Senior Designer (maternity cover)

Senior Designer – Maternity Cover – Fixed Term Contract.

Salary: c.£37k + bonus dependent on experience.

About Us

John Horsfall Ltd is a forward-thinking textile manufacturer at the forefront of supply and innovation in the aviation sector. We are a long-established and family-owned company that has manufactured textiles since 1863 and specializes in the design and supply of bespoke in-flight products to international airlines and travel companies.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative, and committed Creative to cover a period of maternity leave during 2025. The successful candidate will join a fast-paced, deadline-driven team responsible for design & sales to our international clients, managing the design and sampling process of a wide range of textile products, as well as overseeing marketing and trade shows.

This is a fixed-term role with the potential to become permanent based on business needs and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Management

1. Creation of clear and concise presentations to a variety of audiences.
2. Creation of design/mood boards for client presentation.
3. Design and develop new products in response to customer briefs and proactively, meeting timelines and budget requirements.
4. Work closely with the sales/business development team to grow the business and meet customer requirements for new products, including attending customer presentations and providing design artworks & sampling.
5. Coordinate and control the design process from initial creative stage through product development, sampling, to approvals and specifications for bulk production.
6. Brief colleagues both overseas and in the UK on prototype and sample production, ensuring approved products are agreed for bulk production.
7. Maintain detailed records in line with the Company ISO and QA procedures, including approval records and sample archives. Assist with problem-solving and any quality issues that may arise.
8. Keep up-to-date and gather market intelligence, contacts, and industry know-how. Develop design ideas aligned with key market trends.
9. Assist with general creative functions in other parts of the business, including occasional involvement within the wider Group.

Marketing

1. Coordinate and manage the booking and planning of the Company show stand at trade exhibitions.
2. Attend trade or consumer shows, both as a visitor or exhibitor.
3. Oversee company marketing material such as brochures, stationery, social media, and ensure the website is kept up-to-date and relevant.
4. Maintain relationships with industry-specific publications, including advertising and marketing opportunities.
5. Create marketing materials such as adverts, product labels, and packaging both in-house and with a brand agency.
6. Liaise with external contacts in the ongoing development of the brand, for example, brand partners, design/marketing agency, website developers, etc.

Education & Experience Required (Essential):

1. Degree in Textile Design (or similar qualification).
2. Knowledge of fabric manufacturing processes, particularly weave and print.
3. Textile Design industry experience, preferably in a contract/hospitality textile, or homewares/furnishing type role.
4. Competence in CAD (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw) and Office suite of products.
5. Confident in presenting ideas to others and visiting customers both in the UK and overseas.
6. Excellent English language & literacy.

Additional Experience (Preferable):

1. Knowledge & experience of the basic practices/functions of B2B sales.
2. Understanding of basic textile testing and performance — e.g., flame retardants, wash-testing, colour fastness, etc.
3. Understanding and experience of quality issues & designing fabrics that are fit for purpose.

Personal Qualities:

1. Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
2. High attention to detail.
3. Planning & organization skills, with good time management. Able to multi-task and prioritize workload in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
4. Able to work within a team as well as being a self-motivated individual.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract.
Contract length: 11 months.

Additional Pay:

• Bonus scheme.

Benefits:

• On-site parking.

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday.

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred).

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required).

Work Location: In person.

Application Deadline: 10/01/2025.
Reference ID: Senior Designer - Maternity Cover.