Senior Womenswear Designer Softs - Supplier - East London

CVUK; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Senior Women’s Softs Designer to lead design direction for a renowned client in the UK. The candidate will design innovative collections, collaborate with sales, and mentor junior designers. Ideal applicants should have 5-10 years in women’s softs woven, excellent Photoshop and Illustrator skills, and a strong understanding of market trends. This role is vital in shaping a commercially viable collection.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in women’s softs woven.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth trend research and create seasonal designs.
• Design and develop collections for commercial retailers.
• Present collections and adapt ranges based on feedback.

Skills

Experience in women’s softs woven

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Excellent attention to detail

Good eye for commercial product and trends

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

We are working with an established supplier to high street brands who are looking for a Senior Women’s Softs Designer.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Womenswear Senior Designer (Softs) who can confidently lead the Design direction, in close partnership with the Sales Team. This role is pivotal in shaping a commercially strong and brand-appropriate collection, from initial strategy through to final range presentation.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Conduct in-depth trend research and create seasonal mood boards, colour palettes, and fabric stories.
• Using fabric sources to create, design and develop collections for two large UK commercial retailers.
• Design innovative, fashion-forward yet commercially viable garments, including blouses, dresses, shorts, skirts, loose jackets etc.
• Select appropriate fabrics, trims, and prints in collaboration with the fabric sourcing and print design teams.
• Oversee sample development and work closely with garment techs on fit, construction, and quality standards.
• Present collections internally and to key wholesale clients, taking on board feedback and adapting ranges where necessary.
• Collaborate with the sales team and other departments.
• Liaise with buyers, merchandisers, and production teams to ensure collections meet cost and margin requirements.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform design direction.
• Support and mentor junior designers and assistants within the team.
• Maintain the critical path and ensure timely delivery of samples and production‑ready designs.

Candidate / Qualifications

• At least 5-10 years of experience in women’s softs woven.
• Strong work ethic, willing to go the extra mile.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, confident presenter.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Good eye for commercial product and trends.
• Passionate, enthusiastic, shows initiative.
• A strong interest and understanding of the industry, what's happening on the high street, catwalks and social media.
• Commercial awareness—interpreting and translating trends to meet the customer profile.
• Good knowledge of garment construction and fitting.
• Understands the remits of sustainability in this industry and can support processes around this.
• Excellent Photoshop and Illustrator skills.