Product designer, Woven Women's wear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, Woven Women's Wear Company: H&M Group (& Other Stories) Location: Stockholm, Sweden Job Type: Full-time, Temporary Contract (1 Year) Category: Product Design / Fashion Design Date Posted: August 12, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Designing and developing woven women's wear collections, translating seasonal concepts into commercially viable products.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including Atelier Designers, Buyers, and Junior Designers to build sharp and relevant assortments.
• Identifying and leveraging trends, silhouettes, materials, and details that align with fashion and function for the target customer.
• Driving product vision and contributing to a cohesive range across all customer touchpoints, ensuring brand identity and quality standards are met.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to a Junior Designer, fostering growth within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a temporary contract position, which is a crucial detail for candidates to consider regarding long-term career planning and benefits. The focus is on commercial product development within a fast-paced, trend-driven environment, requiring a blend of creative vision and strategic execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create original designs for specific woven product groups within women's wear collections.
• Develop impactful, premium collections with a strong emphasis on current trends, precise fit, and market relevance.
• Foster close collaboration with the product team (Atelier Designer, Buyer, Jr Buyer, Jr Designer) to curate cohesive and commercially successful assortments.
• Research and select appropriate silhouettes, textiles, and detailing to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functional performance.
• Translate overarching seasonal concepts and brand narratives into desirable and high-selling individual pieces.
• Lead and mentor a Junior Designer, guiding their creative development and contribution to collection design.
• Ensure a consistent and forward-thinking brand aesthetic is maintained across all product categories and customer touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "ownership" and "leading design with confidence," suggesting a significant level of autonomy and responsibility for the assigned product categories. The need to "drive growth" highlights a commercial imperative for the design output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Arts (MA) degree in Fashion Design.

Experience:

• Minimum of several years of experience as a Senior Designer, specifically focused on woven categories within women's wear.
• Proven track record of designing and developing successful, high-selling products that demonstrate commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated experience in textile knowledge and a deep understanding of the woven product development lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Fashion Design: Expertise in creating original and commercially viable designs for apparel.
• Textile Knowledge: Strong command of woven fabrics, their properties, and applications in garment construction.
• Woven Product Development: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end process for woven garments, from concept to production.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Trend Analysis: Ability to identify, interpret, and translate current and upcoming fashion trends into wearable designs.
• Commercial Awareness: A keen understanding of market demands, customer preferences, and sales performance drivers.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
• English Fluency: Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Skills:

• CLO3D: Experience with 3D design software for virtual prototyping and visualization.
• Leadership/Mentorship: Experience guiding or developing junior design talent.
• Fit & Construction: Deep understanding of garment fit, pattern making principles, and construction techniques for woven fabrics.
• Sustainability Awareness: Knowledge of sustainable materials and ethical production practices in fashion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "speed and clarity" and "thriving in change" suggests a need for candidates who are highly organized, efficient, and can adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and market shifts common in the fast fashion industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong range of woven women's wear designs, demonstrating creativity, trend interpretation, and commercial success.
• Case studies illustrating the design process from initial concept through to final product, highlighting research, material selection, and development.
• Examples of successful product launches or collections that achieved strong sales performance and resonated with the target market.
• Demonstrations of an understanding of fit, fabric properties, and garment construction relevant to woven categories.
• Visuals that reflect an ability to create cohesive collections with a clear aesthetic direction.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a structured design process, including concept development, mood board creation, and material sourcing.
• Examples of how design decisions were informed by market research, trend analysis, and commercial feedback.
• Documentation of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., buyers, product developers) to refine designs and ensure manufacturability.
• Showcase of skills in translating 2D designs into 3D visualizations or physical prototypes, if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on commercial products and trend relevance, the portfolio should not only showcase creative talent but also the ability to deliver designs that are both fashionable and commercially successful, demonstrating a clear understanding of the product lifecycle and market demands.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Designer title, location in Stockholm, and the temporary contract nature, a competitive salary within the range of SEK 45,000 - 65,000 per month is estimated for this role. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar positions in Sweden, taking into account the experience level and company prestige.

Benefits:

• Staff Discount: Applicable across all H&M Group brands (including & Other Stories) for in-store and online purchases.
• H&M Incentive Program (HIP): Participation in the company's incentive program, details of which are provided internally.
• 30 Days Holiday: Generous annual leave allowance.
• Pension Plan: Contribution towards a retirement savings plan as part of the collective agreement.
• Life Insurance: Coverage provided through the collective agreement.
• Wellness Benefit: An annual allowance of SEK 3,000 for wellness-related activities.
• Benify Benefits Portal: Access to a portal for managing and selecting additional benefits.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and seasonal demands in a fast-paced design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary estimate is based on general market data for Senior Fashion Designers in Stockholm. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The temporary nature of the contract may also influence the compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Apparel Design Company Size: Large (H&M Group operates globally with tens of thousands of employees). & Other Stories is a distinct brand within this group, likely maintaining a focused, creative team environment within the larger corporate structure. Founded: & Other Stories was launched in 2013. H&M Group itself was founded in 1947.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of a "bold and fast-moving creative team" where design is central to the brand.
• Direct reporting line to the Atelier Designer and close collaboration with the Chief Creative Officer.
• Works within a product team consisting of a Junior Designer, Junior Buyer, and Senior Buyer.
• This structure implies a collaborative, cross-functional approach where design, merchandising, and buying work in tandem.

Methodology:

• Design-led approach, where creative vision and product aesthetics are paramount.
• Emphasis on speed, agility, and responsiveness to fashion trends and market demands.
• Collaborative decision-making within product teams to ensure commercial viability and brand consistency.
• Focus on detailed execution, from sketch to final garment, ensuring quality and attention to detail.

Company Website: https://www.stories.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: & Other Stories is positioned as a brand that emphasizes quality, attention to detail, and modern femininity, suggesting a design culture that values thoughtful creation alongside commercial execution. The "atelier" concept implies a focus on craftsmanship and creative ideation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Design role, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead specific product categories and mentor junior staff. This is a key contributor role with design leadership responsibilities. Reporting Structure: Reports to the Atelier Designer and collaborates closely with the Chief Creative Officer, indicating a clear line of influence and creative direction from senior leadership. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the commercial success of the woven women's wear categories by creating desirable, on-trend products that drive sales and brand perception. Design decisions have a direct influence on revenue and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in woven textiles, garment construction, and specific women's wear categories.
• Leadership Development: Gain experience in mentoring junior designers and contributing to team strategy.
• Brand Influence: Further develop a portfolio and reputation within a globally recognized fashion brand, potentially leading to broader design responsibilities or roles within other H&M Group brands.
• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead the design process for key collections or product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a temporary contract, successful performance could lead to extensions or opportunities for permanent roles within the H&M Group, depending on business needs and candidate performance. The experience gained in a fast-paced, design-driven environment is highly valuable for future career progression in the fashion industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Head Office environment in Stockholm, Sweden. This suggests a corporate setting that is likely modern, design-focused, and collaborative. Office Location(s): Kungsholmstorg 5, Stockholm, Sweden. This central Stockholm location offers a dynamic urban work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork among design, buying, and merchandising teams.
• Access to design tools and potentially a physical atelier space for product development and fittings.
• A fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere typical of the fashion industry, requiring agility and proactive engagement.
• Opportunities for interaction with global teams and exposure to broader fashion industry trends and innovations.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time schedule, likely Monday to Friday, with potential for extended hours during peak design periods or to meet critical deadlines. The emphasis on speed and change suggests a need for adaptability in working hours when required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Stockholm Head Office likely reflects the brand's aesthetic – a blend of Scandinavian design principles with a global fashion sensibility. The collaborative nature of the workspace is key for this role, as success hinges on strong inter-team communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and Portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic.
• Design Challenge/Task: Potential for a practical design exercise or case study to evaluate creative skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of commercial product development. This might involve creating a mini-collection or analyzing existing market trends.
• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews with the hiring manager (Atelier Designer), potential team members (Buyers, Junior Designer), and possibly senior leadership (Chief Creative Officer). These interviews will focus on design philosophy, technical skills, collaborative approach, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio, discussing their design process, inspiration, and the commercial success of their work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest work relevant to woven women's wear, highlighting commercial success and trend awareness.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain your design process, the inspiration, the challenges faced, and the outcome (e.g., sales performance, customer feedback).
• Demonstrate Commerciality: Clearly articulate how your designs met market needs and drove sales. Include data or sales figures if possible.
• Highlight Textile Expertise: Show examples that demonstrate a deep understanding of woven fabrics, their properties, and how they are best utilized.
• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples of projects where you worked effectively with buyers, merchandisers, or other stakeholders.
• Visual Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is visually compelling, well-organized, and easy to navigate, reflecting your design sensibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• Trend Research: Stay updated on current and upcoming women's wear fashion trends, particularly in woven categories.
• Brand Analysis: Familiarize yourself with the & Other Stories brand aesthetic, target customer, and recent collections.
• Product Development Process: Be prepared to discuss the stages of product development for apparel, from concept to sample approval.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle design challenges, tight deadlines, or conflicting feedback.
• Mentorship Approach: If asked about leading a junior designer, prepare to discuss your approach to guidance, feedback, and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application explicitly requests a CV and Portfolio, and notes that cover letters are not accepted. This places a significant emphasis on the visual and demonstrable evidence of skills and experience provided in the portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your design choices and their commercial impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating sketches, technical flats, prints, and presentation materials. Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is critical.
• CLO3D (Preferred): 3D design software for virtual prototyping, reducing the need for physical samples and speeding up the design process. Familiarity with this tool is a significant advantage.
• Microsoft Office Suite: For general communication, data organization, and presentations (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for the designer, an understanding of how to interpret sales data, trend reports, and market analysis is crucial for commercial design. Access to internal reporting tools for sales performance and customer feedback might be available.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core function, but understanding how product information flows into CRM systems or how design specs are managed in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. CLO3D is a highly desirable skill that can significantly differentiate candidates in the current fashion design landscape, reflecting a commitment to modern design practices and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Vision: A core value is to push creative boundaries and maintain a forward-thinking design aesthetic.
• Commerciality: Balancing creative vision with market relevance and commercial success is key. Designs must sell.
• Collaboration: Working seamlessly with cross-functional teams is essential for cohesive product development.
• Speed & Agility: Adapting quickly to trends and market changes in a fast-paced environment.
• Ownership & Empowerment: Taking initiative and responsibility for one's design areas.
• Curiosity & Learning: A commitment to continuous learning, exploring new trends, materials, and techniques.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with daily interaction expected within the product team (design, buying) and regular interaction with senior creative leadership.
• Open communication and mutual respect are likely valued, fostering an environment where ideas can be shared and debated constructively.
• A focus on shared success and collective responsibility for the collection's outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The described values align with a modern fashion company that seeks innovative yet practical design solutions. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The fast-paced nature of fashion retail requires quick turnaround times, which can be challenging when maintaining high standards of design, fit, and quality.
• Trend Interpretation: Accurately predicting and interpreting consumer trends to create relevant yet unique designs.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring designs meet the commercial needs of buyers and the production capabilities of the supply chain.
• Temporary Contract: Adapting to a temporary role, requiring quick integration and immediate impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Working with a leading global fashion brand provides exposure to cutting-edge trends, design processes, and retail strategies.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from experienced Atelier Designers and Chief Creative Officers.
• Networking: Building professional connections within the H&M Group and the wider fashion industry.
• Skill Enhancement: Potential to develop new skills, particularly if CLO3D proficiency is gained or advanced.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the contract, while a challenge, also presents an opportunity to gain significant experience and make a tangible impact within a short timeframe, potentially opening doors for future roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process for a woven women's wear collection, from initial inspiration to final sample approval." (Focus on structured approach, trend research, material selection, and collaboration.)
• "How do you balance creative vision with commercial viability and fast-fashion timelines?" (Highlight your ability to create desirable products that also sell well and meet production schedules.)
• "Walk us through a successful product you designed. What was the market gap, your design concept, and the outcome in terms of sales or customer reception?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)
• "How would you mentor and guide a Junior Designer to develop their skills and contribute effectively to the team?" (Demonstrate leadership and coaching capabilities.)
• "What are your thoughts on the current trends in woven women's wear, and how would you translate them into an & Other Stories context?" (Showcase your trend awareness and brand understanding.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about & Other Stories and this specific role?" (Research the brand's aesthetic, values, and recent collections.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with buyers and other cross-functional teams?" (Emphasize communication, understanding of different roles, and shared goals.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or design direction." (Showcase your adaptability and resilience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with a Strong Overview: Briefly introduce yourself and your design philosophy.
• Select Key Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best represent your skills, experience, and fit for this role. Prioritize woven women's wear.
• Structure Each Project: For each project, cover:
  • Brief/Objective: What was the goal?
  • Inspiration/Research: What trends, themes, or customer insights informed your design?
  • Design Process: Show sketches, CADs, fabric choices, technical details.
  • Collaboration: Mention any team input or cross-functional work.
  • Outcome/Results: Highlight commercial success, sales figures, or positive reception.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Point out your proficiency with Adobe Suite and any 3D design experience.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your choices, process, and commercial thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since cover letters are not accepted, your portfolio and interview responses are your primary means of communication. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the commercial impact of your designs and your ability to execute them efficiently within a fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided career page link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your strongest woven women's wear designs, highlighting commercial success and trend relevance.
• Resume Optimization: Update your CV to clearly articulate your years of experience as a Senior Designer in woven categories, your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any relevant textile knowledge. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Brand Research: Thoroughly research the & Other Stories brand, its aesthetic, target customer, and recent collections to inform your portfolio selection and interview responses.
• Prepare for Design Discussions: Be ready to discuss your design process, trend analysis, and how you approach commercial product development in a fast-fashion context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.