Product Designer - Maternity Cover

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Maternity Cover

Company: Banner

Location: Altrincham, WA15 8AB, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Product Design / Apparel Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product design and development lifecycle for apparel, focusing on schoolwear, sportswear, and lifestyle products.

• Conduct in-depth trend research, material sourcing, and sustainable product solution identification.

• Manage product development from concept through sampling, technical development, and final production approval.

• Collaborate closely with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure quality, functionality, and commercial viability.

• Create comprehensive technical packs, specifications, and artwork for production.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean towards "Apparel Product Developer" or "Garment Technologist" with a strong design component. The role requires a blend of creative design and technical execution within the apparel industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative products across multiple brands and categories, including schoolwear, sportswear, accessories, and lifestyle items.

• Oversee the entire product development process, from initial concept ideation to final production handover.

• Conduct thorough market research on emerging trends, competitor activities, novel materials, sustainable fabric solutions, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• Develop compelling mood boards, trend boards, color palettes, print designs, and cohesive product range assortments.

• Prioritize key product attributes such as sustainability, durability, functionality, longevity, and commercial market appeal.

• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers and manufacturers throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Manage and conduct sampling, fittings, product amendments, and rigorous quality checks to ensure final product approval.

• Prepare detailed technical packs, including specifications, measurements, artwork, construction details, and material compositions.

• Ensure accurate product sign-off and smooth production handovers, providing suppliers with precise and complete information.

• Assist in the implementation of branding updates across technical packs, labels, and samples, diligently reviewing and approving submissions.

• Coordinate the procurement of additional or "Gold Seal" samples as required for quality assurance.

• Liaise with factories and suppliers to guarantee accurate branding implementation and track progress on submissions and approvals.

• Stay current with industry advancements, sustainable material innovations, and competitor product strategies.

• Utilize Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign proficiently for design concepts, artwork creation, technical drawings, and impactful presentations.

• Support the creation and execution of exhibition stands, merchandising displays, and logistical arrangements for events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product development, emphasizing the critical link between design, technical execution, and manufacturing oversight. The inclusion of "branding updates" and "Gold Seal samples" suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and brand consistency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Approximately 3 years of demonstrable experience in apparel product design and development.

• Proven track record of managing products from initial concept through to production. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabric properties, fit, measurement standards, and apparel manufacturing processes.

• Experience in creating and managing technical packs, working with suppliers, conducting fittings, and making product amendments.

• Excellent creative conceptualization and design skills.

• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of market viability.

• Proficient in organizational and problem-solving methodologies.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in technical specifications and product quality.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, essential for supplier and internal team collaboration.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for design, technical drawing, and presentation purposes. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sustainable materials and eco-friendly product development practices.

• Knowledge of sportswear or schoolwear industry standards and trends.

• Familiarity with B-Corp principles and their application in product development.

• Experience in merchandising and visual display creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of approximately 3 years, coupled with a degree and specific software proficiency, indicates a mid-level role. The emphasis on both creative design and technical execution (garment construction, technical packs) is crucial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of apparel product development projects from concept to completion.

• Demonstrations of technical design skills, including detailed technical packs, spec sheets, and measurement charts.

• Examples of trend research, mood boards, and range planning that led to successful product launches.

• Evidence of collaboration with manufacturers, including problem-solving during sampling and production phases.

• Showcase of designs that prioritize sustainability, durability, and commercial viability. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented product development processes, including workflow charts or process maps.

• Evidence of creating and managing technical specifications and quality control checklists.

• Case studies detailing how you have managed product amendments and resolved manufacturing issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be the primary method for assessing design talent, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage the end-to-end product development process. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing tangible results and problem-solving capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• £28,000 - £32,000 per annum (GBP), commensurate with experience. Benefits:

• Contractual role offering 11 months of maternity cover.

• Hybrid working arrangement with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote work per week.

• Free on-site parking available at the Altrincham location.

• Opportunity to contribute to a B-Corp certified company with a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility.

• Access to resources and initiatives related to sustainability and ethical business practices. Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.

• Standard working days: Monday to Friday.

• This is a fixed-term contract position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for a Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the UK, particularly for a contract role. The hybrid model and specific benefits like free parking are key attractions. The B-Corp certification is a significant differentiator and aligns with social and environmental responsibility values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Manufacturing & Retail (Schoolwear, Sportswear, Lifestyle Products)

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a large operation, being the "largest schoolwear supplier in the UK." This suggests a company with established processes, a significant employee base, and a broad market reach.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but its established position in the market indicates a history of growth and stability.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a product design and development function, likely collaborating closely with merchandising, sourcing, production, and sales teams.

• Reporting lines are not specified, but it's probable the Product Designer reports to a Design Manager or Head of Product Development.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams responsible for branding and marketing. Methodology:

• The company prioritizes sustainability, affordability, quality, and excellent customer service.

• Product development is driven by trend research, material innovation, and a focus on durability and functionality.

• A strong emphasis is placed on ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices, underscored by their B-Corp certification.

• Data-driven decisions are likely employed, informed by market trends, competitor analysis, and commercial viability assessments.

Company Website: https://bannerhealth.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Banner's commitment to being the largest schoolwear supplier and its B-Corp certification are central to its identity. This suggests a culture that values both commercial success and ethical, sustainable practices. The role will likely involve working within structured processes while also contributing to innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level Product Designer / Apparel Developer. This role is crucial for translating design concepts into tangible, market-ready products, requiring a blend of creativity and technical expertise.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Manager or Head of Product Development, with close collaboration with merchandising, sourcing, and production departments.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly influences product quality, market appeal, production efficiency, and the company's sustainability goals, all of which have a significant impact on brand reputation and commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., technical sportswear, sustainable schoolwear) or specific development processes.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead specific product lines or development projects, gaining experience in project management and strategic decision-making.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of the apparel business by working closely with merchandising, sales, and marketing teams.

• Sustainability Focus: Develop expertise in sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing, a growing and valuable area within the apparel industry.

• Maternity Cover Transition: While a contract role, exceptional performance could lead to opportunities for permanent positions or future contract roles should they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a maternity cover, the primary growth is within the scope of the role itself and the skills acquired. However, the company's B-Corp status and focus on sustainability offer opportunities for specialization in a highly relevant and growing field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, balancing office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. The office is located in Altrincham.

Office Location(s): Altrincham, WA15 8AB. The description mentions free parking and good public transport links, indicating accessibility for commuters.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely collaborative, facilitating interaction with design, merchandising, and other relevant teams.

• Access to design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially physical resources like fabric swatches and sample rooms.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions or team meetings in the office.

• The company's commitment to social and environmental responsibility suggests a workplace culture that encourages mindful practices. Work Schedule:

• Standard Monday to Friday schedule, totaling 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, with a defined number of days in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, offering a blend of in-person collaboration and remote work flexibility. The company's location in Altrincham suggests a business park or accessible commercial area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior member of the design/product team to discuss experience, technical skills, and creative approach. This stage often involves a review of the candidate's portfolio.

• Second Interview/Practical Assessment: May involve a practical design exercise or a more in-depth discussion about specific projects in the portfolio, potentially including a technical challenge or case study related to product development.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to assess cultural fit and overall alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant apparel product development projects. Ensure a clear narrative for each project, highlighting your role and contributions.

• Highlight Process: Detail your design process, from initial concept and trend research to technical development, sampling, and production. Include examples of technical packs and fit comments.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Clearly present your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including examples of technical flats, artwork, and print designs.

• Showcase Commerciality & Sustainability: Include projects that demonstrate your understanding of market trends, commercial viability, and your commitment to sustainable practices.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your design rationale, problem-solving approaches, and the outcomes of your projects during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design or technical challenge that assesses your ability to create technical packs, develop new product ideas within specific constraints, or solve a hypothetical product development issue.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Research Banner's brands, their current product offerings, and their commitment to sustainability and B-Corp values to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their designs but also explain the technical processes, material choices, and commercial considerations behind them.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical drawings, vector artwork, and print designs.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for mood boards, digital mock-ups, fabric manipulation, and graphic design elements.

• Adobe InDesign: Useful for creating comprehensive technical packs, presentations, and range boards.

• 3D Design Software (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with 3D design tools like CLO3D or Browzwear can be a significant advantage in modern apparel design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how sales data, return rates, and customer feedback inform product development is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms might be helpful for understanding product performance. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how product information is managed within PDM (Product Data Management) or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is explicitly required and forms the core of the technical skill set for this role. Any additional experience with 3D design software or PDM/PLM systems would be a strong differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value, reflected in the B-Corp certification and the emphasis on sustainable materials and practices in product development.

• Quality & Durability: Commitment to producing high-quality, long-lasting schoolwear and apparel.

• Commercial Viability: Balancing creative design with market demand and profitability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments and with external suppliers.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Staying abreast of trends and seeking new solutions in materials and manufacturing.

• Social Responsibility: Commitment to ethical practices and being a "force for good."

Collaboration Style:

• Likely a collaborative environment where designers work closely with merchandising teams to align product offerings with market needs and sales forecasts.

• Strong partnership with suppliers and manufacturers is essential for successful product realization, requiring clear communication and problem-solving.

• The hybrid work model necessitates proactive communication and effective use of collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's B-Corp status and explicit mention of social and environmental responsibility are key indicators of its values. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these principles in their approach to design and development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple brands and categories: Managing diverse product lines with distinct requirements and aesthetics.

• Sustainability integration: Ensuring sustainable practices are integrated effectively without compromising cost or performance.

• Supplier management: Navigating international supplier relationships, quality control, and production timelines.

• Fast-paced environment: Meeting deadlines for seasonal collections and product launches.

• Maternity Cover Transition: Adapting to a new role and team within a fixed-term contract, with the added challenge of stepping into an established workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Apparel Tech Expertise: Gain hands-on experience in technical development, fitting, and quality assurance.

• Sustainability Focus: Learn about cutting-edge sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing processes.

• Brand Management: Understand how design contributes to brand identity across different product lines.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of apparel design, material innovation, and manufacturing technologies.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a holistic understanding of the apparel business lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be quickly integrating into the team and understanding Banner's specific product development processes and brand guidelines within the contract period. The growth opportunities lie in acquiring specialized knowledge and practical experience in a leading apparel company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new apparel product from initial concept to final production. What are the key stages and your role in each?" (Focus on your entire process, including technical aspects.)

• "How do you approach trend research and translate those trends into commercially viable product designs for specific markets, like schoolwear or sportswear?" (Emphasize your market awareness and commercial thinking.)

• "Can you walk us through a technical pack you've created? What key information does it contain, and why is it critical for manufacturing?" (Be prepared to show an example if possible, or describe its components in detail.)

• "Describe a time you had to work closely with a supplier or manufacturer to resolve a product development issue. What was the challenge, and how did you overcome it?" (Highlight your problem-solving and collaboration skills.)

• "How do you incorporate sustainability into your product design process? Can you provide an example?" (Link your approach to Banner's B-Corp values.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Banner, and why are you drawn to this specific maternity cover role?" (Research Banner's mission, products, and B-Corp status.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our goal of producing sustainable, affordable, and desirable schoolwear?" (Align your skills with their stated objectives.)

• "How do you manage your workload and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects or brands simultaneously?" (Demonstrate organizational skills.)

• "Describe your experience with hybrid working and how you ensure effective collaboration and communication in such an environment." (Show your adaptability to the work arrangement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill (e.g., Concept Development, Technical Design, Sustainability).

• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the brief, your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively alongside concise written explanations.

• Technical Detail: Ensure your technical drawings (flats) are clean, accurate, and include key construction details.

• Sustainability Focus: Highlight any projects where sustainability was a key consideration and explain your approach.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions to probe deeply into your technical understanding of apparel development, your creative process, and your ability to manage projects from start to finish. Demonstrating an understanding of Banner's commitment to sustainability and its market position will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer (Maternity Cover) position:

• Submit your application: Navigate to the Banner careers page via the provided URL and submit your application, including your CV and a compelling cover letter.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and clearly showcases relevant apparel design and development projects. Tailor it to highlight skills in technical packs, garment construction, and sustainable design.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature your experience in apparel product development, technical design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any experience with sustainable materials or processes. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your design process, technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and understanding of commercial and sustainability factors. Practice answering common interview questions related to apparel design and product development.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Banner's brands, their market position, their commitment to sustainability, and their B-Corp certification. Understand their product range and identify areas where your skills can add value.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided information and industry standards. Specific details regarding responsibilities, expectations, and the interview process should be confirmed directly with Banner during the application process.