Designer

As a Designer on Outerwear & Tailoring you will need to have a creative eye that can cover stand out fashion across formal & casual jackets & tailoring including PU & Leather and a strong vision for unique new product. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge across fabric basis and experience of working with suppliers and factories to develop the newest fabrics and finishes for every season. This is a fast-paced department which is constantly pushing new design concepts where originating not replicating is fundamental and the ability to cut, drape, sculpt and create new silhouettes is key. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of product development at Topman and as Designer you will be key in driving this for this dept and within the wider design team. New silhouettes, fabric, print and detail drive new product and consideration over the quality is key in delivering an outstanding outerwear & tailoring range which excites the Topman customer and meets all his needs, ensuring the range has the ultimate stand out pieces.

You’ll be…

• Researching, developing and creating a market leading Outerwear & tailoring range, including developing big deals, key seasonal shapes, selecting fabrics, trends for the TOPMAN customer.
• Experience of working with Far East and European manufacturers and suppliers to deliver a breadth of product across fabric bases and end uses.
• Strong vision and direction on fabric basics both for Core and premium ranges driving product quality and considered product that mix easily in your wardrobe with designer pieces.
• Strong direction on clean, minimal silhouettes where fabric qualities and minimal yet standout detail are key
• As a Designer you will play a key role in brainstorming & collating trend direction for the TOPMAN brand.
• Presenting trend research and have strong influencing skills to ensure you are the design voice for the department when working closely with Buying, Merchandising and Commercial leadership.
• Collaborating across departments and other functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearly.
• Identifying and executing new product opportunities to ensue as a brand we are leading the fashion market.
• Contributing to business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change.
• Using relevant sales data and insights to design commercially relevant, fashion forward ranges.
• Anticipating the needs of the 20-something customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend research to deliver commercial product ranges
• Sourcing new fabrications, techniques and trim.
• Working closely with in-house Buying teams – collaborating to create fresh product, each season and shape the product direction for the department, ensuring that it is aligned to the brand and divisional strategy.
• Working with the Technical team on fits on a weekly basis, identifying and helping create new silhouette blocks for the department and produce a commercial range.
• Building relationships with suppliers and advising factories on direction, silhouette, construction, key details, fabrics, trimmings and artworks.
• Managing, developing and motivating more junior team members, providing them with clear direction and regular feedback.
• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team. Looking for opportunities to use sustainable materials wherever possible.
• Leading/Role model and contributing to a dynamic world leading design team.
• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working.
• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback.

Requirements

We’d love to meet, someone with…

• Significant experience in designing mens Outerwear & tailoring with a mid to high level brand or high-end Retailer.
• Previous experience of direct sourcing from fabric mills, with knowledge of cut and construction to create new concepts/pieces.
• Experience in working with pattern cutters & machinists so that you are able to develop the best stand out fashion product for the casual range.
• Experience of working cross-functionally to deliver initiatives that have a positive commercial impact.
• Proven ability to drive the success of a department or brand through strategic and commercial thinking.
• A commercial handwriting and strong understanding of the TOPMAN Brand and Customer.
• Experience with Photoshop, Adobe, CAD.
• Plugged into relevant culture and fashion, passionate about the product.
• Strong organisational skills, initiative, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to build great relationships with colleagues across the business and suppliers alike.
• Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialize opportunities.
• Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team.
• Demonstrates an effective and inclusive leadership style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development.
• Comfortable travelling in the UK and internationally for supplier/product development meetings and inspirational purposes.

Additional information

BeneFITS’

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
• ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
• Employee sample sales
• Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
• 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care scheme
• Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits