A fast-growing international design and manufacturing business supplying private-label products to major UK and European supermarket, high-street and fashion-led retailers.

Design Manager – Private Label
Location: Manchester
Hybrid work: 3 days in the office, 2 days from home
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum
Maternity cover 9 month with potential to become permanent
Ref: 757BD

Main duties:
Lead the design and product development of private-label collections, managing customer accounts and projects from concept to production while supporting designers and working with sales, sourcing and manufacturing teams.

The role:
– Lead design and product development for key retail customers
– Develop seasonal concepts, prints, patterns, colour palettes and collections
– Translate customer briefs into commercially successful products
– Present concepts and collections to customers
– Manage licensed and branded projects
– Research fashion, lifestyle and retail trends
– Manage projects from concept through to production
– Review samples, lab dips, strike-offs and approvals
– Work closely with sourcing, product development and manufacturing teams
– Lead and support designers in the UK and India
– Identify new product, design and sustainability opportunities
– Travel in the UK and internationally as required

– Solid experience in textile, fashion or product design
– Design Manager, Senior Designer or similar leadership experience
– Essential: previous experience working with UK supermarkets
– High-street and fashion-led retail experience highly desirable
– Private-label design experience
– Strong customer-facing and presentation skills
– Strong print, pattern, colour and textile knowledge
– Licensed or branded product experience advantageous
– Excellent Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills
– Good understanding of product development and manufacturing
– Commercially aware with an understanding of retail price points
– Trend-focused, creative and confident
– Strong project management and organisational skills
– Personable, collaborative and confident managing a team

£40,000–£45,000 per annum, depending on experience