Senior Knitwear Designer

About this role

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