Product Designer - Womenswear Knitwear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Womenswear Knitwear

Company: H&M Group (& Other Stories)

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Fashion Design & Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-10T13:03:46.831

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of innovative womenswear knitwear collections, ensuring alignment with the & Other Stories brand DNA and market trends.

• Translate seasonal trends into compelling silhouettes, fabric selections, color palettes, and intricate detailing for knitwear products.

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle for knitwear, from initial concept and yarn selection to final garment approval, ensuring commercial viability and quality standards.

• Foster collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including design leads, buyers, production, and suppliers, to deliver cohesive and profitable collections.

• Provide mentorship and informal leadership to junior designers, guiding them in design execution and presentation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on fashion design, this role requires a strong operational understanding of the product lifecycle, supply chain, and commercial viability to be successful. The emphasis on "commercial relevance," "profitability goals," and "assortment planning" indicates a need for a designer who can balance creative vision with business objectives. The hybrid work model with 4 days in office highlights the importance of in-person collaboration for design and development processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative knitwear products for seasonal collections, aligning with brand aesthetics and creative vision.

• Identify and select appropriate yarns, colors, silhouettes, and details that reflect seasonal trends and creative direction, ensuring a balanced and commercially relevant assortment.

• Actively participate in fittings, meticulously overseeing garment construction, silhouette, and design integrity throughout the development process.

• Conduct thorough research into fashion trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics to inform design decisions and product innovation.

• Proactively manage design timelines, demonstrating initiative and creativity to drive the design process forward efficiently.

• Contribute significantly to assortment creation and curation, ensuring collections are commercially viable and meet growth and profitability targets.

• Collaborate closely with design leads, print designers, buyers, and production teams to ensure the delivery of cohesive and impactful collections.

• Provide informal leadership and mentorship to junior designers, guiding their development and fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Confidently present design concepts and product presentations in a clear, compelling, and inspiring manner to internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design and commercial acumen. The mention of "informal leadership" and "developing Junior Designers" suggests potential for growth into a more senior or lead design role. The need to "take ownership of timelines" and "drive the design process forward" points to a requirement for strong project management and execution skills within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Proven experience (ideally 2-5 years) in knitwear design, specifically within a fashion retail environment.

• Demonstrated experience in building and developing commercial assortments that align with brand direction and market demands. Required Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of knitwear construction, including expertise in various yarns, gauges, and knitting techniques (e.g., fully fashioned, circular knit, jacquard).

• Solid understanding of garment construction, material properties, and the end-to-end product development processes within the fashion industry.

• Proficiency in design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, for creating technical sketches, mood boards, and design presentations.

• Ability to research, interpret, and effectively apply fashion trends within a commercial retail context.

• High level of design sensibility and a keen eye for aesthetics that align with the & Other Stories brand identity.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design vision clearly and persuasively.

• Confidence in working cross-functionally with buying, production, and supplier teams to achieve project goals.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software for knitwear development.

• Knowledge of sustainable materials and ethical production practices in knitwear.

• Additional languages are considered a plus, especially if relevant to global sourcing or markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "technical knowledge of knitwear construction" and "garment construction" indicates a need for a designer with a strong practical understanding of how garments are made, not just how they look. Proficiency in specific Adobe Suite tools is a core requirement, highlighting the digital nature of modern design workflows. The preference for sustainability knowledge aligns with current industry trends and H&M Group's broader commitments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of knitwear design principles, including a range of knit structures, yarn applications, and silhouette development.

• Examples of commercial knitwear collections or individual pieces that demonstrate an ability to translate trends into marketable products.

• Technical flats or sketches created in Adobe Illustrator, clearly illustrating garment construction details, stitch types, and finishing techniques.

• Mood boards or concept presentations that effectively communicate seasonal themes, color palettes, and material inspirations.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight your contribution to the product development lifecycle, from concept to final sample. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally convey an understanding of the design process, including research, trend interpretation, concept development, technical specification, and collaboration with production.

• Demonstrate how you have managed design timelines and contributed to meeting production deadlines.

• Evidence of how you have worked with yarn suppliers, knitters, or production teams to achieve desired design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just aesthetic appeal and demonstrate a deep understanding of knitwear's technical aspects and commercial application. Applicants should be prepared to discuss the specific processes and decisions behind each piece in their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on regional salary research for Mid-Level Product Designers in Stockholm, Sweden, with experience in fashion retail and specialized knitwear design, the estimated annual salary range is SEK 400,000 - SEK 600,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Stockholm, industry benchmarks for creative roles within large retail organizations, and the specific requirements of this position. Benefits:

• Staff Discount: Applicable to all H&M Group brands in stores and online.

• H&M Incentive Program (HIP): An employee incentive program offering potential financial rewards.

• 30 Days Holiday: Generous annual leave allowance.

• Pension Plan: Contribution towards retirement savings.

• Life Insurance: Provided as part of the collective agreement.

• Wellness Benefit: SEK 4,000 per year allocated for wellness activities.

• Benify Benefits Portal: Access to a platform offering various employee benefits and discounts. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring 4 days per week in the Stockholm office and allowing 1 day of remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on available data for similar roles in Stockholm. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The comprehensive benefits package reflects the offerings of a large, established retail group like H&M.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail & Apparel Manufacturing. & Other Stories operates within a highly competitive global fashion market, emphasizing a distinct brand identity that blends contemporary design with artistic expression.

Company Size: H&M Group is a large multinational corporation, employing tens of thousands of people globally. & Other Stories, as a brand within the group, has a significant but more focused team structure, with the design department likely comprising around 15 individuals within a broader group of approximately 25 colleagues for knitwear.

Founded: & Other Stories was launched in 2013 by the H&M Group. Its founding was driven by a desire to create a fashion destination that offered a wide range of stories and design approaches, aiming to cater to a discerning customer who values individual style and creative expression.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the knitwear design team, which consists of approximately 15 designers.

• You will collaborate closely with other design teams (print, etc.), the broader assortment and buying teams, and product developers.

• Reporting is likely to a Design Lead or Head of Knitwear Design within the & Other Stories brand. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative vision is paramount, decisions are informed by trend analysis, customer behavior insights, and commercial performance data.

• Collaborative Development: The process emphasizes teamwork, with designers working alongside product developers, buyers, and production to bring collections to life.

• Trend Integration: A systematic approach to researching, interpreting, and integrating current and upcoming fashion trends into product assortments.

• Sustainability Focus: Increasingly, design processes are expected to incorporate considerations for sustainable materials and ethical production practices.

Company Website: https://www.stories.com/en-gb/

📝 Enhancement Note: The H&M Group's scale provides significant resources and stability, while the & Other Stories brand offers a more focused and creative environment. The team structure suggests an environment where collaboration is key, and designers are expected to contribute to the overall collection strategy, not just individual pieces. The emphasis on data and sustainability reflects modern operational practices in fashion retail.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It involves taking ownership of specific product categories (knitwear) and contributing to the overall collection's commercial success. The role also includes informal leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior designers.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a Design Lead or Head of Knitwear Design. You will work collaboratively with Product Developers, Buyers, and other Designers, fostering a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, your primary impact is on the product offering and its commercial success. By designing desirable, trend-aligned, and high-quality knitwear, you directly influence sales, brand perception, and customer engagement. Your ability to manage the design process efficiently also impacts production timelines and cost-effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Product Designer / Design Lead: Progression to a more senior role with greater design autonomy, responsibility for larger collections or product categories, and formal leadership of a design team.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific knitwear techniques, materials, or sustainable design practices.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into roles within Buying, Merchandising, or Product Development, leveraging design expertise in different operational areas.

• Brand Expansion: Opportunities to contribute to other brands within the H&M Group portfolio, leveraging transferable design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "informal leadership" and "developing Junior Designers" is a key indicator of potential career progression. This role is not just about individual design execution but also about contributing to the development of the design team and its collective output.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the & Other Stories Head Office in Stockholm. This is a central hub for creative and business operations, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Kungsholmstorg 5, Stockholm, Sweden. This is a central Stockholm location, likely accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to encourage interaction between different teams (design, buying, production, marketing), facilitating the seamless development of collections.

• Creative Hub: Expect a dynamic and inspiring workspace that reflects the brand's aesthetic, equipped with the necessary tools for design work.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with fellow knitwear designers, product developers, and cross-functional partners.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement: 4 days per week in the office and 1 day per week remote. This structure balances the need for in-person collaboration essential for design and development with flexibility. Standard working hours are expected to be around 8 hours per day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a strong emphasis on in-office days (4/5) underscores the importance of face-to-face collaboration for creative processes, sample reviews, and team brainstorming in the fashion industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and Portfolio. A strong, well-presented portfolio is crucial for shortlisting.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Knitwear Design) to discuss experience, design philosophy, and technical skills. Expect questions about your approach to knitwear design, trend interpretation, and brand alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation/Workshop: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio in detail, discussing specific projects, design processes, and commercial considerations. A practical design exercise or workshop might also be included to assess design thinking and technical skills in real-time.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with other designers, product developers, or buyers to assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to discuss overall fit and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work, focusing on knitwear and demonstrating a range of skills and styles relevant to & Other Stories.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the inspiration, the design process, the technical considerations, and the commercial rationale. Highlight your specific contribution.

• Showcase Technicality: Include detailed technical sketches, construction explanations, and examples of yarn/gauge choices. Demonstrate your understanding of how garments are made.

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Explain how your designs meet market needs, align with brand strategy, and contribute to profitability.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a practical design challenge that might involve mood board creation, concept sketching, or technical flat development based on a given brief.

• Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and how you would approach a specific knitwear category for & Other Stories.

• Research current & Other Stories collections and brand positioning to tailor your responses and design ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Portfolio and CV in English" and the note about potentially closing the ad early due to high volume suggest a need for prompt and polished applications. The absence of a cover letter reinforces the importance of the CV and portfolio as primary application documents.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating technical flats, sketches, and detailed design specifications. Proficiency in vector graphics for fashion design is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Used for creating mood boards, color palettes, fabric manipulations, and visual presentations.

• Design Software (Potentially):

  • CLO 3D / Browzwear / Marvelous Designer: While not explicitly mentioned, 3D design software is increasingly common in fashion for virtual prototyping, reducing physical sampling, and visualizing designs. Experience here would be a significant advantage.

• PLM Systems (Product Lifecycle Management): While not directly used by designers for creation, familiarity with systems where designs are managed, tracked, and specifications are stored is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Designers often use internal reporting tools or dashboards to understand sales performance, customer feedback, and trend data related to their product categories. This helps inform future design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core toolset, but understanding how design data feeds into broader systems like CRM for customer insights is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop highlights the core digital tools required. Given the industry, familiarity with 3D design software is a strong differentiator. Understanding how design data integrates into larger business systems is a plus for operational awareness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Expression: A core value driving the brand's identity, encouraging unique design approaches and storytelling through fashion.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The design process is highly integrated with other departments, emphasizing shared goals and mutual support.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the target customer in mind, understanding their needs, desires, and style preferences.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing well-made garments that meet high standards of construction and material.

• Sustainability: An increasing focus on responsible design and production practices, aiming for a positive impact on people and the planet.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with buyers and product developers from the early stages of concept to final production, ensuring design intent is maintained and commercial viability is ensured.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and building consensus among team members and across departments.

• Agile & Responsive: The fashion industry demands speed and adaptability. The team culture likely supports quick decision-making and responsiveness to trends and market shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize both the artistic and commercial aspects of fashion design. The collaboration style highlights the operational necessity of seamless integration between design, merchandising, and production to bring collections to market efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Commerciality: The primary challenge is to create innovative, trend-setting designs that also meet sales targets and profitability goals.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The fashion industry operates on tight seasonal timelines, requiring designers to work efficiently and adapt quickly to changing trends and demands.

• Global Trend Interpretation: Synthesizing diverse global trends into a cohesive collection that resonates with the & Other Stories customer.

• Sustainability Integration: Navigating the complexities of sourcing sustainable materials and implementing ethical production practices without compromising design integrity or cost.

• Managing Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from design leads, buyers, and other stakeholders while staying true to the brand's vision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific knitwear techniques, yarn development, or advanced garment construction.

• Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis: Gaining deeper insights into market research methodologies and future trend prediction.

• Sustainability Certifications: Pursuing training or certifications in sustainable fashion practices.

• Leadership Development: Through informal leadership and potential for future formal roles, developing mentorship and team management skills.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Learning from the different approaches and product categories across the H&M Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of fashion design. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and skill development, crucial for staying relevant in the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach translating a seasonal trend into a knitwear collection for a brand like & Other Stories?" (Prepare to discuss your research, concept, and execution process.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with commercial constraints for a product. What was the outcome?" (Use a STAR method approach, focusing on your problem-solving and decision-making.)

• "Walk us through a specific knitwear design in your portfolio. What were the technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Be ready to discuss yarn types, construction methods, and finishing details.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are aligned with the brand's DNA and target customer?" (Demonstrate your understanding of brand identity and market positioning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about the & Other Stories brand and its knitwear offerings?" (Research recent collections and brand messaging.)

• "How do you prefer to collaborate with designers, buyers, and production teams?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe a situation where you received constructive criticism on your design. How did you handle it?" (Showcase your openness to feedback and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by season, product type, or project. Start with an overview and then dive into specific examples.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 strong knitwear projects that best represent your skills and suitability for this role.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): If you can, mention if your designs were commercially successful or contributed to specific goals.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs in detail, including yarn weights, stitch patterns, and construction methods.

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your design choices and aesthetic to the & Other Stories brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be heavily focused on assessing your design portfolio, technical knitwear knowledge, and understanding of commercial fashion retail. Be prepared to articulate your thought process and decision-making clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the H&M Group career page using the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your strongest knitwear design work, highlighting technical skills and commercial relevance for & Other Stories.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant experience in knitwear design, technical construction, Adobe Suite proficiency, and any contributions to commercial assortment planning.

• Portfolio Presentation Practice: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, technical choices, and commercial considerations for each piece.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the & Other Stories brand, its current collections, target customer, and design philosophy to demonstrate your understanding and fit.

⚠️ 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.