Textile Designer - Researcher

Role Overview

We seek a Textile Designer - Researcher to join our growing, creative team in Burnley, Lancashire. This role is crucial in continuing our commitment to designing cutting-edge textile solutions with sustainable and aesthetic integrity. The ideal candidate will combine their design skills with research acumen to develop designs that meet and anticipate market trends in hospitality, healthcare, and workspace settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Research market trends, materials (printed & woven), and techniques to help form the design strategies.
• Trend analysis - design and colour-led, creating mood and colour boards. 
• Review our existing product portfolio, identifying strengths and development areas. 
• Attend trade shows and supplier trips (occasional travel within the UK and Overseas, approximately 4 or 5 times per year max).
• Prepare scoping presentations on product, price, technical information, innovation opportunities and development advice. 
• Create original textile designs that align with client needs and market demands.
• Colouring, colour matching, and sampling—separations, repeats, legends, tone/textiles, overlaps, and colourways.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive and impactful design outcomes.
• Select supplier samples and prototypes. 
• Liaise with production regarding print files, customs and masters. 
• Support the technical team during the development cycle/ critical pathway to launch. 
• Prepare pattern card design layouts for new products. 
• Assisted in organising made-up items and props for photography. 
• Collaborate with the marketing team to support asset proofreading. 
• Deliver collection launch presentations to the business. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advancements in sustainable materials and textile technologies.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience and degree in surface pattern textile design. 
• A strong portfolio showcasing your design and research capabilities.
• Expertise in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and CAD applications.
• Colouration software, colour atlas and design files - colour management. 
• Fabric analysis - identifying fibre types, woven constructions and yarn counts. 
• Technical textile qualities and testing methods - FR, abrasion, BS, EU and USA validation methods. 
• Product lifecycle and gap analysis. 
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market research and customer feedback effectively.
• Proofreading techniques. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to balance creativity with a commercial mindset, understanding customer and market needs.
• A proactive and innovative approach to solving design challenges.

Traits for Success

• A passionate and curious mind, eager to explore new textile possibilities and trends.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality, precision designs.
• Adaptive to a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

Why Join Panaz as a Textile Designer - Researcher?

• Competitive salary and bonus. 
• 25 days holidays + bank holidays. 
• Christmas closure. 
• Staggered working pattern 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.  
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and career advancement.
• Lovely office and creative spaces in Burnley - just off the M65 and an easy commute from Manchester, Blackburn, Lancaster, Huddersfield, Bolton etc.  
• An inclusive and supportive work culture that values creativity and innovation.
• Fun and sometimes quirky social activities (for example, we have bees ! ) 
• Engage in meaningful work that contributes to sustainable design practices.

At Panaz, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our premises are accessible. We welcome applications from enthusiastic, creative, and eager individuals who want to contribute to our team's success. To apply, please submit your CV and portfolio through our careers page.