Woven Textile Designer

**INTRODUCTION**

Marton Mills is a traditional British family owned and managed weaving mill steeped in heritage and driven by innovative design. Nestled in the heart of Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, Marton Mills produces premium fabrics for a range of end uses including fashion, interiors and uniforms. We offer creative solutions underpinned by traditional Yorkshire values - where consistent quality and exemplary service are provided as standard.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

The individual will form part of a small team and will play an integral part in the design department, assisting with everything from in-house design projects, including new collections, presentations, and mood boards, through to liaising directly with customers to understand their bespoke fabric requirements, guiding them through the design process, and providing CAD designs, yarn choices and excellent communication. This is a multifaceted role and requires a confident individual who is keen to gain experience in the industry and is happy to be flexible in not only assisting with the design department, but also any other department in the mill to ensure the smooth running of the production of cloth.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

Developing new innovative and commercial fabric designs for our stock supported ranges, ensuring all designs our most efficient for the weaving shed

Analysing fabric and generating technical specifications

Working out design formulae for samples

Liaising with customers, technical and buying staff to plan and develop designs

Accurately interpreting and representing customer’s ideas using computer-aided design (CAD) programs, experimenting with colour, fabric and texture.

Assisting any other member of staff who may require help with a design or weaving issue.

Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques and têxtile technology

Interest and knowledge of sustainable têxtile innovations, helping to lead research and development in this area.

Ensuring that projects are completed on time

Visiting sites and other sources of ideas for designs

Sourcing fabrics and other materials at trade fairs, shows etc

Attending trade shows, as a delegate or as an exhibitor - this may involve representing the company with a display or stand, or appraising the work of competitors

Keeping up to date and spotting fashion trends in fabric design by reading forecasts in trade magazines and using internet resources

Developing a network of business contacts

**QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED**

Woven têxtile design degree BA(Hons) or BSC(Hons)

Minimum 2 years of industry experience

Thorough technical understanding of dobby weaving capabilities and woven construction is essential. Developing original peg plans and analysing existing fabrics is necessary for the role.

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, and confidence in learning how to use our mill manufacturing software. Experience of CAD software, ideally Penelope or Scotweave. Ability to use Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

Creative flair and ability to adapt creative handwriting to different briefs

Interest in environmental sustainability and awareness of têxtile industry innovations.

Strong communication skills and demonstration of customer service (for example, previous experience in a customer facing role).

Must be able to self-motivate, work on several projects at once and meet deadlines, with the confidence to work independently as well as part of a team.

Impeccable attention to detail and organisational skills

Being polite, courteous and professional at all times

Ability to handle high levels of pressure and critical decision making

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Yearly bonus

Ability to Commute:

- West Yorkshire, LS21 1TA (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- West Yorkshire, LS21 1TA: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person