Designer

THE ROLE

Want to see your designs worn by millions? As a Designer at TOPSHOP, you’ll be plugged into culture and on the pulse of the latest fashion and trends that our customers love. You’ll need to be a creative, commercial and highly experienced Designer who works collaboratively. Designers play a critical role at TOPSHOP working closely with Merchandising, Buying and Technical teams to build a commercial and trend-led product range for the department that is loved by the TOPSHOP customer, globally.

As a multi-product Designer, you will need to have a creative eye that can cover stand out fashion across multiple departments within womenswear 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 brand 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 Topshop 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 range which excites the Topshop customer and meets all her needs, ensuring the range has the ultimate stand out pieces.

You’ll be…

• Researching, developing and creating market leading product across multi departments including developing big deals, key seasonal shapes, selecting fabrics, trends for the TOPSHOP customer.
• Experience of working with India, China 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 and experience working across casual and formal departments.
• As a Designer you will play a key role in brainstorming & collating trend direction for the TOPSHOP 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 not following.
• 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.
• Able to take direction from Senior members of the Design team and helping to manage and support 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.
• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback.

Requirements

We’d love to meet, someone with…

• Significant experience in designing across multi product in both casual and formal end uses 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 TOPSHOP Brand and Customer.
• Experience with Photoshop, Adobe, CAD.
• A strong eye for trend newness and the ability to interpret this for the Topshop customer ensuring trends are delivered with speed whilst ensuring quality and product execution is in line with the brand strategy.
• 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