Designer - Sports (Maternity Contract)

Job Description

An exciting position has arisen for a Designer. This individual will be responsible for designing ranges and working alongside the production team to ensure the range lands in store. We are looking for a responsible, organised individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where the customer is the central focus of everything we do. The designer’s role will be to take charge of guiding all steps of the design process, from initial conception to final manufacture processes across all commodities. A strong grasp of trend direction, product relevance, and branding are essential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Create look and feel for seasonal merchandise, based on global trends and key lessons learnt (includes direction on silhouette, styling, fabric, print, and colour). Essential to have a commercial eye and be able to interpret international trends for the customer.
2. Incorporate brand handwriting/personality into the ranges.
3. Brief graphic designer and outwork team on trend and branding direction.
4. Present and develop key items for Foschini retail team for the upcoming season, taking key platform fabrics and price points into consideration.
5. Monitor weekly sales and continuous developments throughout the season, ensuring that the brand remains relevant and in line with consumer demand.
6. Provide comprehensive and technical CAD drawings and tech packs to ensure relevant and cost-effective product.
7. Provide effective test options to establish new product categories and relevant iterations on existing product lines.
8. Provide the buying teams with regular relevant and aspirational trend information that is brand right.
9. Manage the design process throughout the critical path—from briefing the patternmaker thoroughly and working closely with all internal customers (merchandise, fabric, pattern, and sample room teams) to ensure that samples are effectively executed.
10. Ensure all garments purchased meet the retail customer’s satisfaction regarding quality and costs.

Qualifications And Experience

1. Tertiary qualification in Fashion Design.
2. Relevant work experience of 3 - 5 years in a design role.
3. Manufacturing and supplier experience beneficial.
4. Practical knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and trims.
5. Centric System Software experience (advantageous).

Skills

1. Initiative and self-motivation important; able to meet strict deadlines.
2. Excellent skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe, InDesign, and Microsoft Office.
3. Good interpersonal and communication skills.
4. High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
5. Good planning and organising skills; able to prioritise.
6. Reliable and hardworking.
7. Able to work under pressure to meet regular deadlines.
8. Enjoys working in a team.

Behaviours

1. Collaborates - effectively works with others to achieve shared goals.
2. Communicates Effectively - conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise, and impactful manner.
3. Customer Focus - understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers.
4. Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed-upon performance targets.
5. Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.
6. Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align with organisational goals and objectives.

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

About Us

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace; it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry.

We’re the designers, the makers, the shakers, and the teams behind the scenes.

Are you with us?