Textile & Graphic Print Designer at Ackermans

Our Trend & Design team is looking for Textile & Graphic Print Designers to successfully research and interpret trends, design textile and graphic prints in accordance with Ackermans customer requirements, keeping price and value in mind.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for graphic and textile design execution in line with trend and design strategy
• Research, analyse, select and inform on commercial relevant international print trends and techniques, establish and present the textile and graphic print trends that will define the new season
• Continuously keep abreast of and highlight/flag emerging updates to these textile and graphic print trends through understanding our customer sales
• Translate the textile and graphic print trend seasonal direction into customer appropriate textile and graphic print ensuring that key stakeholders in the business have a clear understanding of how to apply the trend to their portfolios
• Create signature prints to pull ranges together and update core volume lines, while understanding our customer needs & preferences
• Keep abreast of and design licensed prints where required
• Identifying and informing buying teams on latest perennial and fashion prints for the season and weighting thereof
• Working with AVA and product technology on seasonal prints across volume lines

Skills required:

• To deliver trend and brand relevant placement graphics, textile, embroidery and print designs 
• Create new digital textile designs/ prints as all overs, placements or engineered prints
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in fashion and textiles, locally and internationally
• Put together trend forecasts and colour pallets for future seasons
• Put together presentation boards for designers
• Approve artwork and match Pantones
• Must have an understanding of different printing processes applicable to the textile industry
• Ensure projects/ designs are completed on time
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• Be able to work on a MAC computer system
• Be able to sketch technical drawings for designers will be an advantage
• Strong eye for fashion and detail with the ability to predict, analyse & monetize future retail textile and graphic print trends for local customer
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
• All communication demonstrated in an in-depth trend knowledge coupled with a business understanding
• Strong relationship building and influencing skills
• Excellent time management, organizational and administrative skills and presentation skills
• High energy level and is performance-driven and deadline-orientated
• Creative with an eye for detail, analytical and systematic, passionate about fashion

• remain flexible, function under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in a variety of circumstances
• multi-task and to deal with complexities, use initiative to solve problems
• work independently, as well as be a team player, strong interpersonal skills

Knowledge of:

• Retail merchandise cycle with regards to buying
• South African retail clothing market, customers, competitors and international landscape

Essential:

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in design: with proven experience in Apparel

Qualifications:

• A Grade 12 Certificate/ Matric
• Diploma/Degree in Textile Design OR Bachelor Degree in Art