Menswear - Design Developer Knitwear

Company Description:

The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour's wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.

Position Overview:

We currently have an opportunity for a Design Developer Knitwear to join our Menswear team based at Barbour House, South Shields. You will be responsible for the design and development of seasonal Knitwear ranges for men's clothing in line with critical path deadlines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the creation of knitwear products considering yarn, structure, features, price points, margin and delivery dates.
2. Deliver product in line with the seasonal objectives for knitwear, aimed towards and target global markets.
3. Work as part of the design team designing ranges and products key to the 5-year plan.
4. Work to a seasonal critical path for product launch.
5. Through regular market visits and range reviews with key representatives, demonstrate an understanding of the key markets in which to grow knitwear sales within Barbour.
6. Create an accurate, detailed technical specification for each product suitable for global manufacture.
7. Create appropriate presentation & branding packs to communicate the range direction.
8. Have the ability to progress product lines and ranges supporting in creating comprehensive mood and colour boards in line with the Barbour brand DNA.
9. Work closely with the technical team and manufacturing base, to create prototype and selling samples to the required fit and specification, in line with the critical path deadlines.
10. Investigate and propose potential new suppliers where necessary and work directly with manufactures to develop new seasonal concept prototypes.
11. Assist the creation of accessory products by liaising with the accessories team.
12. Provide accurate information on all products to the Marketing and E Commerce teams.
13. Support in the preparation of all product lines and product presentation packs for sales Launch.
14. Have the ability to present knitwear ranges in detail to the sales team and distributors when required.

Skills and Experience:

1. Degree in clothing and fashion design with a focus on knitwear a preference.
2. Experience focussed on knitwear at a global brand / company.
3. Excellent Technical knowledge of knitwear.
4. Extensive experience working in Asia.
5. Strong understanding of Menswear knitwear and what makes a great product (fabrics, detail, fit and competitors etc).
6. Extensive experience of Design & Development in Men's knitwear. Covering all aspects: costs/margin/RRP's, seasonal drops and collections.
7. Previous use of a PLM system or similar an advantage.
8. Excellent Illustrator skills.
9. Long established experience of working with overseas suppliers.
10. Good experience and knowledge of brand and retailers in the UK.
11. Experience working with global markets - Europe / USA / ASIA very desirable.
12. Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
13. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
14. All-round IT skills.
15. Demonstrate an understanding of the Barbour brand positioning, its heritage and competitor brands.

Additional Information:

This role will require an extensive amount of travel both in the UK and Internationally.

Benefits:

1. Discretionary Company bonus scheme.
2. Staff Discount.
3. Staff Shop.
4. Healthcare Cash Plan.
5. 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays.
6. Access to training and development activities to support your career development.
7. Free onsite parking.
8. Subsidised canteen.
9. Operate hybrid & flexible working.
10. 4pm finish on a Friday.
11. Wellbeing support.
12. Refer a friend.

Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.