Knitwear Designer Womens - Supplier - Manchester

Our client is a global design-led apparel manufacturer and supply chain manager. Creating the highest quality and affordable product to fit their customers’ needs, working with brands and retailers across UK, EU, USA and Canada.

Job Title: Senior Knitwear Designer  – Womenswear

Location: Manchester

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and creative Senior Knitwear Designer to join our design team. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of knitwear design, yarn development, stitch techniques, and garment construction, alongside experience working directly with international suppliers and factories, particularly in Bangladesh. This is a hands-on role where you will lead the design and development of innovative, trend-led knitwear that balances creativity, quality, and commercial viability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design & Creative Development

• Lead the creation of seasonal knitwear collections.
• Develop original designs, technical sketches, and mood boards informed by market research, yarn innovation, and global trend insights.
• Ensure collections align with brand identity, customer expectations, and commercial goals.

2. Yarn, Stitch & Material Innovation

• Source and recommend yarns, trims, and finishes suitable for a variety of knitwear styles, ensuring alignment with quality, sustainability, and cost requirements.
• Experiment with stitches, gauges, and fabric structures to deliver fresh and innovative designs.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to explore new developments and technologies.

3. Product Development

• Oversee the knitwear development process from concept through to final product.
• Provide clear technical packs, stitch details, and specifications to factories.

4. Supplier & Production Collaboration

• Work closely with our office and factories in Bangladesh to manage timelines, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure design integrity is maintained throughout production.

5. Trend & Market Research

• Conduct in-depth research into knitwear trends, yarn innovations, consumer preferences, and competitor activity.
• Stay updated on sustainable practices, knitting technologies, and advancements in fibre development.
• Carry out inspo and development trips internationally.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with merchandising, production, and sales teams to ensure collections are commercially relevant, production-ready, and aligned with market needs.

You will be required to travel to both UK and European customers regularly .

 Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in knitwear design, ideally across Women’s  categories.
• Strong portfolio showcasing technical knowledge of knitwear, stitch development, and yarn innovation.
• Proven experience working with international manufacturers, with a preference for experience in Bangladesh.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalent CAD systems for knitwear).
• Strong technical understanding of knitwear construction, yarn properties, and garment finishing.
• Excellent trend awareness, colour sense, and ability to translate concepts into commercially viable designs.
• Outstanding communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail.