As part of the design team the Design Assistant for Accessories & Footwear is responsible for the research, design and development of brand right and commercial product. They will be excellent at collaborating with the design team, as well as the buying, merchandising and tech teams and suppliers in order to ensure the product is of the highest standard. They must be driven and creative, always bringing brand right newness into the business

Previous experience with focus on key categories such as bags, soft accessories, giftables, boxers, socks & footwear. Keen eye and understanding of using branding to create a unique product offering within the marketplace.

Supporting the Design function in:

• Designing and developing a full range of Accessories & Footwear with direction from the Senior Footwear & Accessories Designer and Head of Design.
• Researching all areas needed to design a commercial balanced range such as current and previous sales figures, seasonality, trend and fabric development.
• Presenting range to management at sketch review.
• Responsible for creation of highly accurate design packs and liaison with supply base to ensure samples are delivered on time   
• Ensure Crew Clothing essentials jersey range is relevant and commercial and update where needed. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Accountable for the ownership of key areas within Footwear & Accessories.
• Accountable for hitting all critical path deadlines and ensuring a full range of samples for sign off.
• Following the seasonal process from concept to product handover.
• Attend first fittings for all footwear & accessories range to ensure design intent is met
• Strong teamwork across the deign function as well as working closely with Buying, Merchandising and Tech teams. 
• Proactively finding all sales and brand knowledge needed to build a balanced range
• Proactively developing brand right newness in fabric, leather and shape as well as sustainable product.
• Accountable for bringing a high level of creativity

Cross-functional working:

• Working with the options given by Merchandising and understanding the range balance.
• Work with buying team to build a commercial jersey range and understand range balance within the context of the total business.
• Collaboratively working with tech teams in fits to make sure quality is excellent and design intent is met.
• Professionally raising concerns over issues that might arise over all areas of product development with suppliers / factories or the internal team to your line manager to seek to resolve
• Working with the rest of the design team on joint projects and ranges as well as any departmental jobs to help the department run smoothly.
• Reacting to sales and working into OTB efficiently alongside the Buying teams & the Head of design to ensure in season opportunities are taken
• Leading by example of deadline achievement, professional cross-functional liaison, fresh thinking and proven track record of sales success.

• A minimum of 2 years experience in a similar brand, or comparable retailer, work at a Design Assistant capacity
• Knowledge of key leathers and shapes.
• Able to demonstrate relevant professional experience/professional or academic qualifications (Footwear or Accessory design degree or similar)
• Ability to influence & communicate effectively, with excellent people skills
• Computer literate (Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Understanding of footwear & Bag construction, pattern cutting and finishing
• Excellent eye for detail and quality
• Understanding of footwear & Accessory specification packages and developing them with factories

What we can offer you:

As part of the design team the Design Assistant for Accessories & Footwear is responsible for the research, design and development of brand right and commercial product. They will be excellent at collaborating with the design team, as well as the buying, merchandising and tech teams and suppliers in order to ensure the product is of the highest standard. They must be driven and creative, always bringing brand right newness into the business

Previous experience with focus on key categories such as bags, soft accessories, giftables, boxers, socks & footwear. Keen eye and understanding of using branding to create a unique product offering within the marketplace.

Supporting the Design function in:

• Designing and developing a full range of Accessories & Footwear with direction from the Senior Footwear & Accessories Designer and Head of Design.
• Researching all areas needed to design a commercial balanced range such as current and previous sales figures, seasonality, trend and fabric development.
• Presenting range to management at sketch review.
• Responsible for creation of highly accurate design packs and liaison with supply base to ensure samples are delivered on time   
• Ensure Crew Clothing essentials jersey range is relevant and commercial and update where needed. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Accountable for the ownership of key areas within Footwear & Accessories.
• Accountable for hitting all critical path deadlines and ensuring a full range of samples for sign off.
• Following the seasonal process from concept to product handover.
• Attend first fittings for all footwear & accessories range to ensure design intent is met
• Strong teamwork across the deign function as well as working closely with Buying, Merchandising and Tech teams. 
• Proactively finding all sales and brand knowledge needed to build a balanced range
• Proactively developing brand right newness in fabric, leather and shape as well as sustainable product.
• Accountable for bringing a high level of creativity

Cross-functional working:

• Working with the options given by Merchandising and understanding the range balance.
• Work with buying team to build a commercial jersey range and understand range balance within the context of the total business.
• Collaboratively working with tech teams in fits to make sure quality is excellent and design intent is met.
• Professionally raising concerns over issues that might arise over all areas of product development with suppliers / factories or the internal team to your line manager to seek to resolve
• Working with the rest of the design team on joint projects and ranges as well as any departmental jobs to help the department run smoothly.
• Reacting to sales and working into OTB efficiently alongside the Buying teams & the Head of design to ensure in season opportunities are taken
• Leading by example of deadline achievement, professional cross-functional liaison, fresh thinking and proven track record of sales success.

• A minimum of 2 years experience in a similar brand, or comparable retailer, work at a Design Assistant capacity
• Knowledge of key leathers and shapes.
• Able to demonstrate relevant professional experience/professional or academic qualifications (Footwear or Accessory design degree or similar)
• Ability to influence & communicate effectively, with excellent people skills
• Computer literate (Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Understanding of footwear & Bag construction, pattern cutting and finishing
• Excellent eye for detail and quality
• Understanding of footwear & Accessory specification packages and developing them with factories

What we can offer you: