Designer (Maternity Cover) Casual Jersey and Nightwear

We’re New Look and we’ve been at the forefront of British high-street fashion since 1969. Over the last 50 years, we’ve grown to be a multichannel brand offering on-trend, value-driven fashion for women, men and children of all genders.

Our passion is feel-good fashion at feel-good prices – and we truly believe that all starts with us. Our values inspire us every day: we play to win, we’re customer-obsessed and we work as one to give each and every one of our customers That New Look Feeling.

Responsibilities:

Design

Clearly identifying department key items at the start of the season and ensure they are delivered in line with New Look customer profiles
Identifying key item blocks for the season in line with Brand strategy and take full ownership of them
Driving forward the Design team, with support of the Heads of Design, and be a vocal voice in strategic opportunities
Driving new trends commercially through product ranges with the New Look brand handwriting and customer front of mind
Strategically manages the critical path from design concept through to final buying samples reacting to market changes and challenges.
Creating mood boards, trend presentations and catwalk reports giving clear and concise trend messages to Buying teams
Sourcing new fabrications overseas inspired from trend research and to share new ideas on fabrics with the wider Design team where relevant
Working in synergy with Buying to build a strong fashion yet commercial range, sharing ideas and information with other product areas to ensure brand / product consistency
Good influencing skills and self believe, to ensure that newness is delivered into the range, at the correct grading in collaboration with Buying
In-depth trend knowledge, being able to identify emerging trends and influence the business at critical points. Looking at opportunities to react quickly, with strong understanding of the supply base and how to get quick reads on product
Identifying new sourcing opportunities and providing focused, clear development direction to current supplier base
Developing the right product at the right time, in line with the departmental design strategy to meet customer requirements
Monitoring, maintaining and actioning in-depth competitor analysis, and presenting ideas and new product opportunities to gain competitor advantage
Sharing information where relevant on product, suppliers, best / worst sellers within business area and across the wider business
Communicating effectively with all internal and external teams
Working with QA to complete fit sessions in order to develop block and fit that reflects design direction and customer trends
Driving trends and themes for each range period and the delivery of these in a timely manner, supporting the Head of Design / Design Manager
Planning, development and inspiration trips with the Buyer in line with the critical path

Product Awareness

An excellent understanding of the New Look Customer
Strong understanding of our Customer Insight and Market Share
Actively contributing in trend and competitor analysis, making recommendations for changes or developments
Ongoing familiarity of the competition’s product range

Technical Knowledge & Experience

PC / Mac literate – Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel, Word, Adobe Suite
Excellent spec skills using a mix of hand sketching, illustrator and Photoshop
Able to present work in an exciting format to Heads Of and / or Directors, influencing buying decisions
Management of work load according to the critical path
An in-depth knowledge of the current competitive and inspirational market place
Excellent interpersonal / communication skills
Superb understanding of the department, and the ability to predict trend / key items with full conviction at the start of the season
Ability to line manage, motivate and develop the team
Ability to initiate, build and maintain strong relationships with Buying/Merchandising /QA
Good influencing skills
Ability to contribute to the bigger picture and Design department as a whole
Good organizational skills
Flexible, adaptable and able to work in a fast paced environment
Forward thinking in approach
Presentation skills
Pro-active in approach and seeks solutions
Fully represent and demonstrate our New Look Values
Previous experience as a Designer / Senior Designer within a major retailer / department within New Look / established supplier
Fashion Qualification / Other degree desirable

Why New Look?

The amazing people, the love of fashion – there are so many reasons to love working at New Look. We priorities development, offering training to support your progression, so you can be at your absolute best and achieve your goals. You’ll also receive these amazing benefits, to name only a few:

• 40% staff discount

• Monthly 25% off privilege vouchers for family and friends to enjoy

• Quarterly sample sales

• Season ticket loans

Our colleagues balance their time between home and office – we believe this is the best way to maintain a flexible but collaborative and social way of working.

Apply now to find out more