Knitwear Designer

4th & Reckless; Altrincham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in Altrincham seeks an experienced Knitwear Designer to lead the design process, ensuring innovative and high-quality collections. The role involves trend research, design development, and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have extensive knitwear design experience and proficiency in design tools. The position offers hybrid working and a vibrant team environment.

Benefits

Birthday day off

25-day holiday

Flexible hours

Vibrant team

40% off staff discount

Team socials

Free Parking

Competitions

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in knitwear design with a track record of designing successful collections.
• Proven experience conducting market and trend research.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior designers.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and emerging knitwear trends.
• Lead the development of original knitwear designs.
• Oversee the creation of prototypes and samples.

Skills

Strong technical understanding of knitwear construction

Excellent design skills

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Excellent organizational and project management skills

Experience negotiating with suppliers

Job description

About the role

The Knitwear Designer is responsible for leading the knitwear design process from concept to production, ensuring that our knitwear collections are innovative, on-trend, and meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical understanding of knitwear construction, excellent design skills, and a proven track record of developing successful knitwear products. This role works cross-functionally with key departments, including buying, marketing, and garment technology, to drive commercial success while mentoring and developing junior members of the design team.

Your Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and emerging knitwear trends, including styles, colours, yarns, and techniques.
• Lead the development of original knitwear designs, including sketches, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Create seasonal knitwear collections that align with the brand's aesthetic and target market.
• Select appropriate yarns, stitches, and knitwear techniques for each design.
• Oversee the creation of prototypes and samples, ensuring accurate execution of designs.
• Approve final line-ups, ensuring product range aligns with customer needs and commercial objectives.
• Evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to drive future design strategies and direction.
• Oversee collection planning, ensuring design workstreams align with critical path and business priorities.
• Mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance on both creative and technical aspects.
• Collaborate with senior members (Buying, Marketing, Merchandising) to align creative direction.
• React strategically to trade and performance feedback, driving quick‑turn updates or edits to enhance sell‑through.
• Extensive experience in knitwear design, with a strong track record of designing commercially successful knitwear collections.
• Proven experience conducting market and trend research, with the ability to translate insights into commercially relevant, brand‑aligned collections.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and confident in producing high‑quality CADs, moodboards, and presentation materials.
• Strong technical skills in garment construction and product development, including creating and reviewing detailed tech packs and prototypes.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing high‑level vendor relationships with confidence and professionalism.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, able to manage multiple deadlines, oversee the critical path, and balance creative output with business priorities.
• Collaborative approach with cross‑functional teams (Buying, Merchandising, Garment Tech, Marketing), ensuring alignment at all stages of the design and development process.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solution‑oriented, with a forward‑thinking, trend‑led design approach.

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• 25-day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Free Parking
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office