagues understand their roles, develop skills, and are supported in growth.

About You

• Minimum 5 years in a design role, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
• Qualification in fashion design or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of trends and ability to translate them creatively and commercially.
• Experience in team growth and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• Experience managing suppliers and freelancers.

Benefits

• 20% staff discount, increasing with service length.
• Thrive Recognition Scheme.
• Wellbeing support from the Retail Trust.
• Life Assurance.
• Retail Rewards discounts.
• Pension Scheme.
• Career development opportunities.
• Additional benefits depending on role and area.