Senior Fashion Designer - Brackenfell at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    
Join our dynamic retail team and contribute to the growth of a clothing brand that prides itself on providing stylish, high-quality apparel to our diverse customer base. Our brand is dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product and creativity. We are seeking a passionate and highly experienced fashion designer with a minimum of ten years of experience in the clothing industry to join the apparel team. This role is pivotal in driving the trend direction of our women’s, kids and menswear collections and designing beautiful product that meets and exceeds customer expectations.

Job Objectives    
Creative Design

• Drive the design process from concept to final execution.
• Ensure all products meet a high standards for style, quality, and innovation whilst adhering to brand guidelines and market trends. 

Trend Forecasting

• Conduct comprehensive market research and trend analysis to inform your design decisions. 
• Translate these insights into compelling, sellable designs that align with our brand’s aesthetic and customer expectations. 

Collection Development

• Collaborate with the buying team to identify the season’s theme, colour palette, and fabric selection. 
• Develop cohesive lines that reflect the brand’s strategy, targeting the correct customer base with fresh and appealing designs. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the buying, sourcing & technology, and planning team to ensure design concepts are aligned with the brand vision and price points. 
• Collaborate with buying team and use sales data to influence product development and identify opportunities to refresh best sellers. 

Technical Proficiency

• Produce detailed sketches, technical packs, and specifications for prototypes and production. 
• Utilise digital design tools, Adobe Creative Cloud Illustrator and Photoshop to bring concepts to 
• life, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail. 

Sustainability Focus

• Align with our commitment to environmental responsibility, driving sustainable fabrics.

Qualifications    

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Fashion Design.

Experience    

• Minimum of ten years of experience in fashion design, with at least three years in a senior designer role.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Illustrator and Photoshop, with a demonstrated ability to create detailed technical packs. 
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates expertise in creating compelling, commercial fashion collections.
• Proven track record of successful design projects and product launches in the clothing industry

Knowledge and Skills    

• Innovative Design Skills: Exceptional ability in fashion design, with a portfolio showcasing a strong creative vision and successful commercial collections. 
• Trend Insight: Deep understanding of fashion trends, consumer behaviour, and the competitive landscape, with the ability to anticipate market shifts and innovate accordingly.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in garment construction, pattern making, and textiles, along with advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Effective Communication: Ability to inspire and communicate design ideas and concepts clearly. 
• Strategic Thinking: Strategic mindset with the ability to align creative concepts with business objectives, ensuring collections are both innovative and commercially viable. 
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and effective problem-solving skills, with a flexible approach to challenges and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. 
• Project Management: Excellent organisational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.