Apparel Designer

This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Apparel Designer
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 depending on experience, plus benefits

Hours per week: 37.5

Location: Manchester city centre - hybrid working between office and home. Check out our Manchester office - Fourways | Manchester )

We're looking for a talented and creative Apparel Designer to join our growing team and help accelerate business growth.

In this role, you'll be responsible for leading the design process for your assigned categories, from concept to final production. You'll also contribute to the creative vision of the brand for both SUDU apparel and apparel designed for our partners, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of functionality, quality and style.

Our Design team work across multiple partners, many of whom are huge brands in the sports and entertainment industry, so we're looking for someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

This role would be perfect for someone with a strong foundation in apparel design who is ready to take on more ownership of the process and work autonomously within the role.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design process for assigned categories, from concept to final production
• Work closely with our wider design and development team to share ideas and ensure that collections are cohesive across categories, as well as with our buying and merchandising team to ensure products are developed in line with our critical path
• Maintain an understanding of the design calendar, critical path, and range development deadlines
• Assist with trend research, colour story development, fabric sourcing, and graphic and trim development
• Support the creation and maintenance of tech packs and CAD's under the guidance of our Head of Design across all categories
• Support our Marketing team with wholesale catalogues and non-technical product shoots
• Organise and manage fabric swatches, trims, and sample archives
• Help prepare mood boards, presentation materials, and resources for design meetings and fittings
• Attend fittings and support with the execution of samples through to production
• Develop and present design concepts, technical specifications, and prototypes
• Oversee the execution of design details, ensuring adherence to brand standards and quality requirements
• Conduct market research and trend analysis to inform design direction and innovation
• Stay current with industry trends, materials, and technologies related to technical, performance wear

This Role Would Suit People Who Have/are

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field desirable but not essential
• Experience in apparel design, with a focus on technical and performance wear
• A strong portfolio showcasing creative research, concept development, technical skills and artistic flair
• Excellent understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and performance technologies
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Knowledge of 3D product creations software such as CLO3D and Adobe Substance and an interest in AI platforms such as Midjourney is desirable
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive problem-solver with attention to detail and quality, who can remain flexible and agile when priorities shift
• Commercially trend-aware with a keen eye for fashion and technical apparel
• Attention to detail, particularly in preparing accurate tech packs
• Understanding of garment cost and commerciality
• A team player, supporting and collaborating with other team members
• Creative thinker, with the ability to think outside the box

Why Levy Merchandising?
Levy Merchandising is the merchandising arm of Levy UK & Ireland. Levy UK & Ireland are a market leader in the world of sports and entertainment experiences, boasting some of the biggest and best stadiums and leisure locations in Europe as its venue partners. These include Ajax's Johan Cruyff Arena, the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, The O2 Arena, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the National Theatre to name just a few. Levy is part of FTSE 100 company and global leader in food services, Compass Group PLC.

At Levy Merchandising, we design and manufacture a wide range of product direct from source. From technical products, fit for the highest level of performance, through to non-technical fanwear, we produce apparel at all levels of the product pyramid. We also source a comprehensive range of non-clothing products to complete the full range of categories available across the sales channels.

We're proud to do things differently. We have an innovative commercial model which puts our partners first and makes decision making a joint responsibility. Building long-lasting, sustainable relationships is central to our ethos and we want our partners to feel like they retain independence and control on key strategic direction whilst being able to leverage the benefit, scale, and expertise of our central teams across Buying, Licensing, E-Commerce, and Retail Operations.

We're also committed to supporting the local communities where our factories are based. We work with charities and local outreach programmes to have a positive impact in the cities and towns where we do business.

SUDU is our new UK sportswear brand headquartered in Manchester. With aspirations to be a leading brand that not only equips individuals with the tools they need to excel in physical pursuits but also to empower mindsets with every motion. Our first collection 'Run' features 17 products across footwear and apparel.

You'll Also Get a Package That Includes

• competitive salary
• 31 days holiday including bank holidays (pro rata, rising with service)
• pension scheme
• colleague health cash plan
• life assurance cover of 4 x annual salary
• employee assistance programme - 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice
• discounts on SUDU and other Levy Merchandising products and services
• enhanced family leave and pay
• welcoming company culture and opportunities to develop as our business grows
• opportunities to be a part of and involved in our colleague networks

Building an inclusive work environment
We're actively building diverse teams, and we welcome applications from everyone. We take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strength, and we're committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

If we invite you to take part in the recruitment process for any of our jobs, we'll ask you if you need any reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate.