Knitwear Designer - Ladieswear

The Retail Partnership Ltd; Manchester, London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion supplier in Manchester is seeking a Ladies Knitwear Designer to create commercial and trend-led knitwear collections. The role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic team and influence product innovations for major retailers. Excellent CAD skills and trend-awareness are essential. Candidates should feel comfortable communicating with factories, particularly in Bangladesh. This position includes a competitive day rate and hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Ladies Knitwear Designer in a supplier environment.
• Ability to translate trends into viable retail products.
• Organised and proactive, capable of managing multiple products.

Responsibilities

• Design ladies knitwear collections for large volume retailers.
• Research and interpret trends from various sources to drive innovation.
• Create clear and detailed CADs and tech packs for factories.

Skills

Trend awareness

Commercial eye

Excellent CAD skills

Garment construction knowledge

Strong communication skills

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a successful and forward-thinking supplier where you'll have real influence over product and the chance to work with major retailers. You'll join a passionate and creative team and have the freedom to bring ideas to life in a fast-moving environment. Specialising in ladieswear, my client is now looking for a highly trend-led Ladies Knitwear Designer to join their creative team.

Based in either London or Manchester my client offers some hybrid working we are looking for candidates able to work in either London or Manchester office 3-4 days a week

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design commercial and fashion-forward ladies knitwear collections tailored to the needs of large volume retailers
• Constantly research and interpret the latest trends from catwalks, social media (particularly Instagram and TikTok), influencers, and street style to drive product innovation
• Present fresh, trend-relevant ideas that align with customer profiles and seasonal direction
• Create clear and detailed CADs using Adobe Illustrator
• Produce accurate and comprehensive tech packs to send to offshore factories (with a focus on Bangladesh)
• Liaise directly with factories to ensure design intent, fit, and garment execution are maintained from initial concept through to final sample
• Provide technical measurements and specs as part of the development process
• Work collaboratively with the wider design, merchandising, and technical teams to ensure product quality and delivery timelines

Person Requirements :

• Experience as a Ladies Knitwear Designer, ideally within a supplier environment
• Highly trend-aware with a strong commercial eye and ability to translate trends into viable retail product
• Excellent CAD skills and full proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
• Strong understanding of garment construction and technical specifications
• Experience working directly with factories in Bangladesh is highly desirable
• Organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple product lines at pace
• Confident communicator who can influence both internal and external teams

Up to £0.00 per annum + Competitive Day Rate