Design Manager - Private Label

About the role

A fast-growing international design and manufacturing business supplying private-label products to major UK and European supermarket, high-street and fashion-led retailers is looking for a Design Manager in Manchester. The role leads design and product development for private-label collections, manages customer accounts and projects from concept to production, and supports designers while working with sales, sourcing and manufacturing teams. It is a hybrid position with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

Key responsibilities

• 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 and present concepts and collections to customers
• Manage licensed and branded projects
• Research fashion, lifestyle and retail trends
• Manage projects from concept through to production, reviewing 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

Required profile

• 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
• Licensed or branded product experience advantageous
• Strong customer-facing and presentation skills
• Commercially aware with an understanding of retail price points
• Personable, collaborative and confident managing a team

Required skills

• Excellent Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills
• Good understanding of product development and manufacturing
• Strong print, pattern, colour and textile knowledge
• Strong project management and organisational skills

What we offer

• Salary of £40,000-£45,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Maternity cover for 9 months, with potential to become permanent