KNIT AND JERSEY DESIGNER TOAST designs clothes and homewares for modern living (for both men and women). We endeavour to create products that are unique – designed with great care, made of the best quality fabrics – and present them in simple but original and inspiring ways. We are known for our seasonal photography campaigns – which take us all over the world and continually expand our influences – as well as a consistent dedication to depth of thought in everything we do. The emphasis within the TOAST workplace is on simplicity, originality, creativity and thoughtfulness. We work hard to communicate intelligently with the wider world (to assume intelligence in those we engage with) and strive against doing the obvious. We value serious thought in many broad fields – in art, literature, design, philosophy, travel, science…. – as much as we do in fashion. Though our output may appear simple, it is always produced with great attention to detail. You are a catalyst for TOAST’s successes. To realize our ambitions we need you to share our interests and values, have an enthusiasm for TOAST itself, a deep knowledge and love of your own specialist area, and a wealth of life experience. With this common ground we can work together with clarity of thought, producing innovative ideas and always doing our very best for TOAST. In return for your dedication, TOAST will offer a supportive and friendly working environment with flexible working hours and generous staff discounts. You will receive a comprehensive induction; including product and brand training, that helps to plant a deep understanding of TOAST that can be carried confidently through your work and into the outside world. KNIT AND JERSEY DESIGNER UPDATED 1ST May 2013 REPORTS TO Head of Design LOCATION Swansea ROLE OVERVIEW Design and develop ranges of design-led, but simple, knit and jersey styles across women’s, men’s and loungewear range plans to build a balanced, comprehensive offer with required pricing structure and margin. We are looking for a candidate with a good level of design flair to make best use of the high quality raw materials we use in our ranges. ROLE IN DETAIL Design and Development • • • • • • Travel to each sourcing base (domestic and international) from time to time to review sourcing possibilities/develop designs. Visit retail/shops/markets/other locations to develop ideas for each new season's developments. Develop ideas and drawings for range to conform to range plan and work alongside the woven product category. Aligned with seasonal trends and brand aesthetic, build the range, sourcing raw materials, specialised finishes and processes in co-ordination with design managers. Present range ideas at range planning meeting with directors and design managers. Develop agreed range through to proto and then photo sample stage, ensuring coherence with critical path and margin targets, attending regular range review meetings as appropriate and ensuring efficient and clear communication with all suppliers with the aim of 'right first time' sampling. • • • • • • Interpreting the design specification sheets, including technical drawings and trims, allocating the appropriate fit and make instructions, ensuring details are followed through all stages. Manage the development/ generation of the seasonal pictorial range plans “grids”. Schedule team fit meetings and manage the resulting feedback to supply bases. Oversee the collation of style data for the caption writing and manufacture of the mail order catalogue. Be responsible for sign off sealer/counter samples for production. Participate at the Seasonal Selection Meetings. Critical Path Management • • • • • • • • Manage and maintain the sampling process to the critical path and ensure regular meetings with main range design team to meet requirements of critical path. Be responsible for regular communication with the country offices/agents to track all styles progress. Manage/track all areas of the Sample Programme, ensuring the timely delivery of samples/lab dips/prototypes/pattern cutting/fabric delivery dates/proto dates /proto comments/photo order date/photo complete date/ sealing and shipment samples. In your technical capacity, you will be responsible for defining, implementing and monitoring the size, fit and quality of your product. You will ensure technical excellence and high quality product is developed and produced directly at source with manufacturers. Ensure all sample delivery dates confirmed are workable against the critical path. Highlight any potential problems that may affect the agreed sample ready date Offer solutions when problem solving. Other • • • Participate in staff training sessions on a seasonal basis. Obtain and communicate product background information to increase our customers' awareness of the quality of what we produce. Provide guidance on any disclaimers/legal labelling/special packaging required. EXPERIENCE • • • • • • • Minimum of 3-4 years relevant experience of knit and jersey design. Experience of international sourcing and supplier negotiation. A clear understanding of the company aesthetic and an ability to develop a suitable knit / jersey range within our commercial criteria. Can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of product construction and spec generation. Has a broad appreciation of yarn sourcing, selection, machine gauges and their technical capabilities. An ability to work well in a team environment with good interpersonal and communication skills. A positive enthusiasm for working in a company where design, authenticity of product and customer experience are paramount. • • • Someone who is creative and organised, with strong commercial skills. The ideal candidate will have experience of liaising with factories/suppliers, you will have a good understanding of the fit process, following the critical path and making sure that all amendments and deliveries are completed on time. Computer literate and have experience of working with Microsoft Excel, Word, Adobe photo deluxe, Outlook and Internet. HOW TO APPLY • • If you are interested in joining the Toast team, please e-mail your up-to-date C.V. and a covering letter to: [email protected] When writing your covering letter please make sure you make it as lively as possible by letting us know a few things about yourself.