Senior Designer - MAS Kreeda Biyagama

Senior Designer - MAS Kreeda Biyagama

Over the last three and a half decades - MAS Intimates has differentiated itself in the global fashion industry through its innovation mindset, strong technical competency, and sustainability initiative.

Embark on a journey of change with MAS, by joining the MAS Intimates, Ratmalana team as a Senior Designer to take responsibility for the entire design process (Concept to Design intent) whilst managing relationships within the design ecosystem and cross-functional teams: demonstrate innovative insight and in-depth ability to research/analyze latest styles/trends/seasonal concepts in the fashion industry and effectively come up with conceptual design ideas which can be converted to commercially viable products that either satisfies a need or solves a consumer problem whilst being trend right/brand relevant and technically feasible in order to meet customer requirements such as aesthetics, design intent & fit.

Key Responsibilities:

Alignment to Design Strategy

Based on the strategic direction from management, be proactive in analyzing the latest styles/trends/seasonal concepts in the fashion industry and effectively identify conceptual design ideas which can be converted into commercially viable products

Research/Analysis/ Customer/Consumer Profiling 

Conduct research and analyse market conditions by identifying brands competitive landscape, current product trends, and new products and recommend potential new concepts for adoption in line with customer/brand/consumer needs

Work cohesively with internal and external parties

Raw Material (RM) Newness & Direction

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the technical nature, applicability and relevant tolerances of Raw Material (fabric, lace, elastic, trims, etc) 

Challenge the status quo- sample different materials and try different processes related to raw materials to determine which is best suited to the product through various stages of product creation ensuring the technical feasibility of the RM on the garment

Sample different materials and try different processes related to raw materials to determine which is best suited to the product through various stages of product development.

Identify the impact of other “forward” processes such as cutting, printing, embellishment, Moulding, Bonding etc. and its impact on material (fabric/lace/trims/accessories) from a garment manufacturing perspective

Take the lead in collaborating with RM and souring teams to ensure product performance and production feasibility of the materials to meet the correct criteria, providing details of styles, fabric, trims, and embellishments as and when the need arises

Design Intent Achievement

Upon receiving the design briefs, take the lead and create brand-write designs along with technical drawings and sketches and collaborate with the cross-functional teams.

Oversee and work in collaboration with internal IE, Pattern making and consumption teams to ensure brand aesthetics are met to cost engineering the product

Design Illustrations and Technical Concept Drawings Develop and Utilise Digital Product Creation Skills in order to demonstrate the product virtually to customer stakeholders, 

Sound know-how and agility in using tools and platforms such as Browzwear, Clo 3D, Beyond XR .. etc that drive better engagement across different/ new applications

Develop new fabrications including artwork for embellishment/ print placement according to customer requirements  

Customer/Brand Connect

Demonstrate an understanding of technical needs/requirements/ intent on design aesthetic & fit, and support relevant raw materials & Sourcing+ Supply chain teams to get the right materials and outcomes from a raw material perspective

Working in Partnership

Filter out the key signals/trends, and brainstorm as to how they can be interpreted into concepts and generate tech packs with clear technical descriptions and material/print/embellishment details 

Review concept garments and costs and work with cross-functional teams to improve costs 

Proactively identify and establish the most effective method of garment construction 

Oversee and regularly follow through on garment development/s to ensure high quality of same and delivery on time /as per plan whilst providing feedback to the pattern makers on relevant changes as and when the need arises 

(This includes developing the product, identifying/resolving issues and coordinating with internal customers to deliver a bulk feasible product to the operations team)

Compile presentations for customers 

(This includes preparation of displays at the studio for customer visits and liaising with PDC on the same in order to obtain suitable garments whilst arranging it on a trend/season-wise basis.

Maintaining fashion awareness through reading, observing, customer portals, fashion shows/search engines in 

Take the lead and partner with cross-functional teams within the design eco-system to create complete Tech packs, review and sign off design intent prior to development to ensure smooth flow of the critical path and timely delivery of the samples.

Partake in relevant development meetings and tech pack meetings

Actively participate and play a lead role in:

Compiling promotional presentations for customers

Highlight/provide information on design/product capability and market intelligence thereby optimizing customer relationships

Support management during customer meetings

Provide recommendations where possible whilst striving to identify innovative solutions/approaches to the design and development process to ensure the brand-right product is delivered

Fits and Prototyping

Conduct fit and prototype review meetings, giving clear direction on design intent whilst aligning with relevant teams on the next steps to match the right fit and cost

Appreciation for product garment and pad to get a better fit/ meaningful meeting

Partake in a fit session and provide advice/ correction/ inputs to perfect the product in terms of the right fit and cost

Track and ensure the previous fit records are maintained and checked against benchmark products

Highlight any deviations and provide suggestions/ corrective measures

Lead the activities pertaining to the final fit and the preparation of photos by way of the photoshoot

Supervise the work of design direct reports to ensure that every collection meets the brand aesthetic and supports the projected company growth while maintaining and developing customer relationships

Database Management

Ensure to Maintain/update all documentation relevant to the design process from research to presentation, prepare style files, project plans, T&A, design briefs, design illustrations, and tech packs.

Qualifications, Experience, Skill and Competencies:

• Degree in Design or Fine arts
• 5+ years of design experience in the apparel sector
• Proficiency in Excel, Illustrator, Photoshop and PowerPoint. Knowledge and ability to adopt to 3D product creation platform Exceptional presentation and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (Presentation, communication and ability to pitch to stakeholders/customers)
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to lead, guide and direct across departments; must inspire trust Collaborative mindset and active participation to achieve common goals.