Textile & Graphic Print Designer

The Ackermans story goes back as far as 1916, when Gus Ackerman opened the first store in Wynberg in Cape Town. His vision for the store was to create a place where customers could find great products at fantastic prices, which is exactly what Ackermans became. Ackermans was, subsequently, bought by the Pepkor Group in 1986. Today, there are more than 850 Ackermans stores in 5 countries, making us a leading value fashion retailer for the whole family - continuously setting the standard for value and affordability. With a wide selection of fashion for ladies, kids, babies, and men, as well as homeware, cellular, and key financial products, we'll keep bringing value to your life every day.Our Trend & Design team is looking for Textile & Graphic Print Designers to successfully research and interpret trends, design textile and graphic prints in accordance with Ackermans customer requirements, keeping price and value in mind. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for graphic and textile design execution in line with trend and design strategy Research, analyse, select and inform on commercial relevant international print trends and techniques, establish and present the textile and graphic print trends that will define the new season Continuously keep abreast of and highlight/flag emerging updates to these textile and graphic print trends through understanding our customer sales Translate the textile and graphic print trend seasonal direction into customer appropriate textile and graphic print ensuring that key stakeholders in the business have a clear understanding of how to apply the trend to their portfolios Create signature prints to pull ranges together and update core volume lines, while understanding our customer needs & preferences Keep abreast of and design licensed prints where required Identifying and informing buying teams on latest perennial and fashion prints for the season and weighting thereof Working with AVA and product technology on seasonal prints across volume lines Skills required: To deliver trend and brand relevant placement graphics, textile, embroidery and print designs Create new digital textile designs/ prints as all overs, placements or engineered prints Keep up to date with the latest trends in fashion and textiles, locally and internationally Put together trend forecasts and colour pallets for future seasons Put together presentation boards for designers Approve artwork and match Pantones Must have an understanding of different printing processes applicable to the textile industry Ensure projects/ designs are completed on time Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite Be able to work on a MAC computer system Be able to sketch technical drawings for designers will be an advantage Strong eye for fashion and detail with the ability to predict, analyse & monetize future retail textile and graphic print trends for local customer Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills All communication demonstrated in an in-depth trend knowledge coupled with a business understanding Strong relationship building and influencing skills Excellent time management, organizational and administrative skills and presentation skills High energy level and is performance-driven and deadline-orientated Creative with an eye for detail, analytical and systematic, passionate about fashion remain flexible, function under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in a variety of circumstances multi-task and to deal with complexities, use initiative to solve problems work independently, as well as be a team player, strong interpersonal skills Knowledge of: Retail merchandise cycle with regards to buying South African retail clothing market, customers, competitors and international landscape Essential: Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in design: with proven experience in Apparel Qualifications: A Grade 12 Certificate/ Matric Diploma/Degree in Textile Design OR Bachelor Degree in Art