Fashion Roles by Specialism
Today’s roles. Tomorrow’s future. Built one step, and one role, at a time.
We’ve spent years building the teams that drive fashion and retail - Buyers, Designers, Merchandisers, and more. These roles keep businesses moving and create meaningful careers.
But the future? It’s evolving fast. Sustainability, technology, and changing demands mean the roles of tomorrow might not look like today. We’re here to bridge that gap.
By understanding where you are now and where you need to go, we’ll keep matching talent with opportunity; helping businesses adapt and careers thrive, one role at a time.
Opportunities Across Fashion & Retail, Tailored for You
Permanent
East MIdlands
Lingerie Designer
Lingerie Designer
Leicester
Ready to land your dream role? My client supplies some of the most well-known names on the UK high street.
A rare opportunity has arisen for a talented designer to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to join a thriving and ambitious business, offering excellent potential to drive your career forwards.
You will:
Research key trends, styles, shapes, colours, prints and fabrics appropriate to the in-house brands, complete comp shops and attend key trade shows.
CAD and re-colour new and existing ranges
Consider marketing opportunities with marketing team on new products
Develop a strong working relationship with the team
Be aware of critical path dates that affect your department, initial sketch through to correct concept samples, salesman samples and photography
Understand the brands block shapes, size range and size splits
Attend internal Fit meetings working closely with the technical team to improve product knowledge and ensure the fit and aesthetic of each style consistently reaches the highest standards of fit and quality.
Whenever necessary attend customer presentations/meetings, and work with the team to prepare for these key meetings.
Attend internal design meetings. Design and develop styles/ranges to a brief, understanding target prices and product types
Thorough follow up of design development with the team in FE, including weekly conference calls, ensuring reactive feedback to confirm the right execution and comprehension
Utilise FE sourcing facility to engineer product development
Work to a creation process when developing new CADs or re-colouring existing designs
Maintain a professional and confidential approach to the business
If this sounds like it could be for you, we’d love to hear more.
Permanent
North West
Senior Import/Wholesale Merchandiser
Senior Import/Wholesale Merchandiser
Manchester
A fantastic opportunity has become available for a Senior Merchandiser to join a well-established client based in Manchester. This is a senior role looking after the company’s biggest accounts.
Working with key accounts and reporting to the Production Manager, you will be responsible for:
Costing brand specific product ranges with suppliers (based in Bangladesh, Pakistan & China).
Margin calculations maintaining the company directive.
Raising detailed POs to suppliers.
Maintaining & updating critical paths specific to the orders.
Liaising with suppliers on submissions dates (lab dips, fit samples, labelling/trims, pre-production samples, production samples).
Liaising with customers regarding delivery updates & sampling requests (submissions/photo samples).
Arranging shipments with our nominated forwarder ensuring delivery is kept on time.
Booking goods in with the end customer’s warehouse upon arrival.
Informing the accounts team of details needed for invoicing.
Analysing sales reports from your key account to identify any potential for re-sales or missing categories to boost trade. Reporting findings back to the MDs & design team.
Attending buying meetings
Skills required:
Excellent time management
Microsoft product experience (excel, word etc).
Confidence in speaking with retailers and suppliers on both email & phone.
A good understanding of the wholesale side order process from initial costing to delivery.
Knowledge of shipping would be an advantage.
Extensive experience in a similar role.
Benefits:
Excellent transport links to site.
Work from home Fridays
Auto enrolment into the workplace pension scheme after probation period (optional opt in/out available).
Close knit team working together in an open plan environment giving insight into all aspects of the business.
Growing company increasing turnover greatly year on year.
Working hours are:
Mon - Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm (office based)
Fri - 9am-3pm (working from home)
Permanent
North West
Senior Merchandiser / Account Manager / Buyer
Senior Merchandiser / Account Manager / Buyer
Manchester
Our client, a dynamic company, is seeking a Senior Merchandiser / Account Manager / Buyer to join their team based in Central Manchester. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with a strong background in Merchandising, Account Management and Buying to play a key role within a close-knit company. They foster a collaborative working environment and are looking for a proactive individual to contribute to their growth and success.
Key Responsibilities
A pivotal role for a key team member who oversees the Merchandising side of the business
One junior to oversee and another senior to work alongside and guide / support as needed.
Working with a team of 5 designers, 2 garment techs, one senior merch and one junior merch as the wider team, outside of logistics / finance etc.
Reporting to the directors.
To nurture and manage various customer accounts from concept to delivery.
Engage with customers to hold regular meetings, take seasonal briefs and maintain / grow current business.
Work with design and tech team to create concept to be presented to customers.
Oversee production of collection and brief out to supply base in conjunction with design and tech teams, while controlling CP for seasonal development.
Negotiate prices with suppliers.
Monitor and manage sample trackers / sample development leadtimes.
Present collections to customers in conjunction with directors / design team.
Place POs and manage Order Summary.
Maintain and manage CP with regular communication with suppliers and customers on a weekly basis.
Carry out product review meetings with directors, design and tech teams on a daily / weekly basis.
Ensure goods are made to required standards alongside tech team with regards to factory audits, compliance, product testing, AQL reports etc.
Working with logistics team to ensure packing lists, shipping schedules, product approvals are in place and correct.
Nurturing and managing supply base to balance production volumes and brands between supply base to maximise efficiency and skill across supply base.
Building relationships is vital to this role, whether with internal team, supplier side or with customers.
Ideal Candidate
Proven experience as a Merchandiser, Account Manager, or Buyer within the apparel sector.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and market trends.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Managing multiple projects is key so applicants must have exceptional management skills and an eye for detail.
If you have the relevant experience and are looking for a rewarding opportunity in Manchester, we would love to hear from you.
Permanent
West Midlands
Garment Technologist
Garment Technologist - Ladieswear
Birmingham
My client offers timeless clothing that appeals to women of all ages. They pride themselves on quality and style, ensuring their customers find the perfect outfit for any occasion. They are seeking a Garment Technologist to join the team, you will play a crucial part in upholding the commitment to quality and innovation in ladies' fashion.
Key Responsibilities:
• Take full responsibility for fit, technical standards, and quality expectations for assigned product categories, from first fit through to production.
• Lead and participate in weekly fit sessions alongside the Buying team, offering technical advice and recommending fit improvements.
• Measure, evaluate, and prepare fit samples; finalise specifications including grading using electronic tools.
• Clearly instruct suppliers on garment fit, construction, and quality expectations. Ensure all specs and quality standards are understood and maintained.
• Maintain a consistent fit aligned with the customer expectations. Conduct detailed quality assessments and identify areas for improvement.
• Raise and manage all specification sheets and ensure they align with critical path timelines.
• Review and interpret test reports, conduct risk assessments, and approve wash care instructions.
• Work closely with the Buying team to seal styles on time. Monitor and chase all stages of the critical path to prevent delays.
• Assist with stock buy processing, manage sample storage areas, and support warehouse operations as needed.
• Oversee and maintain sample storage areas including reference sections, production samples, photoshoot samples, shipment samples, and stock buys—ensuring timely stock rotation.
Required Skills & Experience:
• Strong understanding of garment construction, patterns, and grading.
• High attention to detail with a strong eye for fit and quality.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with internal teams and suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within critical deadlines.
• Proficiency with electronic workbooks and technical specification documentation.
Permanent
North West
Childrenswear Designer
Childrenswear Designer
Altrincham
About the Role:
We are looking for a talented and creative Kids Licensed designer to join a fantastic team. This role is ideal for a designer who is passionate about creating imaginative, playful and age-appropriate designs for children’s nightwear, daywear and swimwear including cross category collections. The successful candidate will work closely with the licensing team to incorporate well known licensed characters and properties that resonate with kids and their parents.
Key Responsibilities
Create compelling, age- appropriate graphic designs for a variety of products targeted at children (apparel, nightwear, swimwear)
Work with licensed character’s, brands an intellectual properties to ensure designs meet licensing guidelines and standards.
Keep up to date with the latest design trends, kids pop culture and preferences to ensure that designs stay relevant.
Create seasonal trend packs as well as flash trends throughout the seasons using digital platforms as well as regular comp shopping.
Collaborate with Marketing, Design and Sales teams to ensure designs align with product strategies.
Revise designs based on feedback from clients and internal teams
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Preferred Skills
Experience in designing Apparel, multi product for kids.
Knowledge of intellectual property and licensing processes.
Experience with print production, manufacturing limitations and digital design
Familiarity with copyright laws related to children’s content.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design/ Surface Pattern, Illustration, or a related filed (or equivalent work experience)
Proven experience with a portfolio showcasing design work for children’s products or licensing.
Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
Experience working with licensed content and adhering to brand guidelines.
Understanding of trends in children’s entertainment and design.
Ability to create fun, engaging and creative visuals that appeal to younger audiences.
Why Join the team
Opportunity to work on exciting, high-profile brands.
Creative, dynamic, and supportive work environment.
Competitive Salary.
Opportunities for career growth and development.
WFH Fridays
Permanent
West Yorkshire
Sales Director
Sales Director
West Yorkshire
We are recruiting for a Board Director Level Role in a Private Label business focussed on the design and manufacture of Lingerie, Swimwear and Nightwear, selling to Brands and Retailers Worldwide.
About our client
They are on a mission to stay at the forefront of the market and be seen as experts and leaders by their customers.
A fast-growing, innovative company looking to scale their sales operations and expand market presence. If you're a driven visionary and strategic leader with a passion for driving revenue and building a high-performing team, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
As a Sales Director, you’ll report directly to the COO and Board of Directors and lead a team of talented sales professionals. Your role will be crucial in shaping and executing a go-to-market strategy, optimizing the sales pipeline, and ensuring sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve business objectives.
Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing sales team.
Identify new market opportunities and drive expansion into new territories.
Set and monitor key performance metrics (KPIs) across sales operations.
Collaborate with the product development and supply teams to align on strategy.
Analyse market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape.
Forecast sales revenue and manage budgets effectively.
What We’re Looking For
5+ years of experience in sales, with 3+ years in a leadership role. Director Level experience preferred.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
A Visionary Director looking at future possibilities for the organization. Focussing on long-term goals, anticipating future trends, market shifts, and technological innovations. Be an inspirational leader who drives the company to think bigger and push boundaries
Why Join Them?
Competitive base salary + performance-based bonuses
Equity options (for the right candidate)
Health insurance Substantial Death in service Benefit
Flexible working options
A dynamic, supportive, and growth-oriented culture
Knowledge Hub
Welcome to the Knowledge Hub. Your space for insights, updates, and ideas shaping the future of fashion and retail recruitment.
01
Oct/25
Anniversary
Today, we’re celebrating five years of Encore Recruitment and the work we get to do with you.
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Jul/25
Why Connection Comes First in Recruitment, And What You Should Expect From Us
If we don't connect, we don't move. Connection is one of our core values. We mean it.
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May/25
Belonging Is a Hiring Standard, Not a Culture Bonus
Belonging isn’t something that happens after someone joins.
At Encore Recruitment, it’s built into every stage of our recruitment process, from first contact to feeling part of the team.
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