Long Description

Retail is a fast paced, dynamic and often pressurized environment, so attention to detail and the ability to manage pressure and large workloads is vital. You will be supporting the Buying Team to design product & packaging across the home furnishings category.

Job Summary

To support the Buying Team in managing the Product & Packaging Design & Development

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities 
•Working with the Buying Team to deliver product direction for the categories through seasonal briefs identifying up-trending and down-trending products, categories, fabrics, colours, shape etc.
•Manage Design and development of products & packaging. Creating required art works & technical drawings.
•Deliver consistently high standards of Tech & Briefing packs to Sourcing office & Suppliers to meet critical path deadlines.
•Create tech packs delivering an accurate and commercial interpretation of the product design including the design aesthetic of product make up and agreed fabric, size and colour specifications.
•Attend and input into product sample sessions to ensure product interpretation is delivered. Provide recommendations to maintain the aesthetic standards working alongside the Buyer.
•Work alongside the Buyer to ensure critical dates for range brief sheets and tech packs are met within the critical path.
•Work closely with the Buyer to review and implement the product strategy and ranges throughout the buying process.
•Manage clear and focused design direction to Suppliers & Sourcing Office
•In depth research of the product scope including global retail research, trades fairs etc. as appropriate and use of trend forecasting services. Identify and communicate key opportunities and actions post research.
•Build effective working relationships with Sourcing Office and Suppliers using VC and development trips to maintain up to date knowledge of the manufacturing capabilities, regularly sharing knowledge to develop product that meets the needs of the customer.
•Work with Buying Team on coordinated looks/trends through the process as required sharing trends to build strong cross category looks and lifestyles for the customer.

Key Tasks
•Manage product design briefs & technical packs for suppliers & sourcing office within critical path deadlines
•Providing required art works and technical drawings
•Developing & presenting seasonal mood boards to highlight trend direction – colour, shape, fabric etc
•Working cross category to coordinate designs/themes across multiple product types
•Close follow up with supply base & sourcing office on design implementation & sampling
•Designing & delivering product packaging & labeling briefs to suppliers

Candidate Requirements

•Design handwriting and taste level to be in line with Safat Home style vision and in line with the Safat Home customer expectation
•Expert in the field of design with designer experience ideally within the Retail and/or Manufacturing industry
•4-5 years experience in this field
•Strong understanding of fabrics, materials, colours, and product make up to ensure product integrity
•Skilled in graphics, sketching, rendering, prototyping, researching
•Experience of ergonomic design an advantage
•Ability and strong competence in creating Tech packs
•Ability to work across multiple sourcing models (Tech pack/FSV)
•Expert level of proficiency in Design related CAD software to include Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design and PLM
•Multi task orientated with the ability to work to tight deadlines and critical path
•Strong communication and influencing skills
•Creative thinking
•Graduate or equivalent in an art or design related discipline
•Product knowledge or retail/manufacturing experience an advantage
•Passion for Product & Retail
•Excellent attention to detail
•Team Player
•Quality focused and results driven
•Excellent written & verbal communication skills in English & Arabic

Education