Knitwear Technical Designer - Luxury Fashion

Location: Cromford

Knitwear Technical Designer Luxury Knitwear Full Time | Fixed-Term Contract (1218 Months) £30,000 per annum  Allowances 32 Days Holiday Per Year Matlock, Derbyshire

Start Date:

September 2026 Help shape the future of British luxury knitwear At John Smedley, design is where heritage, craftsmanship and innovation come together. For over 240 years we've been creating the world's finest knitwear, combining exceptional British manufacturing with contemporary design to produce garments recognised and respected around the world. Unlike many fashion brands, our Design, Product Development and Manufacturing teams all work together on-site.

This fully integrated approach gives our Design team the rare opportunity to collaborate closely throughout every stage of the product journey, seeing ideas develop seamlessly from concept through to production while maintaining the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that define John Smedley. We're looking for a talented and enthusiastic Knitwear Technical Designer to join our business on a 1218 month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of Britain's most iconic luxury brands, supporting the technical design, development and delivery of premium knitwear collections. Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, you'll work closely with our Design, Product Development and Technical teams, contributing to seasonal collections while translating design concepts into technically robust, production-ready knitwear, ensuring products are successfully developed from concept through to production.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about product and enjoys turning creative ideas into beautifully crafted garments. You'll work collaboratively with Technical, Manufacturing, Commercial and Marketing teams, helping to create products that reflect the quality, innovation and craftsmanship that define John Smedley through excellent technical development, garment construction and product engineering.

The Role As Knitwear Technical Designer, you'll support the Design, Product Development and Technical teams in creating seasonal collections and developing new product opportunities. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you'll contribute throughout the technical design and product development process, from initial concepts through to production, ensuring products align with the John Smedley brand, customer expectations and commercial objectives. You'll play an important role in preparing detailed technical documentation, supporting garment development and working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure products are delivered to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

What You'll Do Support the design and development of seasonal knitwear collections from concept through to production on the John Smedley collection and collaborations. Assist in researching seasonal trends, colours, yarns, fabrics and silhouettes to help inspire future collections. Create design concepts, sketches, CADs and presentation materials to support the collection development process. Produce accurate technical specifications, garment packs, construction details, measurement specifications and product documentation.

Work closely with the Product Development, Technical and Manufacturing teams to ensure designs are commercially viable, technically feasible and production-ready. Support garment fittings, sample reviews and product evaluations, identifying fit, construction and technical improvements and making updates where required. Liaise with Manufacturing to help ensure products are developed efficiently and to the highest quality standards, maintaining design intent while optimising construction and manufacturability.

Collaborate with Design, Technical and Manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges throughout the sampling and development process. Assist with maintaining seasonal critical paths and ensuring key development milestones are achieved. Collaborate with Commercial and Marketing teams to ensure products meet customer and market requirements. Contribute ideas for product innovation while respecting the heritage and values of the John Smedley brand.

Help maintain accurate product records and development documentation throughout the design process. Who We're Looking For We're looking for a creative, organised and technically minded Knitwear Technical Designer who enjoys working collaboratively and has a genuine passion for premium product development.

Experience with in knitwear would be highly desirable, as knitwear sits at the heart of our business. However, we'll also consider candidates with experience in premium apparel or fashion design who are keen to develop their knitwear expertise. You'll bring:

Experience with in fashion, apparel or knitwear design, with knitwear experience highly desirable. Good knowledge of garment design, technical garment development, technical specifications and the product development…