Junior Designer - Womenswear Sportswear

Job Description

USA Pro and Slazenger are established sportswear brands within Frasers Group, with a strong heritage across activewear, fitness and performance product.

As part of Frasers Group's continued investment in its own-brand portfolio, USA Pro and Slazenger are evolving their product offer to deliver exciting, relevant and commercially successful sportswear for today's consumer.

Working from our creative London design studio, you'll join a fast-paced and collaborative team responsible for developing product that combines fashion, functionality and performance across women's sportswear.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at a pivotal stage of brand growth and play a hands-on role in shaping the future of the womenswear offer.

The Role: 

We are looking for a talented and enthusiasticJunior Designer - Womenswear Sportswear to support the design and product development of collections across USA Pro and Slazenger.

Reporting to the Senior Designer, you will play an integral role in developing commercially relevant womenswear sportswear, from initial concepts and trend research through to garment development, fittings, approvals and production.

You'll work closely with Design, Buying, Garment Technology, Product Development and overseas suppliers to create product that balances fashion, performance, quality, fit and commerciality.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about sportswear and product, has a strong eye for detail and understands how to translate trends and consumer insights into wearable, commercially successful product.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the design and development of women's sportswear collections across USA Pro and Slazenger, including performance, fitness, training and lifestyle product.
• Research seasonal fashion and sportswear trends, competitor brands, market direction, colour, fabric, print, graphic and silhouette trends to identify relevant product opportunities.
• Develop mood boards, trend presentations, colour stories and customer-focused design concepts.
• Translate creative concepts into commercially viable sportswear product, considering functionality, performance, fit and end use.
• Create accurate CADs, technical drawings, colourways and specification information to support the product development process.
• Assist with fabric, trim, print, branding and component sourcing, considering performance, quality, cost and commercial suitability.
• Develop product details including trims, panels, colour blocking, branding, prints, graphics and functional features.
• Work closely with Buying, Garment Technology and Product Development to ensure designs meet customer, quality, fit and commercial requirements.
• Communicate regularly with overseas suppliers and factories to manage product developments, comments, approvals and critical path deadlines.
• Review samples and provide clear, concise and accurate development comments to suppliers.
• Attend fit sessions alongside the Garment Technology team, contributing to fit, construction and product improvements.
• Develop a strong understanding of sportswear garment construction, performance fabrics and technical product requirements.
• Manage samples throughout the development process, ensuring they are organised and available for fittings, meetings and presentations.
• Support range reviews, product sign-offs and internal presentations.
• Help maintain accurate design and development information across the range.
• Keep up to date with the wider sportswear market, emerging brands, consumer behaviour and innovations in activewear.
• Contribute positively to the creative culture of the design team, bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a collaborative approach every day.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about womenswear sportswear and product. You'll also be excited by the opportunity to help develop the next generation of USA Pro and Slazenger product.

You'll have a strong creative eye but also understand that great sportswear design needs to be functional,commercially relevant and right for the customer.

You're curious about how products are made, enjoy getting into the detail and are comfortable working across the full design and development process. You'll be proactive, organised and confident working in a fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly.

• Previous experience in a fashion, sportswear or product design role, ideally within a retailer, supplier or sportswear brand.
• A genuine passion for womenswear, sportswear, activewear and product design.
• An understanding of current sportswear and fashion trends and how these can translate into commercial product.
• Experience designing across womenswear product categories; sportswear or activewear experience would be highly advantageous.
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Excellent CAD and technical drawing skills.
• An understanding of garment construction, fabrics, trims and product development.
• An interest in performance fabrics and technical sportswear innovation.
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of the UK and international sportswear market.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple developments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to communicate clearly and confidently with internal teams and overseas suppliers.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to take ownership.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work.
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn and develop.
• AI design tools or generative AI experience would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Above all, we're looking for attitude, curiosity and a genuine passion for product.

• Is ambitious, motivated and eager to develop their career in sportswear design.
• Is genuinely excited by womenswear, fitness, sport and the wider activewear market.
• Has a strong creative point of view while understanding commercial product.
• Is naturally curious about fabrics, construction, fit and how garments perform.
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the team.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Has a strong work ethic and isn't afraid to get hands-on with product.
• Takes ownership and follows developments through from concept to final product.
• Has exceptional attention to detail.
• Is confident sharing ideas and receptive to feedback.
• Constantly looks for inspiration across fashion, sport, culture and the wider market.
• Takes pride in creating product that customers genuinely want to wear.

Additional Information

Along with your benefits package we also offer a wide range of perks for our colleagues: 

Frasers Champion - Our employees are at the heart of our business and we ensure individuals are recognised every single month for their hard work. Frasers Champion is a peer nominated scheme where 8 winners will receive double their pay for a month where they have lived the Frasers Group values.  

Retail Reconnect - In order to build the planets most admired and compelling brand ecosystem, all employees must understand our business, product and customers. Each financial year, head office employees will gain insights by spending one to two days in one of our stores or the warehouse. The goal is to learn how the work you do impacts our teams on the frontline, and to bring ideas back to the office which will improve how we work. 

Fearless 1200 - Fearless 1200 is our way of recognising our growth. It’s bold, ambitious, and designed to reward colleagues across the business for living our values and delivering impact. Fearless 1200 links how we perform to how we're rewarded – check out the video link to find out more - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0qmvJofMew  

Employee Welfare 

Frasers Fit - Our Everlast Gyms Team are on a mission to make our workforce the best, and fittest on the planet! We run free gym classes for employees as well as discounted memberships to our clubs. Frasers Fit is our wellbeing programme which aims to support and improve colleagues Physical, Financial & Mental wellbeing. The app is accessible for every employee and includes training, nutrition and lifestyle advice- all completely free. 

Retail Trust - We know that its not just about physical health, mental wellness is equally important which is why all of our employees get free access and support from the Retail Trust charity. This includes a 24 hour wellbeing helpline, wellness hub, counselling and financial/legal support. 

What’s next? 

Our Recruitment Team will be reviewing applications and all candidates will receive a response, whether you are successful or unsuccessful. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to confirm a few key details before being booked in for a first stage interview with the Recruiter - this will be behaviourally focussed and centred around how you align with our Culture and Values. If successful we anticipate one or two further interview stages with the Hiring Manager/wider team which will be more technically focussed and could include a presentation/task so we can see your skills in action.