Knitwear Designer

4th & Reckless; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion company in Greater Manchester is seeking a Knitwear Designer responsible for leading the design process from concept to production, ensuring collections are innovative and high-quality. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in knitwear design, strong technical skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally. Benefits include flexible hours, hybrid working, and a vibrant team culture.

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 strong track record of commercially successful collections.
• Proven experience conducting market and trend research, translating insights into design.
• Strong technical skills in garment construction and product development.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify current and emerging knitwear trends.
• Lead the development of original knitwear designs.
• Create seasonal knitwear collections that align with the brand's aesthetic.
• Mentor and develop junior designers.

Skills

Knitwear design

Market and trend research

Proficiency with Illustrator

Proficiency with Photoshop

Proficiency with InDesign

Organizational skills

Project management

Collaboration with cross-functional teams

Job description

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.

Suitable applicants will possess a strong technical understanding of knitwear construction, excellent design skills, and a proven track record of developing successful knitwear products. The Knitwear Designer will work 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.

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

Profile

• 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 with Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign)
• 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