<h3 class="theme-panel-header text-2xl pb-6 theme-vacancy-section-title">About the role</h3><p>The Design Team fuels excitement and creativity in our products through innovation and clear strategic direction, collaborating closely with our peers. <em><strong>We are looking for an Assistant Designer specialising in print design for babywear product.</strong></em> The role encompasses support with trend insights, driving product development, aligning with strategic direction, and with overall business goals.&nbsp;</p><p><span><strong>Responsibilities</strong></span></p><p><strong>Product:</strong></p><ul><li>Balance innovation with the stability of core products, making sure that new ideas and developments align with both customer needs and existing strengths.&nbsp;</li><li>Proactively seek out new opportunities for product development, working closely with the supply base to drive innovation and introduce fresh, exciting products.&nbsp;</li><li>Grow your knowledge of the department, seeking leadership and guidance to ensure seamless operations and drive continuous improvement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Attend selection and sign off meetings with Head of departments to review and finalise options in order to ensure alignment with departmental goals and organisational priorities. Document key decisions and outcomes from these meetings for future reference and accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain strong and clear communication with the supply base, ensuring alignment on expectations, timelines, and product requirements to foster successful partnerships&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Collaboratively build the product range with the buying team, ensuring a balanced and strategically aligned assortment that meets both customer needs and business goals.&nbsp;</li><li>Develop clear and cost-conscious technical packs, ensuring all specifications are accurately outlined while keeping cost-efficiency in mind to meet both quality and budget requirements.&nbsp;</li><li>Support with trend research and analysis, including setting up styling rooms, mood boards, key shapes, and curating colour palettes to ensure alignment with emerging trends.&nbsp;</li><li>Possess an understanding of trade performance, including identifying best and worst sellers, and use these insights to influence and improve future design strategies.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Customer:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Ensure departmental accountability in collaboration with the buyer and merchandiser to streamline operations and drive results; ensuring that product decisions are aligned with both market trends and customer preferences.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide insights into customer habits, ensuring that the products designed are closely aligned with customer preferences, wants, and needs.&nbsp;</li><li>Conduct regular market research and insight analysis, actively engaging in and sharing findings on trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Strategy:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Take an end-to-end product focus, from gathering insights to store execution, working closely with Marketing and creative teams across the business to bring the vision to life.&nbsp;</li><li>Introduce new ideas and trend interpretations to the team, ensuring that Matalan's products remain innovative, on-trend, and relevant in the marketplace&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Leadership:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Demonstrate an understanding of the critical path, working efficiently to meet tight deadlines.&nbsp;</li><li>Collaborate with peers across different areas of the business to provide valuable insights, while developing a deeper understanding of the brand's vision and the needs of our customers.&nbsp;</li><li>Mentor and lead Trainee Designers in their growth and development.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><div class="absolute bottom-2 right-2"><button onclick="scrollToTop()" class="theme-primary p-2 rounded-lg flex"><i translate="no" class="material-symbols-outlined"> arrow_upward </i></button></div>