Senior Designer

Who We Are:

We are LF Fashion, a proud member of the Li & Fung family, we are a global leader in the design, development, and sourcing of consumer goods for the fashion and apparel industry. With over 118 years of supply chain expertise, our operations encompass everything from product design and production management to quality control and shipping. Our unique approach of working "As One" allows us to integrate diverse sectors of the retail market efficiently and effectively. The Multiproduct Senior Designer will play a crucial role in creating innovative and commercially viable collections that meet the needs of high-street fashion brands.

About the Role:

As a Senior Designer, you will work closely with the design team to oversee and execute the entire design process, from initial concept to finished products. Your primary goal will be to deliver high-quality, fashionable designs that meet client specifications and aligns with current market trends. You will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring that our designs resonate with mass-market consumers.

The Senior Designer will cover Formal and Casual bottoms and jackets and denim product.

Key Responsibilities:

Range Creation: ·

• Develop innovative and commercially viable ranges based on client specifications and market research.
• Maintain a strong commercial awareness of current fashion trends to inform design direction and ensure product relevance.

Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Communicate daily with third parties, including suppliers and production teams in the Far East, to ensure alignment on designs and timelines.
• Work closely with Account Managers and buyers to develop strong working relationships and understand customer needs.

Design Translation:

• Accurately translate creative ideas into commercial designs for the mass market, ensuring that all artistic elements align with business goals.
• Produce detailed design sheets and artwork for factories, providing comprehensive specifications needed to develop samples.

Customer Engagement:

• Present designs and concepts to customers and buyers during face-to-face meetings, ensuring clear understanding and buy-in.
• Travel to the Far East and other production locations as required, fostering relationships with factories and suppliers.

Trend Research and Forecasting:

• Conduct shopping trips, both in the UK and internationally, to research new trends, sourcing samples judiciously to maximise the usage of the business sample budget.
• Undertake trend prediction to keep the design process innovative and ahead of the competition.

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, exploring new or exciting product development.
• Actively engage in recruiting placement students and mentoring junior design team members.

Mentorship:

• Coach and guide less experienced designers within the team, sharing knowledge and encouraging professional growth.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field is essential.

Relevant Experience:

Design Skills:

Strong creative flair with an excellent sense for colour; ability to conceptualize and execute designs that appeal to the target market.

Experienced high street fashion design across Formal and Casual bottoms and jackets and denim product

Design experience ideally with in fashion supplier side.

Production Knowledge: Familiarity with production construction techniques in the textile industry to ensure designs are manufacturable.

Worked with factories in Bangladesh/ China/Vietnam

Trend Prediction: Ability to identify and analyze emerging trends to inform product development effectively.

Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of the retail market dynamics and customer preferences; able to lead and take accountability for larger customer accounts.

Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presentations and collaboration with team members and clients.

Organisational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, maintaining a structured approach to tasks.

Technical Skills:

Design Software Proficiency: Proficient in software tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Freehand, and Shima Apex for design visualization and presentation.

AI Skills AI design skill beneficial

Product Development Processes: Familiarity with the product development lifecycle from concept through to production, including sample development and fitting processes.

Spec Generation: Ability to create detailed technical specifications and design sheets used by factories for sample production.

Digital Skills: Ability to utilise digital tools and platforms for trend analysis, design presentation, and collaboration with remote teams.

Data Management: Competence in managing and analysing design metrics to inform decisions and support presentations.

This job description outlines the responsibilities, core skills, technical skills, and personal attributes required for the Senior Designer role. The emphasis on creativity, technical expertise, and collaboration aims to highlight the importance of delivering high-quality, trend-driven products that meet market demands.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London NW1