Trend Designer/Product Developer (Sydney based)

As a Trend Designer/Product Developer at Showpo, you'll be responsible for translating design visions into actionable steps, sourcing materials, and creating stylish garments that our customers love. Your role involves collaborating with our design team on color palettes, fabric direction, and creating tech packs. Additionally, you'll analyze market trends and sales data to inform future products while mentoring an assistant to help them develop in the design field.

To become a Trend Designer/Product Developer at Showpo, you should have experience in product development or design within a women's wear brand. A keen eye for trends, color, and fabric, along with strong technical skills focusing on product quality and fit, are essential. Outstanding communication skills, an organized mindset, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are vital for success.

The work environment at Showpo is vibrant and fast-paced, promoting collaboration and creativity among team members. We foster a culture of 'Think Big, Get S**t Done and Have Fun', where every team member can significantly impact the organization. With flexible working options and a dog-friendly office, you can expect a supportive and engaging atmosphere.

A Trend Designer/Product Developer contributes to Showpo's success by ensuring we produce on-trend, quality garments that resonate with our customers. By analyzing reporting metrics, managing the design process, and keeping an eye on market trends, you play a key role in driving product sales and enhancing brand reputation. Your creativity and insight help us meet revenue targets while empowering women through fashion.

At Showpo, we are dedicated to personal and professional growth. As a Trend Designer/Product Developer, you'll have the opportunity to develop your own growth plan with your manager. As you gain experience and show leadership potential, there may be opportunities to advance within the design department.

The company culture at Showpo is all about celebrating creativity, connection, and diversity. We have a commitment to fostering a workplace that values authenticity and collaboration. With fun team events, wellness programs, and continuous learning opportunities, Showpo ensures that every member feels valued and engaged.

Trend Designer/Product Developers at Showpo typically use design software like Illustrator and Photoshop to create visuals and tech packs. Additionally, they engage with reporting tools to analyze sales data, fabric quality tools to ensure material excellence, and communication platforms to collaborate with team members effectively.

When analyzing trends, I start by keeping a close eye on runway shows, influencer styles, social media, and consumer behavior. I look at color forecasts, fabric developments, and emerging styles. By synthesizing this information and comparing it to our brand's identity and values, I can propose designs that resonate well with our target market.

Creating a tech pack involves detailing every aspect of a design to ensure clear communication with manufacturers. I include information on materials, dimensions, sewing specifications, and styling notes, along with fabric swatches and color codes. The goal is to create a comprehensive guide that allows for accurate production and quality control.

To manage tight deadlines effectively, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. I also break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps, giving me a clear timeline for progress. Regular check-ins with my team and staying adaptable with our workflow help ensure we stay on track without compromising quality.

I have hands-on experience in product sourcing, which includes researching and evaluating vendors, negotiating prices, and ensuring product quality meets our standards. I maintain strong relationships with suppliers to facilitate smooth communication and to remain updated on new materials and trends, which is crucial for timely and successful product launches.

I find inspiration through various channels, like fashion blogs, art exhibitions, and culture. I also enjoy collaborating with my team and bouncing ideas off them, as this often leads to unexpected creativity. Attending industry events and networking with other designers helps me stay informed and inspired by new perspectives.

Customer feedback is invaluable in my design process. I continuously analyze sales data and customer reviews to understand their preferences and pain points. By incorporating this feedback into future designs and iterating on existing products, I can ensure that our offerings resonate with our target audience and meet their needs.

A successful product I developed was a seasonal dress collection that incorporated trending colors and fabrics. By analyzing customer data and collaborating with influencers for insight, we created pieces that were well received, leading to a significant sales boost and positive customer feedback, reinforcing the importance of market research in product development.

When mentoring less experienced team members, I focus on providing constructive feedback and sharing my knowledge of best practices. I encourage open communication, invite questions, and offer hands-on guidance with real projects. By involving them in our design discussions and processes, I help them gain confidence and a better understanding of the role.

To ensure quality control, I establish clear quality benchmarks during product development and conduct regular inspections throughout production. This involves checking samples for fit, color accuracy, and fabric quality. I also gather feedback from our sales team and use customer insights post-launch to inform future quality improvements.

The most important aspect of being a Trend Designer/Product Developer is the ability to blend creativity with a strong understanding of market dynamics. You need to be passionate about fashion while also being able to analyze data and trends effectively. It's about creating a balance where beautiful design meets commercial viability.