Industrial Watch Designer
Location: North London
Salary: £40,000 depending on experience
Working Pattern: Office-based, with hybrid flexibility available for the right person
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Designer to join a growing, creative team within the watch and accessories industry. Working closely with the Head of Design, you will be responsible for developing creative concepts and collections from initial research and trend forecasting through to prototype development and final production. You will work across multiple brands, ensuring designs are aligned with each brand’s DNA, customer and market requirements. This is a hands-on role suited to a creative and commercially minded Designer who enjoys working across the full product development process and collaborating with both internal teams and external manufacturing partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Head of Design to establish design briefs, concepts and seasonal direction.
- Research materials, manufacturing processes, market requirements and competitor activity.
- Conduct trend research and forecasting, translating emerging trends into commercially relevant designs.
- Develop creative concepts and collections in line with individual brand identities and customer requirements.
- Prepare and plan seasonal collections, including option maps and colour combinations.
- Manage seasonal colour cards and option maps to provide clear visibility of upcoming designs.
- Support and deliver internal and external presentations, working closely with clients and stakeholders.
- Manage prototype reviews in line with critical paths, design requirements and client expectations.
- Liaise with manufacturing partners and factories in the Far East throughout the development process.
- Review and amend prototypes, ensuring designs are developed accurately and to the required standard.
- Produce detailed product specifications using CAD and relevant design software, including component lists, finishes and materials.
- Manage the product development process from initial concept through to final design.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure designs are delivered within agreed timelines.
- Mentor and support junior members of the design team, helping to develop team capability and performance.
About You
- Previous experience within jewellery, watches, accessories or a closely related product category is highly desirable.
- Strong creative and commercial design skills, with an understanding of current market and consumer trends.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience creating detailed design specifications and working with CAD.
- Strong understanding of materials, finishes and manufacturing processes.
- Confident communicating and presenting design concepts to internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Organised, proactive and comfortable working in a fast-paced product development environment.
- Sketching ability is desirable.
- Experience working directly with overseas manufacturers or factories would be advantageous.
What’s on Offer
- £40,000 salary, depending on experience.
- Office-based role in North London.
- Hybrid working may be available for the right candidate.
- Opportunity to work across a variety of creative projects within the watch and accessories sector.
- A hands-on role with involvement across the full design and product development lifecycle.