Design Manager (Hospitality)
Send your CV and cover letter to: careers@camirafabrics.com
Location – Hopton, Mirfield (Hybrid)
Who are we?
A multi-award-winning textile manufacturer with two centuries of heritage and a forward-thinking approach to innovation and sustainability, Camira designs and manufactures environmental fabrics for the commercial, public transport and residential sectors.
This position reports into: Head of Creative Design
Strategic Input:
• To support Head of Creative Design to formulate the Hospitality Product Development strategy.
• Design, develop and implement new products in line with this strategy and published Product Development and Marketing Critical Success Factors.
Design and Innovation:
• Be the Camira Design expert in the Hospitality Sector. Focus on creating a market leading position which builds on Camira’s market leading position in the world of Contract Interior fabrics
• Responsible for the design and sourcing of Hospitality led products, either Camira manufactured or via external sourcing.
• Actively research and seek outstanding mills to develop products in which Camira manufacturing does not have core competence.
• Design and/or select exciting textiles which meet the aesthetic and technical demands of the global Hospitality sector - noting a potential segue into the wider Contract market
• Brief and oversee the development of all Hospitality product, creating a Product Plan for the wider business.
• Take responsibility along with Camira Technical team for ensuring all products are fit for purpose in terms of performance specifications and environmental aspects.
• Work collaboratively with the Technical functions of Camira to create specification details to facilitate commercially viable products.
• Provide consistent support to the Head of Design in all areas of the design and technical development responding to briefs quickly and creatively.
• Be an active, supporting and contributing member of the Design and Development team.
• Ensure that environmental sustainability remains a key focus.
• Work with strategic customers to develop and implement new products.
Research and Trend Insight:
• Support the Head of Creative Design in the development of the vision for our yearly Insight presentations by providing professional standard communication and visualisations
• Research global Design trends - fabric, colour, lifestyle, aesthetics and technical innovations.
• Create Moodboards to focus ideas, concepts and colours and present this information to Head of Creative Design, Design team and key stakeholders as required
• Positively contribute to regular Idea Collective workshops with the Innovation and Technical team to Inspire and cross fertilise ideas for future developments
Understanding the customer:
• Represent and promote Camira Fabrics at industry events/exhibitions/sales conferences and with customers as appropriate and act as an ambassador for Camira.
• Contribute to creative meetings and workshops with Sales and key strategic customers.
Marketing:
• Assist Head of Creative by contributing to the styling of photography, exhibitions and showroom spaces, showcasing new fabrics and concepts in an inspirational way making sure everything we do is on brand.
• Attend relevant industry and networking events, working with relevant customers promoting the Camira Brand, acting as the keeper of the brands’ relevance, aesthetics, and values.
• Input into brainstorms on marketing material and merchandising, focus on elevating the brand and inspiring our customers.
Other Duties:
• Willingness to travel regularly to global suppliers and trade shows
• Manage Health and Safety in line with the business strategy.
• Keep and update records of departmental information using the internal systems accurately and in a timely manner in line with ISO 9001.
• Lead by example, promoting the company’s values.
• Other duties as required.
Competence Profile:
• Strong woven textile design skills.
• Mill Sourcing experience.
• Experienced weave designer. Required to demonstrate excellent skills in Dobby and Jacquard woven construction, combined with a passion for yarns and knowledge of finishing techniques.
• A keen eye for colour is essential.
• Ability to create high level digital mood boards and presentations using PowerPoint, Photoshop and /or InDesign software
• Strong presentation and communication skills to engage internal stakeholders and customers.
• Ability to work independently with passion and drive whilst demonstrating high levels of resilience and flexibility. Hands on/can do attitude.
• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, whilst assessing commerciality.
• Ability to work and communicate with individuals at all levels and with sensibility to internal pressures and corporate demands. Ability to foster supportive relationships in a busy design department
• Excellent verbal, written and platform communication skills.
• Strong and proven interpersonal skills utilised for effective communication internally and externally.
• Demonstrate success in interacting effectively with internal technical, sales and marketing teams
• Ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Experience in project management and product development, often managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines for project completion.
Personal Qualities:
• Creative and forward thinking
• Dynamic and proactive
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Innovative and Engaging
• Honest, sincere and genuine
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Team worker
• Dedicated and conscientious
• Appetite for continuous learning
• Flexible & resilient
• Drive, tenacity and enthusiasm
Other requirements:
• B.A degree in Woven Textile design
• Advanced PC/CAD skills
• Full driving licence
• Valid passport
Considering the scope of the role and the nature of the business, the responsibilities outlined above are subject to change and will evolve over time to reflect the changing circumstances. The employee will therefore be expected to be flexible and adaptable.