Job Description

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with our colleagues working in stores across several retail fascias in many markets around the world.

JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019 and continues to grow in the UK and internationally.

We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company and help us to achieve this you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence whilst identifying new areas of growth as part of our day to day objectives.

Designer: Own Brand

Responsible to: Apparel Lead Designer
Department: Own Brand
Location: JD Sports Fashion plc, Edinburgh House Hollinsbrook way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR
Hours: Full time
Salary: Dependant on Experience

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Creation of seasonal trend reports for the business.
• Utilise the Trend reports to drive Brand direction, creating Customer profile documents and Brand mood boards for your brands.
• Generate Seasonal Trip and Retail reports.
• Manage the Design process in line with critical path timelines.
• Engage in new technology innovations and sustainable practices.
• Engage in 3D design and building technical 3D designs and graphical work along with AI.
• Design coherent, directional, relevant global ranges in line with research and buyers briefs. Ensuring line-arts and tech packs are to the highest level of quality.
• Liaise with the buying team to understand the direction of the Own Brands.
• Create clear, detailed functional and technical CAD’s and Tech Packs, fully utilising our PLM systems and liaising with Product Development to ensure accurate prototypes. Ensure PLM is up to date throughout the season.
• Fully utilise pantones and Coloro colour systems to ensure clear colour communication throughout the business.
• Create and maintain Branding / Packaging line-art / Packs / PLM.
• Work closely with Product Development on new fabrics, trims, techniques and fits in line with the brand requirements.
• Liaise with the Product Developer with the fit and finish of prototype samples.
• Monitor sales information on a weekly basis.
• Continually assess market trends both internally (within JD Group) and externally (competition) including the JD international markets.
• Visit JD Stores on a regular basis.
• Fully utilise trend prediction agencies such as WGSN.
• Ensure you are aware of new factories and their techniques (i.e. new washes, print or embroidery techniques)
• Attend Tradeshow local and internationally to ensure you are at the forefront of Trend Forecasting.
• Visit factories where appropriate to develop your knowledge of manufacturing techniques in partnership with the Development Team

Skills/Experience/Knowledge needed:
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe suite is essential.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong presentational skills are essential.
• Knowledge of PLM systems is an advantage; however full training is available.
• 3D Design would be an advantage.
• Experience of mixed gender design along with accessories.
• Graphical experience is essential.
• Degree level/equivalent qualification in Fashion Design or Graphical Design, Minimum 3+ years’ experience in relevant field.

We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.

Thank you for your time

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