Assistant Fashion Designer

Join the vibrant and growing team at Claude & Co, an independent children's fashion brand known for it’s commitment to quality and creativity. We are growing fast and as a small dynamic team we are quick thinkers, adaptive and excited about getting stuck in. If you have a passion for children's fashion, a keen eye for detail, and can do attitude we can’t wait to hear from you.

As the Design and Product Assistant at Claude & Co, you will be involved in the design, development, and progress of our collections, collaborating with the Product Manager and Founder to shape our brand's product success. This role combines creative input, technical skill, and organisational support to help produce high-quality, unique children's wear that aligns with our amazing brand identity.

• Conceptual & Technical Design: Collaborate with product team to create on-brand, cohesive collections. Accurately translating garment construction into flat technical drawings and detailed specification sheets.
• Artwork & Fabric Coordination: Work closely with the print team on artwork preparations and coordinate with the fabric team to ensure design accuracy with suppliers.
• Trend Research: Conduct design and trend research and feedback to support creative inspiration and inform the design process.
• Idea Contribution: Provide fresh design ideas that balance creativity with commercial viability, collaborating with the Merchandising team to keep collections market-relevant.
• CAD: Create and refine CADs and product designs for sampling and development.

• Product Curation: Assist in curating collections aligned with Claude & Co’s brand aesthetic and market trends.
• Tech Pack Creation: Prepare tech packs and ensure documentation accuracy throughout the design and development stages.
• Sample Requests & Evaluation: Liaise with suppliers for sample requests, assessing prototypes in detail to ensure design fidelity and quality. Feedback on changes and ensure product excellence. 
• Quality Control: Work with the technologist to provide feedback and updates, ensuring all samples meet design and production standards.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers and vendors, managing development samples and ensuring production timelines are met and trackers up to date.

• Team Coordination: Maintain regular communication with team and fly the flag for our product development and design concepts amongst other areas in the business 
• Project Management: Manage project timelines, being at one with the critical path and workbooks to keep the team informed and on track with critical deadlines.

• Photoshoot & Event Support: Participate in photoshoots and store events, assisting with styling and setup to represent our brand vision.
• Mood Boards & Sketches: Support the design team by preparing mood boards, refining sketches, documenting fitting notes, and other creative tasks as required.

• System Updates: Load products into internal systems and assist in curating online descriptions according to brand guidelines.
• Stock Tracking: Assist with stock management, delivery coordination, and product tracking in line with the brand's critical path.

• Education & Experience: Degree or equivalent experience in Fashion Design, or related fields. Prior experience in a similar role within the fashion industry. Bonus points if you have a level of experience in designing print as well as garments. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for technical drawing and artwork preparation. Skills in Office Excel and Google sheets for tracking and managing data are essential.
• Knowledge & Passion: In-depth knowledge of product design, garment construction, fabrics, and production processes. A genuine enthusiasm for children's fashion and market trends.
• Organisational Skills: Strong multitasking ability, with excellent attention to detail and capability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving & Adaptability: A proactive, flexible attitude suited to the dynamic nature of a small brand -  ‘I will find a way’ is used a lot around here and we would love you to have that approach.

How to Apply:

We look forward to receiving your application Please submit your CV, cover letter, and any relevant materials to info@claudeandco.co.uk.. Please include ‘Design - {Your Full Name}’  in the subject line so we can filter the applications. 

The role will be based at our head office - 14 Loughborough Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AT. 

We expect this to be a full-time role but welcome both full-time and part-time applications.

Please state on your application