Senior Designer - Lead

PURPOSE OF ROLE

This role is to work directly with the Creative Director, and to take forward their initial inspiration ideas to start to build a cohesive seasonal collection and, must be able to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, supporting and guiding the design team.

This is a studio-based role, and one that must ensure to bring creative strength and newness to each collection, as well as understanding the business requirements in terms of commercial needs to support the growth of the business.

To work closely with the Head of Collection and Senior Developer to ensure design handovers are clear and critical paths are adhered to.

To work across all collections, including pre and show, capsules, custom and any other adhoc projects.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• To initiate original design drapes and sketches, following the Creative Director seasonal brief. Prepare relevant and creative research on themes, colours, fabrics, around the season’s brief.
• To research and maintain knowledge of relevant womenswear trends and history to advise on silhouettes, finishes, suitability of fabrics etc. 
• Design product that conforms to the range plan and creative vision of the brand. 
• Collaborating with different functions within the company, such as the sales team to ensure commerciality of collection, and range plan, and CD / production to respect margin expectations.
• Participate and collaboratively lead weekly fits with the design and development teams.
• Help coordinate the design team, and allocate work appropriately to ensure deadlines and design quality is maintained, working closely with Collection Development and Workroom team on ensuring compliance of critical paths.
• To work in conjunction with the development team to ensure that design to fabric gives a merchandised and balanced collection for sales with all price points and categories respected.
• To liaise and brief any out of house design projects.
• Is capable to implement new and improve old processes.
• Any other duties as directed by the Creative Director.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role in the fashion luxury
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion design is mandatory
• Experience in leading and managing a team
• Excellent free-hand drawing skills
• Excellent use and knowledge of Adobe Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and keep to strict deadlines
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced ever-changing environment
• Understanding and alignment with the 16Arlington aesthetic

Note:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in the job. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Based in London, the company culture is dynamic and entrepreneurial but with a strategic vision. The culture of this fast-growing brand requires strong organisational skills, team players, good communication skills, a “Can Do” and 360 approach.