Assistant Designer

Salary:
Competitive plus benefits

Working Pattern:
Full Time

Contract Type:
Permanent

Hours:
38.75

About Matalan
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.

We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

About The Role
We're looking for an experienced
Assistant Designer
to join our
Babywear
team.

The Design Team fuels excitement and creativity in our products through innovation and clear strategic direction, collaborating closely with our peers. The role encompasses support with trend insights, driving product development, aligning with strategic direction, and with overall business goals.

Key Responsibilities
Product

• Balance innovation with the stability of core products, making sure that new ideas and developments align with both customer needs and existing strengths.
• Proactively seek out new opportunities for product development, working closely with the supply base to drive innovation and introduce fresh, exciting products.
• Grow your knowledge of the department, seeking leadership and guidance to ensure seamless operations and drive continuous improvement.
• Attend selection and sign off meetings with Head of departments to review and finalise options in order to ensure alignment with departmental goals and organisational priorities. Document key decisions and outcomes from these meetings for future reference and accountability.
• Maintain strong and clear communication with the supply base, ensuring alignment on expectations, timelines, and product requirements to foster successful partnerships
• Collaboratively build the product range with the buying team, ensuring a balanced and strategically aligned assortment that meets both customer needs and business goals.
• Develop clear and cost-conscious technical packs, ensuring all specifications are accurately outlined while keeping cost-efficiency in mind to meet both quality and budget requirements.
• Support with trend research and analysis, including setting up styling rooms, mood boards, key shapes, and curating colour palettes to ensure alignment with emerging trends.
• Possess an understanding of trade performance, including identifying best and worst sellers, and use these insights to influence and improve future design strategies.

Customer

• Ensure departmental accountability in collaboration with the buyer and merchandiser to streamline operations and drive results; ensuring that product decisions are aligned with both market trends and customer preferences.
• Provide insights into customer habits, ensuring that the products designed are closely aligned with customer preferences, wants, and needs.
• Conduct regular market research and insight analysis, actively engaging in and sharing findings on trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions.

Strategy

• Take an end-to-end product focus, from gathering insights to store execution, working closely with Marketing and creative teams across the business to bring the vision to life.
• Introduce new ideas and trend interpretations to the team, ensuring that Matalan's products remain innovative, on-trend, and relevant in the marketplace

Leadership

• Demonstrate an understanding of the critical path, working efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborate with peers across different areas of the business to provide valuable insights, while developing a deeper understanding of the brand's vision and the needs of our customers.
• Mentor and lead Trainee Designers in their growth and development.

Divisional Support

• Carry out relevant preparation for key meetings e.g. selection, sign off and supplier meeting
• Work alongside the wider Assistant Designer population
• Attend fit sessions with relevant tech and buying team

About You

• Experience within a Babywear/Kidswear team is essential.
• Proven experience as a Trainee or Junior Designer.
• Experience of working across short, medium, and long-term timelines while adapting to changing priorities.
• Experience in a fast-paced omni-channel retail environment.
• Commercial awareness of the product market, with an eye for identifying opportunities and trends.
• Ability to analyse market trends and insights to inform design direction effectively.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities to navigate challenges and enhance product offerings.
• Skilled in using design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, AI) to bring ideas to life with precision.
• Ability to present ideas with clarity and impact, effectively communicating design concepts to stakeholders.
• Organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, ensuring projects meet quality standards.

Benefits
In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business