Senior Designer - Streetwear

About the Company Vanquish Fitness was created in 2015 by two school friends, Oliver Maloney and Ruben O’Brien, and is now, not just an apparel brand and online retailer, but one of the fastest growing fitness communities in the world Our mission is to inspire our colleagues on their pursuit of self defined greatness. Providing the time and resources that our employees need to strive to become Better Than Yesterday . About the Role We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Senior Designer to join our expanding Garment team at a really exciting time. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience, preferably within a fitness, athleisure or streetwear brand. The candidate must have excellent knowledge of the complete design and development process, from research and design, to techpack sampling and production. Experience in both Menswear and Womenswear would be beneficial, graphic and print design experience is a bonus You must have experience taking responsibility for design projects and have great time management skills to ensure that deadlines are met to a high and complete standard. Supporting our Head of Design and Senior Buyer Merchandiser, as well as being a support for the wider garment team, you will be conceptualising initial ideas for new products, presenting to senior and director level staff, creating CADs and tech packs and working with our Garment Technologists to suggest amendments throughout the sampling and fitting process. You must have knowledge of different construction techniques and finishes, as well as a commercial mindset, always being on top of the latest trends and competitor activity. We are looking for someone that is proactive, organised, creative and ambitious. It is essential that you have experience of the whole design and development process and understand key offerings within commercial fashion and fitness, including both jersey products and more technical garments. We would like you to be able to work with a collaborative and positive attitude, and not be afraid to bring ideas to the table backed up with thorough research. Duties and Responsibilities Work closely with the Design team to design and develop effective range plans and capsule collections for the Vanquish consumers Take responsibility for the time management of your collections / projects, from moodboarding and initial designs, to design development and tech packs. You must be able to take an open and proactive approach to your designs, and be able to accept feedback from the wider team and constructive guidance from your line manager with a positive attitude. Taking ownership of your projects, from concept through to bulk production, including being present throughout all relevant fittings. Take a fashion-forward approach when designing to ensure the continuously improved product quality and designs, keep the brand relevant and on trend. Carry out competitor and market research within a productive timeline, always looking at new trends, materials, products, techniques and colours that are appropriate for the vanquish customer in relation to the brief that you have been given. Have a keen understanding of fashion and be able to trend forecasting using resources such as WGSN to back up your designs when presenting to the wider team as supporting documentation. Design products that are in line with the Vanquish brand image, advising on construction, fabric composition, trims, prints and details for both menswear and womenswear Create clear, accurate and detailed CADs and tech packs, and be confident in communicating requirements to international manufacturers and internal cross functional teams. Work closely with our Garment Technologists throughout the sample process, presenting to them clearly the garment fit, and fabric requirements for each product once the design is signed off. Attending all required fittings from PPS samples to Bulk, making suggestions using your expert knowledge to ensure the best possible garment is being produced Be able to pre-empt any issues that may arise by requesting early lab dips or branding options, discussing potential fabric testing and any alternative trims and finishes that may be necessary especially if this is an introduction style to enable a quick production turnaround. Communicate clearly with factories to ensure that all design aspects are understood, and any questions or concerns are resolved quickly and with a positive, respectful and collaborative attitude. Work directly with overseas suppliers and travel for development and production trips when necessary Work closely with the Senior Merchandiser/Buyer to ensure products are delivered on time and within budget Any other adhoc duties as required About You You should be passionate about design, and have experience within the fitness, sports or streetwear industry At least 5 years experience as a clothing Designer/Senior Designer, additional graphic / print design experience is a bonus Previous experience managing or mentoring junior staff. Experience confidently presenting and communicating designs to colleagues and senior staff Happy to take the lead when required, but also be a team player. Excellent knowledge of product innovations, fittings, construction techniques and tech packs Ability to work quickly and effectively to tight deadlines Experience working on multiple projects simultaneously Experience designing to competitive garment price target budgets Commercial awareness, Understanding of different types of constructions and fabrics relevant to the athleisure, streetwear and fitness industry Understanding of different manufacturing processes, branding applications, fabric treatments and fabric types Experience creating full product ranges and selecting colours, backed up with expert knowledge from trend research Excellent fabric knowledge Excellent communication skills, able to internally communicate collaboratively with others Finger on the pulse mindset, with avid trend awareness and a thorough understanding of the Vanquish customer Fashion Design degree or other relevant qualification Confident using Adobe software especially Illustrator and photoshop Confidence to bring new ideas to the table and make suggestions to improve the Vanquish collections Experience designing prints Experience of working within ecommerce fashion industry or similar Benefits Annual apparel allowance Discounts on everything Vanquish Attendance to our community events Free drinks in the office Quarterly Socials Hybrid working (2 days from home) 35 hour working week Free Parking Modern office in the grounds of a beautiful House gardens, perfect for lunch time walks to get your steps in