Product Development Design Assistant

Coöperatie Thuishuis; Thame; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A crafting company in Thame seeks a Product Development Design Assistant for a maternity cover role. The position requires experience in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for new product development. Responsibilities include managing product samples, communicating with suppliers, and assisting with packaging design. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Fashion, Textiles, or Graphic Design, strong administrative skills, and the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Degree level education in relevant fields or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of craft trends and competitor activity.

Responsibilities

• Manage new product development (NPD) in Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Coordinate closely with product development manager.
• Ensure new product order accuracy and timeliness.

Skills

Photoshop

Illustrator

Administrative management

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Excel

Education

Degree in Fashion/Textiles/Graphic Design/Management

Job description

Overview

Product Development Design Assistant for Craft Sewing Hobby Knit — Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator product development work. MATERNITY COVER ROLE part time / full time / freelance - all possible for the right applicant. Minimum employment duration 9 months. To commence December 2025. Applications, including a CV and covering letter, to Lou Merry at GROVES.

Responsibilities

• Photoshop and Illustrator NPD (New product development) work, to an intermediate level.
• Administrative management for the Product Development department.
• Work closely with the product development manager to assist the creative evolution of products from initial concepts to delivered goods.
• Ensure all new product order information is provided to be raised on the system, accurately and in a timely manner. Strong numerical and analytical skills are an advantage.
• Assist managing the critical path of all new product lines to ensure customer satisfaction and efficient ways of working with internal (marketing and purchasing) and external (sales force) teams.
• Liaise with the marketing team, photographer & graphic designer on new packaging requirements & instructing and approving new labels & packaging artwork in a timely manner.
• Approving all production samples against buying samples for quality and correct marketing information.
• Regular contact with major retail customers and suppliers.
• Sample management for catalogue shoots, trade fairs and press opportunities.
• Help produce mood boards, power points, sample displays and presentations for customer meetings.
• Assist in negotiating best possible prices and terms with suppliers.
• Help research key trends within the Home & Gift market.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook.
• Intermediate understanding of Excel would be an advantage due to significant database work including basic formula work.

Qualifications

• Fashion / Textiles / Graphic Design / Management at degree level, or equivalent level of professional working experience.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced office environment.
• Good knowledge of competitor activity and haberdashery/craft trends.