Knitwear Designer

dSb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment consultancy is seeking both Senior and Mid-Level Knitwear Designers to join a growing womenswear knitwear team. The successful candidates will be involved in developing seasonal ranges, collaborating with UK teams and offshore manufacturers. Ideal for creative designers with solid technical expertise in knitwear, particularly those with leadership experience. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative collections for major customers, focusing on quality and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in knitwear design (supplier or retail preferred).
• Strong portfolio that demonstrates creativity and commercial awareness.
• Advanced knowledge of yarns, stitches, gauges, and construction.
• Experience working with offshore manufacturers, preferably in Bangladesh.
• Leadership experience with the capability to mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal womenswear knitwear ranges.
• Research trends and translate insights into collections.
• Create detailed CADs and garment specifications.
• Collaborate with UK teams and offshore manufacturers.
• Lead the creative direction and oversee seasonal strategy.

Skills

Knitwear design

Technical knowledge of yarns and stitches

Communication skills

Leadership

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator

Organisational skills

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

CAD software

Job description

We are currently recruiting for both Senior and Mid-Level Knitwear Designers to join our clients growing womenswear knitwear team.

This is an exciting opportunity for creative, commercially driven designers with strong technical expertise to contribute to the development of innovative and successful knitwear collections for major supermarket customers.

Depending on experience, the successful candidate will either lead or support the development of seasonal ranges, working closely with UK-based teams and manufacturers in Bangladesh to deliver trend-led, high-quality, and cost-effective knitwear collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal womenswear knitwear ranges aligned to customer briefs and commercial requirements.
• Research global trends, yarn innovations, colour direction, and competitor activity, translating insights into commercially viable collections.
• Create detailed CADs, technical packs, and garment specifications to ensure accurate sampling and production.
• Work closely with UK teams and manufacturers in Bangladesh to ensure feasibility, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Attend and contribute to fittings, ensuring garments meet required fit and quality standards.
• Present ranges to buyers and internal stakeholders, confidently explaining design rationale and commercial decisions.
• Build strong supplier relationships to improve sampling speed, product development, and innovation.
• Collaborate with account managers and technical teams to ensure critical path deadlines are achieved.
• Lead the creative direction of key ranges and oversee seasonal strategy.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level designers within the team.
• Play an active role in strategic planning and customer relationship management.

Requirements

• 7+ years’ knitwear design experience within womenswear (supplier or retail preferred).
• Strong portfolio demonstrating both creativity and commercial awareness.
• Advanced technical knowledge of yarns, stitches, gauges, and knitwear construction.
• Experience working with offshore manufacturers (Bangladesh preferred).
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience.
• Confident presenter with strong communication skills.

Mid-Level:

• 3–6 years’ knitwear design experience within womenswear.
• Strong technical understanding of yarns, stitches, and garment construction.
• Experience producing CADs and detailed tech packs.
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with customer needs.
• Experience liaising with offshore manufacturers preferred.

Skills & Competencies (All Levels)

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD software.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Passion for knitwear design and innovation.