Design Manager - Luxury Knitwear Fashion

Design Manager - Luxury Knitwear Fashion 4 Days per week | Fixed-Term Contract (1218 Months)Up to £36,000 per annumMatlock, DerbyshireStart Date: September 2026Lead the future of British luxury knitwear design At John Smedley, design is where heritage, craftsmanship and innovation come together. For over 240 years we've been creating the world's finest knitwear, combining exceptional British manufacturing with contemporary design to produce garments recognised and respected around the world.Unlike many fashion brands, our design, product development and manufacturing teams all work together on-site. This fully integrated approach gives our Design team the rare opportunity to collaborate closely throughout every stage of the product journey, seeing ideas develop seamlessly from concept through to production while maintaining the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that define John Smedley.We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Design Manager to join our business on a 1218 month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.This is an exciting opportunity to lead the design and development of premium knitwear collections within one of Britain's most iconic luxury brands. Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, you'll lead our Design and Product Development function, shaping the future direction of our collections while ensuring products are successfully developed from concept through to production.This is a role for someone who is passionate about product. You'll enjoy being hands-on, solving design challenges and transforming ideas into commercially successful collections. Working closely with Technical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Marketing teams, you'll ensure every product reflects the quality, innovation and craftsmanship that define John Smedley.The Role As Design Manager, you'll lead the Design and Product Development teams, driving the creation of seasonal collections and new product opportunities while ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through to production.Working closely with the Chief Product Officer, you'll help define future product direction, oversee the delivery of seasonal collections and ensure every product is beautifully designed, commercially successful and manufactured to the highest standards. You'll inspire and support the Design and Product Development teams while fostering strong collaboration across the wider business.What You'll Do Lead the day-to-day operation of the Design and Product Development teams, setting priorities, providing direction and creating an environment where creativity and commercial thinking thrive.Partner with the Chief Product Officer to shape seasonal product strategies, future collections and new product opportunities.Lead the design and development of premium knitwear collections from concept through to production, ensuring products align with brand direction, customer needs and commercial objectives.Produce and oversee detailed technical specifications, garment packs, construction details and product documentation to ensure concepts are successfully translated into production-ready products.Work closely with Technical and Product Development teams to ensure products are commercially viable, manufacturable and delivered to the highest quality standards.Champion a right-first-time approach to product development, reducing unnecessary sampling, rework and delays.Lead planning meetings to monitor workloads, priorities, risks and seasonal critical paths.Build strong collaborative relationships across Design, Technical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Marketing teams.Act as the first point of escalation for design-related product quality issues, identifying practical, commercially focused solutions.Coach, mentor and develop members of the Design and Product Development teams, encouraging innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.Who We're Looking For We're looking for an experienced product design leader who combines creativity with commercial awareness and enjoys developing both products and people. Experience within knitwear would be highly desirable, as knitwear sits at the heart of our business. However, we'll also consider candidates with a strong background in premium apparel or fashion design.You'll bring:Significant experience within fashion, apparel or knitwear design, with knitwear experience highly desirable.Strong knowledge of garment design, technical specifications, product development and the complete product lifecycle.Excellent understanding of fashion manufacturing processes.Experience leading product development across multiple collections and managing seasonal critical paths.Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, yarns and product development processes.Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while coordinating the work of others.A collaborative approach, building strong relationships across Design, Technical, Quality, Commercial and Marketing teams.Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge constructively, solve problems and influence decisions.Experience mentoring, coaching or leading colleagues within a design environment.A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and creating exceptional products.Commercial awareness and an understanding of how outstanding product design contributes to business performance and customer satisfaction.Why Join John Smedley? This is an excellent opportunity to lead product design within an internationally recognised British luxury brand. Working alongside the Chief Product Officer, you'll have genuine influence over future collections, product innovation and the continued evolution of one of Britain's most respected knitwear manufacturers.What makes John Smedley truly unique is our fully integrated, on-site manufacturing. You'll work alongside Design, Technical, Product Development and Manufacturing teams under one roof, giving you the opportunity to see your ideas evolve from concept to finished garment through a level of collaboration that's increasingly rare within the luxury fashion industry.In return, we offer:The opportunity to lead the design and development of premium knitwear collections for a globally recognised British heritage brand.A collaborative and supportive working environment.Genuine influence over future collections and product innovation.The opportunity to lead exciting product development projects from concept through to launch.Discounts at hundreds of retailers.Access to wellbeing services.Fantastic employee discount.34 days' annual leave, including Bank Holidays.Salary of up to £36,000 per annum.Hours: 4 days per weekContract: Fixed-Term Contract (1218 Months)Start Date: September 2026Ready for your next challenge? If you're an experienced product design leader with a passion for creating exceptional knitwear and inspiring others to deliver their best work, we'd love to hear from you.TPBN1_UKTJ