kate alexander

* Working collaboratively across the Men's Knitwear and Casual Trousers departments, I developed a thorough understanding of the design process from initial concept to customer delivery, with a strong knowledge of the development and manufacturing stages. * Areas of expertise: * Developing strong and successful working relationships with suppliers, both in the UK and overseas * Sourcing materials and trims according to trends, budgets and brand identity * Development of new styles based on current and upcoming trends, as well as analysing sales patterns, to create innovative products and be first to market * Strong knowledge of wovens and knits, including theory, construction and commercial application * Ability to work seamlessly between two departments and numerous product areas

* Understanding the needs of customers and giving appropriate advice * Clear knowledge of target markets and demographics of our customers * Stock management and organisation * Target driven achievement * Utilising new technology to enhance customer experience, e.g. kiosks on the shop floor to show stock level and order status * On the job training twice monthly alongside service reviews

* Working with the product designers of Kids’ Sports and Kids’ Functional Outerwear * Product development - fabrics, details, silhouette and colourway * Creating and editing technical sketches to send to suppliers * Updating artworks and production packs * Assisting print designer for print placements, scales and colourways * Attending fittings and editing products accordingly * Knowledge of performance fabrics and functional details * Cross team communication with buyers and other departments * Market/customer awareness for a new demographic * Making use of the archive to inform further work and evaluate past products in terms of successes, failures and opportunities * Attending training courses on sustainability, textile theory and logistics

* Project managing publications from concept to completion, working for high profile clients in a range of industries such as fashion, defence, retail, gaming and travel. * Areas of expertise: * Contract and project management of marketing materials and on site publications for leading event companies * Creating and proofing engaging content to be used in printed and digital publications with the aim of increasing exhibitor and visitor engagement * Handling data and identifying trends to extract meaning, action insights and drive sales leads to develop new business * Developing proposals for new and existing business, including new products and initiatives