Group Underwear DesignerFull-time (Hybrid Working)
South-West London
At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”. Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style. These are clothes for life’s best moments.
We believe in collaboration, kindness and creativity, in celebrating our successes and championing our customer at every step of the way. From ’93 to now, people have been at the heart of everything we do. It’s in our name – Crew.
Purpose of the role
As
the underwear & loungewear designer you will design and develop all product
and packaging for the Crew Clothing, Ben Sherman and Pringle of Scotland ranges.
You will work closely with the Design Directors and designated buyers to research,
create and develop the seasonal ranges in keeping with the DNA of the brand.
You
will work with the buying and technical teams to develop product that fits
within the brands pricing architecture balancing commerciality with creativity
and newness. At times you will need to collaborate closely with other
departments to communicate the detail of your designs and product expertise.
This
is a creative yet commercial role, needing the ability to balance delivering progressive
ideas from your research and the brand’s DNA to produce product suitable for
our customers.
Key Responsibilities::
- Work as a team
with the Brand directors, designers, buyer & technical team to produce
a range that reflects the brand’s DNA with a modern, contemporary
execution.
- Undertake trend
research and highlight emerging trends and opportunities for the brand.
Conducting regular comp shops of competitors and aspirational brands.
Sharing conclusions with the team and identifying opportunities.
- Mapping out
ideas against the range plan with the buyer and communicating these ideas
at key meetings in a confident and enthusiastic manner. Maintaining a
balance of commerciality and new seasonal ideas.
- Creating CAD’s
for all options in the range. Being able to self edit and make decisions
of the styles & details prior to key contact points with the head of
design. Exploration of colour at early & mid points of the design
process. Designing structures & patterns each season that are unique
to the brand.
- Developing and
managing all packaging and labelling with the development teams.
- Maintain and
update all design overviews, CAD’s and make sheets throughout the design
process.
- Action seasonal
proto & fabric developments with the buyers & technical team,
handing over packs face to face.
- Following
development of samples through with the buying & tech team to approve
fabrics, colours & proto fits from SMS samples through to bulk
production.
- Working
autonomously day to day and planning workload throughout the season to
meet key deadlines. Planning key reviews and contact points.
- Building strong
relationships with the category buyer and develop an understanding of
suppliers capabilities, costs and limitations.
- Presenting the range
to the senior management team & sales teams where required.
- In depth
knowledge of best sellers & international market requirements to make
informed decisions about the balance of the category options.
- Understanding
and driving forward the sustainability of the range through, being
informed on upcoming yarn developments & techniques.
- Assisting the Brand
Director where required.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Minimum of 3 years experience in a
similar role.
- Strong understanding of underwear,
socks and loungewear product, Stitches, yarns, textures, branding &
limitations of the product.
- Collaborative approach to working
in a product team
- Strong commercial awareness and
ability to design to price points
- Creative flair and imagination
- Able to create original
print/pattern artworks
- Effective communication skills
- Engaging and work well with a
range of teams across the business
- Occasional travel to London &
overseas when required
- High level of knowledge of
Illustrator & Photoshop