Menswear Multi-Product Designer
Full-Time
Leeds
A rare opportunity has
opened up to support our fast-paced expansion. We are currently looking for a
talented, passionate menswear designer to drive the brand forward through its
next evolution.
Ben Sherman started out
in 1963 producing standout button-down shirts from a factory in Brighton. Over
6 decades later the brand is still producing standout shirts but has also
expanded to a full lifestyle collection rich in the brands DNA. From the early
days the brand has been linked to music and British subcultures and that
remains a core aspect of the brands appeal today. If you are passionate about being part of a
British Heritage brand’s journey, why not join us?
Purpose of the role:
As
a multiproduct designer you will design and develop across all apparel product categories
for Ben Sherman’s seasonal ranges. You will work closely with the Design
Director and designated buyers to research, create and develop the seasonal
ranges in keeping with the DNA of the brand and target market.
You
will work with the buying and technical team to develop product that fits
within the brands pricing architecture balancing commerciality with creativity
and newness. At times you will need to collaborate closely with other
departments to communicate the detail of your designs and product expertise.
This
is a creative yet commercial role, needing the ability to balance delivering progressive
ideas from your research and the brand’s DNA to produce product suitable for
our customers.
Key Accountabilities:
- Work as part of a
team with the Brand director, designers, product developer & technical
team to produce a range that reflects the Ben Sherman DNA with a modern,
contemporary execution.
- Undertake independent
trend research and highlight emerging trends and opportunities for the
brand. Conducting regular comp shops of competitors and aspirational
brands. Sharing conclusions with the team and identifying opportunities
for target markets and retailers.
- Creating
seasonal colour palettes from trend research & historic data to be
suitable for the menswear market and customer level.
- Mapping out
ideas against the range plan communicating these ideas at key meetings in
a confident and enthusiastic manner. Maintaining a balance of
commerciality and new seasonal ideas.
- Creating CAD’s
for all options in the range. Being able to self edit and make decisions
of the styles & details prior to key contact points with the brand
director. Exploration of colour at early & mid points of the design
process. Designing structures & patterns each season that are unique
to the brand.
- Maintain and
update all design overviews, CAD’s and make sheets throughout the design
process.
- Create accurate
and complete tech packs for costing, developments, protos & fabric
developments with the product developer & technical team. Packs will
require handing over packs in-person or digitally with the team and
factories/suppliers.
- Working
autonomously day to day and planning workload throughout the season to
meet key deadlines. Planning key reviews and contact points.
- Following
development of samples through with the buying & tech team to approve
fabrics, colours & proto fits from SMS samples through to bulk
production.
- Building strong
relationships with the product developer, incorporating an understanding
of suppliers capabilities, limitations, cost implications to influence
final designs.
- Produce the
seasonal InDesign CAD linebook to a high level of accuracy to support
selling of ranges each season.
- Presenting SMS range
to the sales teams and senior management each season to communicate key
details, fabrications and product trends.
- In depth
knowledge of best sellers & USA market requirements to make informed
decisions about the balance of the category options.
- Full management
of tech packs; following developments through to bulk production to
support the ordering process.
Communications & Working
Relationships:
- Design team.
- Buying & tech team.
- Sales Team
Personal Specification - Knowledge & Skills:
- Minimum of 3 years experience in a
similar role.
- Strong understanding of product from
fabrics to styling details & limitations of the product areas.
- Collaborative approach to working
in a product team
- Strong commercial awareness and
ability to design to price points
- Creative flair and imagination
- Able to create original
print/pattern artworks
- Effective communication skills
- Engaging and work well with a
range of teams across the business
- Occasional travel when required
PC
Skills:
- High level of knowledge of
Illustrator, Photoshop & InDesign
Performance
Measures:
- Creation
and production of a range of product that is fit for purpose for salesman
samples and bulk production.
- Actively
conducting research of trends, benchmarks and market knowledge.
- Creation
of brand relevant trend and colour presentations.
- In
depth knowledge of range performance, qualities and price information.
- Accurate
and complete tech packs & artworks for handover deadlines.
- Forming
strong working teams with buying and tech. Being aligned throughout the design
and development process.
- Providing
feedback and comments on developments in a timely manner.
- Communication
of all aspects of the product ranges to key accounts.