Designer - Green Thread at Cape Union Mart

Purpose:

• The Designer in a Retail Leisure Design Centre is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and creating innovative and functional design solutions for retail and the brands we service. The Designer works closely with retail buyers and other creative, technical teams and other creative and technical teams to ensure that design projects meet both aesthetic and functional objectives while staying within budget and time constraints.

Key Responsibilities:

 Conceptual Design Development:

• Create innovative and functional design concepts for retail.
• Develop design briefs based on client requirements, project specifications, and the overall brand direction.
• Research industry trends, materials, and technologies to ensure designs are modern, relevant, and forward-thinking.
• Collaborate with the design team and other departments (e.g., project management, sourcing) to ensure design vision aligns with the overall project goals.

Design Presentation & Proposals:

• Prepare design presentations and proposals for clients, clearly illustrating ideas through sketches, renderings, mood boards.
• Present design concepts to clients and stakeholders, receiving feedback and refining ideas to ensure client satisfaction.
• Communicate design solutions in a visually compelling and accessible manner to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.

Technical Drawings & Documentation:

• Produce accurate technical drawings specifications for manufacturing and construction based on the approved design concepts.
• Ensure all design documents are clear and detailed, providing precise measurements, material choices, and colour schemes for production teams.
• Work with CAD software and other design tools to create detailed, professional drawings that align with the technical requirements of the project.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Work closely with patternmakers, garment technologist, sourcing teams and other team members to ensure designs are implemented accurately and efficiently.
• Collaborate with other departments such as sourcing, production, and logistics to ensure the successful execution of designs from concept to completion.
• Track the progress of ongoing projects, ensuring that designs are being executed according to plan and making adjustments when necessary.

Material Selection & Sourcing:

• Select and specify materials, finishes, and colours that complement the design and are suitable for the intended retail or leisure environment.
• Liaise with sourcing team to source materials and products that align with the design vision and budget
• Ensure that the materials chosen are not only visually appealing but also practical, durable, and cost-effective.

Client Interaction & Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring effective communication throughout the design process.
• Understand client needs and provide tailored design solutions that align with their brand, target audience, and business goals.
• Provide professional advice on design-related matters, including material choices and visual aesthetics.

Innovation & Trend Awareness:

• Stay up-to-date with design trends, emerging technologies, and innovations within the retail and leisure design industry.
• Experiment with new design techniques and materials to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to projects.
• Regularly attend design conferences, workshops, and events to enhance skills and keep the design work cutting-edge and relevant.

Budget and Time Management:

• Manage design project timelines, ensuring that all designs are delivered on time and within the agreed budget.
• Work within set financial constraints, providing cost-effective design solutions without compromising on creativity or quality.
• Ensure that all design elements are considered in terms of budget, scope, and timeline during the planning phase.

Qualification and Experience:

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design.
• Certification in CAD, 3D designs software, or relevant design tools is beneficial.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in retail or Leisure design, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work.
• Experience with both conceptual design and technical drawing, along with a solid understanding of material selection, pattern making and project management.

Skills:

• Proficiency in design software, including CAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and 3D visualization tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and the ability to translate designs into technical specifications for production.
• Creative, with a strong ability to think outside the box and develop innovative design concepts.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with clients, team members, and vendors.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, visually impactful designs.
• Strong problem-solving skills, able to adapt to changes in client requirements or project specifications.
• Ability to work under pressure

Behavioural Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills to meet deadlines and manage priorities.
• Willingness to stay current with trends in retail, leisure, and interior design.