Womenswear Knitwear Designer

TRP RECRUITMENT; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern womenswear brand in Manchester is seeking a Knitwear Designer to lead the creative direction of their knitwear category. In this hybrid role, you will own the design process from concept to samples, ensuring commercial viability and trend alignment. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio and experience in knitwear design, with proficiency in design software and a knack for fit and detail.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to own end-to-end knit design.
• Experience in translating trends into cohesive colour/yarn narratives.
• Ability to build balanced ranges with clear architecture.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end knit design for seasonal and in-season capsules.
• Translate trend signals into cohesive designs.
• Create detailed tech packs and artwork for sampling.

Skills

Portfolio showcasing contemporary ladieswear knit

Previous experience in knitwear design

Strong yarn/fabric and construction knowledge

Proficient in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop

Fit-obsessed eye for proportion and detail

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

PLM

Job description

We're partnering with a modern, design-led womenswear brand who are looking for a Knitwear Designer. They are looking for someone to help shape the ladieswear knit direction from concept and yarn stories to signed-off samples crafting product that's trend-right and commercial.

Based in Manchester you will be part of a friendly tight knit team, be confident in presenting with a strong technical understanding. You will have creative ownership of the entire knitwear category setting seasonal direction, building distinctive ranges, and delivering a balanced range.

This role offers hybrid working.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Owning end-to-end knit design across seasonal and in-season capsules: research, concept boards, sketching, specs, SMS, and pre-production.
• Translating trend, street, and social signals into cohesive colour/yarn narratives, stitch development, and silhouette mixes (from elevated basics to statement pieces).
• Building balanced ranges with clear good/better/best architecture.
• Creating detailed tech packs and artwork that drive first-time-right sampling and speed to market.
• Running fit sessions with Technical; refining blocks, measurements, and constructions to achieve consistent, flattering fits.
• Briefing and problem-solving with mills/factories (handle, shrinkage, pilling, shade/lot, trims); guiding lab dips, wash tests, and approvals.
• Presenting concepts and ranges to Buyers with clear storytelling, reference rationale, and data-aware decisions.
• Monitoring competitor and sell-through to inform next drops and continuous improvement.
• Championing responsible material choices.

Person specification:

• Portfolio that showcases contemporary ladieswear knit across gauges, stitches, textures, and proven bestsellers.
• Previous experience in knitwear design.
• Strong yarn/fabric and construction knowledge with practical understanding of cost drivers and commercial levers.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop and PLM.
• Fit-obsessed eye for proportion and detail; comfortable leading fittings and resolving issues in real time.