Design Manager - Private Label

Manchester Ref: 757BD Company Profile A fast-growing international design and manufacturing business supplying private-label products to major UK and European supermarket, high-street and fashion-led retailers. Responsibilities Design Manager – Private Label Location: Manchester Hybrid work: 3 days in the office, 2 days from home Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum Ref: 757BD Main Duties Lead the design and product development of private-label collections, managing customer accounts and projects from concept to production while supporting designers and working with sales, sourcing and manufacturing teams. The Role – Lead design and product development for key retail customers – Develop seasonal concepts, prints, patterns, colour palettes and collections – Translate customer briefs into commercially successful products – Present concepts and collections to customers – Manage licensed and branded projects – Research fashion, lifestyle and retail trends – Manage projects from concept through to production – Review samples, lab dips, strike-offs and approvals – Work closely with sourcing, product development and manufacturing teams – Lead and support designers in the UK and India – Identify new product, design and sustainability opportunities – Travel in the UK and internationally as required Candidate's Profile – Solid experience in textile, fashion or product design – Design Manager, Senior Designer or similar leadership experience – Essential: previous experience working with UK supermarkets – High-street and fashion-led retail experience highly desirable – Private-label design experience – Strong customer-facing and presentation skills – Strong print, pattern, colour and textile knowledge – Licensed or branded product experience advantageous – Excellent Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills – Good understanding of product development and manufacturing – Commercially aware with an understanding of retail price points – Trend-focused, creative and confident – Strong project management and organisational skills – Personable, collaborative and confident managing a team Salary