Design Manager - Textiles

Our client is a multi award-winning textile manufacturer with a long heritage and a forward thinking approach to innovation and sustainability. They design and manufacture quality environmental fabrics for commercial, public transport and residential sectors. They are now seeing an experienced Design Manager to support the Head of Creative Design and help formulate the hospitality product development strategy. 

Design Manager - Textiles - the role:
•    Design, develop and implement new products in line with this strategy and published Product Development and Marketing Critical Success Factors.
•    Be the company expert in the Hospitality Sector. Focus on creating a market leading position which builds on the current market leading position in the world of Contract Interior fabrics
•    Responsible for the design and sourcing of Hospitality led products, either manufactured or via external sourcing.
•    Actively research and seek outstanding mills to develop products in which company manufacturing does not have core competence.
•    Design and/or select exciting textiles which meet the aesthetic and technical demands of the global Hospitality sector - noting a potential segue into the wider Contract market
•    Brief and oversee the development of all Hospitality product, creating a Product Plan for the wider business.
•    Take responsibility along with Technical team for ensuring all products are fit for purpose in terms of performance specifications and environmental aspects.
•    Work collaboratively with the Technical functions to create specification details to facilitate commercially viable products.
•    Provide consistent support to the Head of Design in all areas of the design and technical development responding to briefs quickly and creatively.
•    Ensure that environmental sustainability remains a key focus.
•    Work with strategic customers to develop and implement new products.
•    Support the Head of Creative Design in the development of the vision for yearly Insight presentations by providing professional standard communication and visualisations
•    Research global Design trends - fabric, colour, lifestyle, aesthetics and technical innovations.
•    Create Moodboards to focus ideas, concepts and colours and present this information to Head of Creative Design, Design team and key stakeholders as required
•    Positively contribute to regular Idea Collective workshops with the Innovation and Technical team to Inspire and cross fertilise ideas for future developments
•    Represent, promote and act as an ambassador for the company at industry events/exhibitions/sales conferences and with customers as appropriate
•    Contribute to creative meetings and workshops with Sales and key strategic customers.
•    Assist Head of Creative by contributing to the styling of photography, exhibitions and showroom spaces, showcasing new fabrics and concepts in an inspirational way making sure everything is on brand.
•    Attend industry and networking events, working with customers promoting the Brand, acting as the keeper of the brands’ relevance, aesthetics, and values.
•    Input into brainstorms on marketing material and merchandising, focus on elevating the brand and inspiring customers.
•    Willingness to travel regularly to global suppliers and trade shows

Design Manager - Textiles - the candidate:
•    Strong woven textile design skills with a BA (or equivalent) in woven textile 
•    Mill Sourcing experience.
•    Experienced weave designer. Required to demonstrate excellent skills in Dobby and Jacquard woven construction, combined with a passion for yarns and knowledge of finishing techniques.
•    A keen eye for colour is essential.
•    Ability to create high level digital mood boards and presentations using PowerPoint, Photoshop and /or InDesign software
•    Strong presentation and communication skills to engage internal stakeholders and customers.
•    Ability to work independently with passion and drive whilst demonstrating high levels of resilience and flexibility. Hands on/can do attitude.
•    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, whilst assessing commerciality.
•    Ability to work and communicate with individuals at all levels and with sensibility to internal pressures and corporate demands. Ability to foster supportive relationships in a busy design department
•    Excellent verbal, written and platform communication skills.
•    Strong and proven interpersonal skills utilised for effective communication internally and externally.
•    Demonstrate success in interacting effectively with internal technical, sales and marketing teams
•    Ability to inspire and motivate others.
•    Experience in project management and product development, often managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines for project completion.
•    Creative and forward thinking
•    Dynamic and proactive
•    Ability to work well under pressure
•    Innovative and engaging
•    Honest, sincere and genuine
•    Excellent interpersonal skills
•    Team worker
•    Dedicated and conscientious
•    Appetite for continuous learning
•    Flexible & resilient
•    Drive, tenacity and enthusiasm
•    Advanced PC/CAD skills
•    Full driving licence
•    Valid passport

Design Manager - Textiles - the package:         

• Highly competitive salary
• Hybrid working

Due to the anticipated interest in this role only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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