We are looking for a senior performance apparel designer to join our team. Your primary responsibility will be to design world-class technical, performance clothing. You will report to the Design Director and will work closely with the rest of the design team to develop new ideas and concepts, having the opportunity to drive the design of exciting new products to grow Montane’s apparel range. As a senior designer, you will play a key part in the implementation and management of design processes and delivery of the design strategy. You will work closely with the Garment and Product Technicians in the development of prototypes, seeing products through the creative process, from brief to production. Product performance and technology are at the heart of our brand, therefore we are looking for someone who is already operating as a senior designer, has experience in performance apparel design, and has at least 6 years of design experience.

As a Senior Designer at Montane you will be responsible for:

Producing innovative and relevant design concepts.

Working closely with the design team and the Design Director to execute seasonal plans.

Leading and implementing specific design processes and projects.

Implementing and ensuring a coherent design language, aligned to the Montane design strategy.

Conducting research, analysing sales data and consumer insights to inform future thinking and build inspiring products for our customers.

Exploring new patterns and developing new construction techniques.

Creating detailed technical specifications and communicating these to factories.

Generating and managing detailed product BOM’s and size charts.

Liaising with factories and suppliers on designs, construction, and technical specifications.

Managing departmental workflow, and seasonal tasks, and ensuring product development is executed against a strict seasonal timeline.

Communicating with vendors and suppliers to source new components, materials, and trims.

Working closely with Garment and Product Technicians to develop styles and ensuring quality, consistency and commerciality.

Working with the product testing team to develop new materials and products.

Competently presenting concepts and designs at key stage gates.

Assisting the Garment and Product Technicians to maintain consistent and relevant fit.

Working with the Materials Manager on seasonal material selection and application.

Assisting the Colour Designer with CAD’s, seasonal colour selection and application.

Identifying opportunities for improvement in the design and development process and initiating proposals and projects.

Supporting and developing other team members when required.

A degree in Industrial / Product Design (or similar).

A minimum of 6 years of proven experience in apparel design.

Current or previous experience in performance apparel design.

Current or previous experience working in a senior designer position.

Current or previous experience managing people and/or projects.

Highly creative, with a talent and passion for designing product that is fit for purpose.

An understanding of patterning and an ability to think three-dimensionally.

A strong understanding of performance apparel.

Experience of leading design and development processes.

A keen eye for detail.

An ability to adapt and problem-solve.

Excellent visual presentation skills.

Excellent planning and organisational skills.

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

A strong motivation to succeed.

An ability to work closely within a team and to develop and coach others.

Advanced knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator.

An interest and ability to travel internationally.

A keen active interest in the outdoors.

Friendly and supportive team

Regular team activities

Work from home days

Core hours and flexible start and finish times

Early Friday finish

Employer pension contributions

Cycle scheme

Free entry to Montane races

Generous employee discounts

Montane is one of the fastest growing premium outdoor brands in Europe. We specialise in creating technical clothing, backpacks, and accessories for fast-paced mountain sports, where design and performance are of the highest quality. We have a friendly, dynamic, and ambitious team motivated by a love of the mountains and with a passion for producing exceptional products in line with our ‘Further. Faster.’ brand vision. We are represented in many territories around the world and have a head office in Northumberland and a showroom in the Lake District.

Location: Ashington, Northumberland.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience.
Contract: Full Time , Permanent Role.

Apply by submitting a CV and covering letter to recruitment@montane.com

Closing date for applications: 4th November 2022

Please Note: If a good volume of suitable applicants are received, this vacancy might close before the date advertised, therefore please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in the role.