Senior Designer

Our Retail Team has a new and exciting opportunity available for a creative, enthusiastic, and driven Designer to join the current team in a rapidly growing division. This position will work closely with our manufacturing and merchandise buying teams in adherence to the Cape Union Mart standards.

Our ideal candidate will have the ability to align with the company vision, be self-motivated and actively involved in the end-to-end process in the applicable area of responsibility. In addition, the successful candidate should have the high energy levels required for this fast-paced, exciting, and dynamic retail environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage critical path and tight deadlines in order to deliver seasonal palettes, design brief and technical briefs to suppliers.
• Continually conduct research of local and international trends.
• Deliver seasonal colour palettes twice per year as per international trends that are appropriate for our targeted customer.
• Deliver a seasonal design brief twice per season for the merchandise, marketing and factory teams.
• Together with the Buying Team, deliver designs in accordance with the strategy for the portfolio.
• Work closely with buying, manufacturing teams and suppliers to deliver seasonal updates to core and new trending styles.
• CAD new designs with relevant detail for local manufacturing team.
• Compile design requirements and specifications along with technical drawings (Illustrator) for each style developed with internal and external suppliers.
• Collaborate with Fabric Team to create aligned pieces for K-WAY outdoor brand.
• Attend fittings and be able to offer solutions to best fit.
• Must be able to travel locally and internationally.

Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric Qualification
• Relevant Tertiary Qualification in Fashion Design an important pre-requisite.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a similar role within a design environment.
• Previous experience working in a retail environment is advantageous.
• Working knowledge and experience with Illustrator and InDesign is non-negotiable.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of garment construction/manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Will be required to travel with in region and therefore a valid drivers license and own vehicle is advantageous.

Job Related Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to take direction and follow instructions from the Buying Team and Creative Lead.
• Team Player and ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organisation.
• An eye for colour and a good understanding of colour theory.
• Excellent Communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Resilient and tenacious in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively.
• Ability to work in a pressurized and fast paced environment.
• Deadline and outcomes focused.
• Methodical, detail-orientated, and accurate.

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act