Senior Textile Designer (contract) - South Africa

At MORI, we’re passionate about creating the softest and safest baby wear that helps families sleep better. We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Designer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will take the lead in designing and developing innovative, timeless, and functional babywear and children's collections that align with MORI’s ethos and commitment to sustainability. Your designs will reflect our mission to create thoughtful, high-quality products that nurture families, while ensuring commercial success in a competitive market.

As Senior Designer, you will oversee the design process from concept to final execution, providing creative direction, mentoring junior team members, and collaborating with key teams across the business to deliver collections that are aesthetically pleasing, practical, and commercially viable.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership:

• Lead the creation of seasonal collections for babywear, children's clothing, Nursery and accessories, ensuring they are aligned with MORI’s brand values and aesthetic.
• Oversee the entire design process, from mood boards and sketches to final samples, ensuring all designs reflect MORI’s commitment to comfort, safety, and sustainability alongside Head of product.
• Provide clear creative direction and constructive feedback to junior designers, helping to develop their skills and nurture their creative growth.

Trend Research & Inspiration:

• Conduct in-depth trend research, focusing on market developments in baby and children’s wear, while ensuring MORI remains innovative and ahead of the curve.
• Compile mood boards, colour palettes, and fabric inspiration, presenting seasonal concepts to Head of Product and Product team.

Product Development:

• Collaborate closely with the Product team to ensure design concepts are accurately translated into final products.
• Create detailed technical packs, sketches, and specifications, ensuring clarity and precision for suppliers and production teams.
• Work with the Product team and suppliers to select sustainable materials, trims, and prints that align with MORI’s brand ethos and quality standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Merchandising, Marketing, and Operations to ensure designs meet business objectives, consumer demands, and financial targets.

Creative Innovation:

• Drive creative innovation by pushing the boundaries of design while maintaining MORI’s core philosophy of simplicity and softness.
• Experiment with new techniques, materials, and processes to create products that both delight families and provide the best experience for babies and children.
• Work on special collections and collaborations, ensuring designs stay true to MORI’s aesthetic while capturing the essence of each partnership.

Time & Workflow Management:

• Ensure timely completion of design projects, working within critical path deadlines.
• Maintain a smooth workflow across the design team, coordinating efforts with Product Development and Production to ensure the timely delivery of collections.

Presentation & Communication:

• Present designs and seasonal collections to internal teams and Head of Product, clearly articulating the inspiration, thought process, and commercial viability behind each collection.
• Communicate design rationale and ensure all teams understand the creative and practical aspects of each design decision.

Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in fashion design, ideally in babywear, childrenswear with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing experience in designing commercial and aesthetically appealing baby/children’s products, with a focus on soft fabrics and functional designs.
• Knowledge of the UK and US market.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and other design software.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, technical design, and sustainable fabric development.
• Experience in creating detailed technical drawings and spec packs for suppliers.

Creative Skills:

• A keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of both aesthetics and commercial needs.
• Ability to create thoughtful, innovative designs that align with MORI’s core values and customer expectations.
• Excellent trend forecasting skills, with a focus on both UK and international markets.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing junior designers.
• Collaborative mindset, with a proven ability to work cross-functionally with different departments, including Product Development, Merchandising, and Marketing.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about creating thoughtful and sustainable babywear and children’s products.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• A creative and problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining MORI’s high standards of quality and comfort.
• Self-driven, proactive, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• A collaborative and creative working environment within a mission-driven company.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Work with a company committed to sustainability and improving families' lives through thoughtful, high-quality products.