Ladies Outerwear/Bottoms & Formal Designer (Maternity Cover)

N Brown - who we are and why work for us?

At N Brown, we're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by 'championing inclusion, we'll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer'. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.

We're a forward-thinking digital retailer with a financial services proposition to be proud of. We're customer-obsessed, serving them through three core brands: JD Williams, Simply Be, and Jacamo. We're experienced, with over 160 years of trading under our belt. We're inclusive, as we believe in fashion without boundaries; and we're sustainable, striving to make as little impact on the planet as possible.

The role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Designer for our Ladies Outwear/Bottoms & Formal. The role purpose is to design new and innovative products, while always reviewing any existing products to keep the ranges inspirational and on-trend. This role is all about delivering the key items of the season in line with our competitors and with our target customer in mind, and truly owning the department from a Design point of view.

A key part of your role will also be supporting the Head of Design with the seasonal trend presentations, and confidently presenting your range in the monthly sign offs, while always looking out for the newest fashion look to add to our ranges.

You will work in collaboration with the Buying, Merchandising and Quality team to deliver exciting and commercial ranges, with a real focus on delighting our customer and staying true to the brand handwriting of Simply Be. This is a key department for Simply Be as a brand, and we are looking for a Designer with 5 years + experience to be part of the refinement and growth for these categories.

What will you do as a Ladies Outwear / Bottoms & Formal Designer?

• Collaborate with the Buying team on range planning for the forthcoming season, and to build a balanced and cohesive range across the product range, with a focus on delivering top tier fashion items of the season, new fashion volume with conviction, and refreshing the core offer.
• Keeping up to date with market intelligence, specifically around key competitors and future trends; providing insight and inspiration to the Design and Buying Teams, and always sharing new ideas and opportunities with the Head of Design.
• Designing new and exciting ranges that innovate in terms of product opportunity and the identification of new and developing trends, and always looking out for emerging new trends and items from catwalks, trend publications and also social media.
• Regular briefing and liaison with suppliers on new development and designs, and getting intel to inform our ranges and identifying any new opportunities.
• Working with QA and Buying on ensuring our products are fitting to the highest of standards.
• Modernisation and design of product ranges in line with key competitors, driving improved net sales performance and gains in market share.
• Ensuring harmonisation of trends across all products within relevant areas.
• Strong understanding of the Brand and customer.

What skills and experience will you have?

• An experienced Designer with 5+ years of industry experience (supplier, retail or brand) and a related degree or equivalent qualification and broad experience in a creative, commercial environment.
• Able to demonstrate exceptional Design skills within the required field.
• Commercially aware and motivational with the ability to coach a creative mind-set with the team, and always forthcoming with new ideas!
• Have excellent time management and strong verbal and written communication skills along with ability to communicate via a variety of media with various stakeholders.

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid working
• 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays) with the option to buy an additional 10 days
• Annual bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
• Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
• Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
• A range of financial wellbeing support
• Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance
• Paid volunteer time - all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice.

Our promise to you:

We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown?

As soon as we receive your application, we'll send you an email to let you know. We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us. Good luck!