Knitwear Designer

The Role:

As the Knitwear Designer you will work closely with the Design Director and the wider design team to develop the Womens knitwear collections across all seasons. You will lead the research design and development of innovative knitwear as Directed by the Design Director. Overseeing yarn selection stitch development and garment construction to create modern luxurious and commercially relevant collections that reflect the Creative Directors vision and the Mulberry brand aesthetic.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research

• Responsible for conducting seasonal research with the design team to identify new and progressive knitwear concepts silhouettes yarns stitches finishes and techniques.
• Display resourcefulness through a variety of research methods including market vintage archive catwalk and trend research.
• Lead yarn research and selection sourcing innovative materials and identifying new knit techniques constructions and finishing methods.
• Seek out and identify inspirational products textiles trims and materials to inform shape texture colour and treatment during research trips in London and abroad.

Design

• Responsible for the design and development of innovative knitwear for the Womens RTW Collection.
• Experiment with new yarns stitch structures techniques and finishes to create diverse innovative sustainable and commercially balanced collections.
• Confidently communicate and develop ideas through hand sketching Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and draping.
• Launch seasonal knit-downs stitch developments and trials to support the creative direction.

Product Development & Technical

• Responsible for producing accurate technical packs specification sheets sketches and CADs for suppliers throughout the development process.
• Create and update technical sketches and product specifications ensuring all modifications following fittings are accurately recorded and communicated.
• Provide detailed instructions on knit construction finishing and garment make-up prior to SMS launch.
• Participate in fit sessions for all knitwear styles ensuring design intent fit and quality standards are maintained.
• Participate in PPS fittings alongside Product Development to ensure production readiness.
• Work closely with Product Development to ensure successful product execution

Responsibility

• Ensure the critical path is adhered to working towards key milestones and proactively identifying potential risks and solutions.
• Communicate regularly with the Design Director regarding ideas progress challenges and development updates.
• Support the preparation of Lookbooks and show styling where required.
• Contribute to Mulberrys social and environmental sustainability initiatives throughout the design and development process.

Prototypes & Samples

• Work with Product Development and suppliers to ensure prototypes and samples are delivered in line with review meetings and critical path deadlines.
• Liaise with suppliers throughout development to ensure designs are executed accurately and to the highest quality standards.
• Travel to knitwear suppliers mills and industry fairs to support development and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Specifications

• Work closely with Production and Technical teams to ensure product specifications support target costings and production handover.
• Produce accurate sketches CADs and technical documentation ensuring all updates are clearly communicated following fittings and sample reviews.

Team

• Ability to work within a dynamic and fast-paced design team.
• Build strong relationships across departments to ensure an efficient design-to-production process.
• Be adaptable to changing priorities and business needs.

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• • Bachelors or Masters degree in Knitwear Design or a related discipline supported by a strong portfolio.
  • Minimum 5 years experience within the luxury fashion industry specialising in knitwear.
  • Strong expertise in yarn development knit techniques stitch development garment construction and finishing.
  • Experience designing planning and developing seasonal knitwear collections.
  • Excellent CAD skills with proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Experience producing technical packs specifications and supplier documentation.
  • Strong understanding of the knitwear product development process from concept through to production.
  • Experience working within a busy design studio organising and prioritising a demanding workload.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Enthusiastic and passionate about luxury fashion and craftsmanship.
  • Reliable practical and detail-oriented.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.