Job Description

Blakely Clothing is a fast-growing e-commerce fashion brand based in North Norfolk. We design premium lifestyle products for a global audience and have recently experienced rapid growth. We're now expanding our team and looking for someone to help lead and shape our womenswear category.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a

Womenswear Manager

to join our Product Design team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced and motivated individual who can lead the creative and technical development of the womenswear range. You will work cross-functionally with design, production, and suppliers, taking full ownership of the category from concept through to final delivery. This role is ideal for someone passionate about womenswear with a strong commercial awareness and technical understanding.

Please include a portfolio or examples of relevant work alongside your application.

Responsibilities & Duties

Manage the womenswear category, designing and developing seasonal collections in line with brand identity, customer expectations, and trend direction. Own the full product lifecycle, from concept and development to final production, ensuring product quality, fit, and commercial appeal. Build and maintain close working relationships with our design team to develop cohesive and impactful collections. Manage and strengthen relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring high service levels across product development. Oversee the creation of range plans and products, maintaining clarity across categories and seasonal drops. Create and manage CADs and tech packs using Illustrator, aligning designs with seasonal vision and production needs. Negotiate costs for samples and prototypes, ensuring all products meet target margins without compromising on quality or design integrity. Research and introduce innovative fabrics, trims, and construction techniques that enhance the quality and sustainability of the range. Manage the sampling process from end to end, tracking deliveries and approvals in line with the sampling critical path. Review and approve fit samples and final costings, ensuring all developments align with both brand standards and business targets. Build and manage the critical path from initial concept to pre-production, ensuring deadlines are met and proactively resolving issues as they arise. Regularly analyse market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to inform design direction and product performance. Work cross-functionally with production, buying, and marketing teams to ensure a smooth transition from development into final product launch.

Skills & Requirements

Strong background in womenswear design and product development, with a keen eye for fit, detail, and styling. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and collaborate effectively across teams. Organised and proactive, with experience managing multiple styles and timelines in a fast-paced environment. Confident in working with technical specifications, garment construction, and supplier communications. Strong commercial awareness with a passion for creating relevant, trend-led collections. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Previous experience in managing suppliers and negotiating costs. A degree, HND, or equivalent in Fashion Design, Textiles, or a related field.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Employee discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person