Senior Knitwear Designer

Location: Altrincham (hybrid working)

Reports to: Head of Design

Role Overview:

The Senior Knitwear Designer is responsible for leading the knitwear design process from concept to production, ensuring that our knitwear collections are innovative, on-trend, and meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical understanding of knitwear construction, excellent design skills, and a proven track record of developing successful knitwear products. This role works cross-functionally with key departments, including buying, marketing, and garment technology, to drive commercial success while mentoring and developing junior members of the design team.

Your Responsibilities:

· Research and identify current and emerging knitwear trends, including styles, colours, yarns, and techniques.

· Lead the development of original knitwear designs, including sketches, technical drawings, and specifications.

· Create seasonal knitwear collections that align with the brand's aesthetic and target market.

· Select appropriate yarns, stitches, and knitwear techniques for each design.

· Oversee the creation of prototypes and samples, ensuring accurate execution of designs.

· Approve final line-ups, ensuring product range aligns with customer needs and commercial objectives

· Evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to drive future design strategies and direction

· Oversee collection planning, ensuring design workstreams align with critical path and business priorities

· Mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance on both creative and technical aspects

· Collaborate with senior members (Buying, Marketing, Merchandising) to align creative direction

· React strategically to trade and performance feedback, driving quick-turn updates or edits to enhance sell-through

Requirements

· Extensive experience, preferably working on the supplier side, however not essential

· Previous experience working with knitwear

· Adobe Illustrator proficient

· Strong yarn/knit and construction knowledge with practical understanding of cost drivers and a commercial eye when selecting yarns

· Comfortable leading conversations & presenting trends to customers

· A clear understanding of knit across gauges, stitches, textures, and ply

· Portfolio examples of tech packs / artworks (for example jacquard artworks, cable designs, stitch layouts)

· Experience liaising with overseas offices to manage sample development.

· Willing to travel UK & overseas

Benefits

· Birthday day off

· 25-day holiday

· Flexible hours

· Vibrant team

· 40% off 4th & Reckless, sister brand

· Team socials

· Competitions

· Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office