FTC OR FREELANCE - Senior Designer & Product Developer - Footwear & Accessories

Hush is an ambitious and distinctive fashion brand, with plans to double the business over the next few years. Founded 21 years ago, we are now established as one of the UK’s leading online fashion retailers. We employ around 130 employees across head office and retail, creating and selling a beautiful range of women’s clothing and accessories characterised by effortlessness, simplicity and a laidback sense of style. Despite the challenges to the retail industry, Hush has continued grow – and our company culture still reflects our entrepreneurial roots and relaxed aesthetic. We love hard-working and talented people with a can-do attitude and a passion for what they do.

About the role

Open to FTC or Freelancer Contracts, please note this role is Tues-Thurs, office based.

We are looking for an experienced Footwear & Accessories Designer & Developer to lead the design and development of our footwear and accessory ranges, including footwear, bags, belts, jewellery, and cold-weather essentials. You will play a crucial role in curating and creating collections that align with Hush’s signature laidback cool aesthetic while ensuring commercial viability.

What you’ll do

• Manage the development of the category collection from concept through to sealed samples, maintaining all timelines in accordance with the critical path by drop.
• Research and identify trends across product categories, colours, materials, and seasonal stories, leveraging market insights and disseminating findings to key stakeholders.
• Ensure timely delivery of collections, aligning designs with commercial objectives and critical path deadlines.
• Work closely with the Buying team to develop a cohesive range that meets target price points, quality expectations, and delivery goals outlined in the range plan.
• Source fabrics, yarns, and trims, ensuring alignment with quality standards and working collaboratively with the technical team to meet brand performance and care expectations.
• Analyse weekly sales and customer feedback, identifying key takeaways and action points to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on supplier selection and management, maintaining effective communication and tracking developments across partnerships.
• Lead and develop direct reports, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and fostering a supportive team environment.
• Prepare mood boards for sketch and swatch meetings, creating colour palettes tailored to each seasonal drop.
• Demonstrate expertise in garment construction, structures, and techniques to create highly commercial designs aligned with the brand aesthetic.
• Set up initial tech packs in collaboration with the team, ensuring all technical and buying information is accurately incorporated.