Senior Bags & Accessories Designer - FTC

Position: Senior Bags & Accessories Designer - 12 month FTC
Location: Greater London

*** Working at Stella McCartney is a truly rewarding experience. As a luxury fashion company with a strong ethical standpoint we are leaders and innovators in our industry.
***** Overview
* * The Senior Bags and Accessories Designer role works creatively with the Design Directors, contributing to the collection by executing the Creative Director's vision across various accessories lines. This role demands a proactive and experienced designer who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to and managing all stages of the design process while maintaining composure under pressure and demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and materials.

The role will strategically translate creative concepts into innovative designs aligned with brand aesthetics and market trends.
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* Location:

** London, Head Office
** Type:
** 12 month fixed term contract
** Your Mission:
*** Collaborate closely with the Collection Director to create and facilitate an achievable timeline for collection offerings in line with and managing budget for all bags and accessories collections.
* Oversee the fabric and prototype archive, ensuring organisation and accessibility.
* Manage all samples, prototypes, and corrections, ensuring timely delivery and clear communication to the product development team in Italy following each fitting and design meeting.
* Manage a small team of Bags & Accessories Designers, providing guidance and support as needed.
* Lead design and research efforts to develop innovative concepts and collections, staying ahead of market trends.
* Conduct in-depth fabric, accessories, and materials research, including the development of exclusive materials with comprehensive technical specifications.
* Create detailed technical sketches for design and metal components of bags and other accessories.
* Coordinate communication effectively with the product development team in Italy, ensuring seamless collaboration.
* Develop colour card proposals highlighting key combinations for each collection.
* Manage fabric-to-sketch allocation, ensuring accurate material assignments.
* Create high-quality renderings of accessories and bags for presentations and internal reviews.
* Develop mock-ups of accessories and bags to visualise designs and construction.
* Oversee prototype corrections, ensuring accuracy and adherence to design specifications.
* Prepare and distribute design scans and specifications to the Product Manager.
* Record detailed notes during fittings and follow-up presentations, ensuring accurate documentation.
* Prepare materials and presentations for design meetings and concept reviews.
* Develop product groupings with comprehensive materials and colour proposals.
* Ensure adherence to collection deadlines, managing time and resources effectively.
* Maintain the organisation of the accessories and bags fitting room, ensuring a productive workspace.
** Your Talent:
*** At least 4 years’ demonstratable experience in a luxury fashion house working with accessories and/or bags with a sophisticated eye for research
* A strong motivation to contribute to a dynamic and collective creation.
* Understanding the Stella McCartney heritage, ethical values and brand DNA and therefore a confident interpreting the style of Stella McCartney and brand codes
* Ability to create and facilitate appropriate timelines for design, with the ability to effectively manage changing priorities at short notice.
* Affinity with the values of Stella McCartney, the brand identity and style of the accessories and bags collection
* At least 2 years people management experience
* Ability to work both independently and under direction
* Proven ability to collaborate effectively, despite conflicting priorities
* High level technical skills
* Excellent hand drawing skills
* Experience of CAD software, Adobe Suite and Photoshop
* Strong communications skills, including proven ability to present to a wide range of stakeholders, with the ability to share information effectively and able to work confidently with cross function teams
* Italian language skills are desirable
* Able to effectively work in a team, with a positive and constructive attitude.
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