Senior Designer - Topshop

Job Description

Company Description

TOPSHOP and TOPMAN are iconic British fashion brands with 60 years of heritage. Headquartered in London, the Brands have over 2 million customers across the globe through the ASOS platform and generate brand sales of c£200m. Our mission is to unlock the best of fashion for everyone, with creativity and innovation at our core.

Following the formation of a Joint Venture between ASOS and HEARTLAND in October 2024, ASOS is creating a standalone cross-functional team within ASOS which is dedicated to unlocking the huge growth potential of the TOPSHOP and TOPMAN brands. The brands will now benefit from ASOS infrastructure and resources while enjoying the creative freedom and agility of standalone brands.

The next 12 months for TOPSHOP and TOPMAN will see the expansion of the brands’ offline and online retail presence with the launch of Topshop.com and new wholesale partnerships.

Job Description

You’ll be…

• Researching, developing and creating a balanced range, including developing big deals, key seasonal shapes, selecting fabrics, trends and items for the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN customer
• Develop a cohesive range for the department, ensuring that product reflects the Brand strategy, the range is without gaps or duplication, and that the season is logically and commercially thought through
• Presenting trend research to other teams including Buying and Commercial leadership, where relevant
• Collaborating across departments and functions of the business including Marketing, to ensure the design vision is communicated clearly
• Identifying and executing new product opportunities as they emerge in the market
• Contributing to business wide initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change
• Using relevant sales data and insights to design commercially relevant, fashion forward ranges
• Anticipating the needs of the 20-something customer, using sales data, customer profile analytics and trend research to deliver commercial product ranges
• Sourcing new fabrications, techniques and trimmings
• Working closely with in-house Buying teams – collaborating to create fresh product, each season and shape the product direction for the department, ensuring that it is aligned to the brand and divisional strategy
• Working with the Technical team on fits on a weekly basis, identifying and helping create new silhouette blocks for the department and produce a commercial range
• Building relationships with suppliers and advising factories on direction, silhouette, construction, key details, fabrics, trimmings and artworks.
• Managing, developing and motivating more junior team members, providing them with clear direction and regular feedback
• Supporting and deputising for the Head of Design as required, for example, attending product reviews or guiding the team on range building
• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team. Looking for opportunities to use sustainable materials wherever possible
• Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios and Global teams
• Leading/Role model and building a strong team of junior levels, with a focus on growing future talent
• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working
• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback

Qualifications

We’d love to meet, someone with…

• Significant experience in Jersey or Soft & Separates product areas
• Previous experience of direct sourcing from fabric mills, with knowledge of cut and construction
• Experience of working cross-functionally to deliver initiatives that have a positive commercial impact
• Proven ability to drive the success of a department or brand through strategic and commercial thinking
• A commercial handwriting and strong understanding of the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN Brand and Customer
• Experience with Photoshop, Adobe, CAD
• Plugged into 20-something culture and fashion, passionate about the product
• Strong organisation skills, initiative, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• The ability to build great relationships with colleagues across the business and suppliers alike
• Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialise opportunities
• Embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team
• Demonstrates an effective and inclusive leadership style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development
• Comfortable travelling in the UK and internationally for supplier/product development meetings and inspirational purposes

Additional Information

BeneFITS’

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
• ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
• Employee sample sales
• Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
• 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care scheme
• Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits