DESIGN MANAGER- MATERNITY COVER

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

* Plan and develop multi-product collections in line with the business strategy and brand aesthetic

* Work closely with the Creative Director, Head of Merchandising and Wholesale to develop collection strategy and merch plan

* Work within set sampling budgets and with set target prices; monitoring cost and target price throughout the design and development process

* Create mood, shape and trend boards.

* To source and select fabrics and trims in line with merch plan, target price and brand aesthetic. Liaise with Mills and fabric agents as well as attend showrooms and textile exhibitions- Premier Vision and The London Textile Fair.

* Produce designs and technical specifications and provide detailed briefs to pattern cutters.

* Evolve existing designs and blocks to add newness to commercially proven styles

* Ensuring critical path dates are met.

* Market research of competitive product and future trends to inform collection

* Work closely with product development, production and technical to deliver collection and critical path

* Fit garments from toile stage through to production

* Regularly liaise with Sales, buying and ecommerce on collection feedback

* Attend weekly floor walks to monitor performance of collection

* Attend weekly website walks to monitor online performance of the collection and to help ensure that the collection visuals and messaging are on brand

* Own the CP from a design perspective and work with other departments to ensure all other stages of the critical path are met

* Follow the product through from conception to the sales so that should any issues arise in production you are an active part of the solution

* Conduct in seasonal collection training for sales staff

* Deliver seasonal presentations of collections and creative direction in terms of shape, colour, fabrics and inspiration.

* Deputise for creative director in her absence.

* Attend Lookbook and ecommerce photoshoots, playing an active role in the visual communication of the collection

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

* Experience of designing for a Luxury brand

* Experience of designing multi product RTW collections - tailoring, outerwear, dresses, soft separates, occasionwear, eveningwear, knitwear

* An excellent understanding of garment construction and the fitting process

* Experience of working with costings and margins and their implications on the garment development process

* A design aesthetic inline with the Amanda Wakeley brand accompanied with a commercial eye

* Ability to take a design and interpret into a detailed technical spec to be interpreted by pattern cutters

* Excellent knowledge of fabrics and existing relationships with European and international fabric mills

* Confidently Liaise with overseas factories and mills for product development and fabric development

* Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively with other departments

* Ability to create good working partnerships.

* Strong written and visual communication skills

* A good eye for colour and print

* Strong photoshop skills

* Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise work and be reactive to rapidly changing situations.

* The ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

* Commercial awareness and knowledge of current market.

* Strong written and visual communication skills

* Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to manage up as well as down.