THE ROLE
As Snr Designer across Outerwear, Knits and Shirts you’ll need to have a creative eye that can cover stand out fashion across all categories and a strong vision for overall trend direction. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge across fabric basis, both woven and knits and experience of working with suppliers and factories to develop the newest fabrics 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 Topman and as Senior Designer you will be key in driving this across multi product departments and within the wider design team.
What you'll be doing...
- Researching, developing and creating a market leading Topman range across Outerwear, Knits and Shirts.
- Able to deliver a 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. Considered new silhouettes and details across formal and casual outerwear, knitwear including premium yarns and formal and casual shirts.
- Able to deliver multi end uses within the Topman product aesthetic from casual to formal pieces ensuring the Topman product is refined and delivers an elevated aesthetic.
- A Senior Designer who will play a key role in brainstorming & collating trend direction for the TOPMAN brand. Working with the wider TM design team to identify and deliver trend direction including styling influence to deliver head to toe looks.
- Presenting trend research and have strong influencing skills to ensure you are the design voice for your departments 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 in styling and shoot aesthetic to deliver a consistent stand out Topman brand.
- Identifying and executing new product opportunities to ensue as a brand we are leading the fashion market not following.
- Researching & advising on print direction working closely with in-house & freelance print designers and fabric suppliers to develop the most innovative print for the TOPMAN range.
- Contributing to business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change and supporting morale and team building across Topman design and the wider team.
- 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.
- Working closely with in-house Buying teams – collaborating to create new 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.
- 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.
- Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios and Global teams.
- 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.
Who we'd like to meet...
- Significant experience in designing menswear multi product including Formal and casual outerwear, knitwear and shirts within an aspirational brand or similar retailer.
- Previous experience of direct sourcing from fabric mills, with knowledge of cut and construction to create new concepts/pieces.
- Experience in sourcing and working with premium fabrications and yarn.
- Experience in working with pattern cutters & machinists so that you are able to develop the best stand out fashion product for the jersey 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 with Clo-3D and PLM an additional request but not a necessity.
- Plugged into 20-something culture and fashion, passionate about the product and able to deliver speed to market trends.
- 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.
- 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.
What’s in it for you?
- 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
- Discretionary performance related bonus scheme
- Private medical care scheme
- Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits
