We’re looking for a talented and creative Apparel Designer to join our team! If you’re passionate about fashion, confident in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, and have a strong grasp of textiles, garment construction, and patternmaking, we want to hear from you. You’ll juggle multiple projects, bring fresh ideas to life, and collaborate across teams, all while keeping the customer and brand at heart. Strong communication, innovation, and attention to detail are key. If you thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment, this is your chance to shine! 

What will you be responsible for? 

• Conduct ongoing research from global and local sources—such as fashion shows, trade platforms. 
• Provide insights on market trends, competitor activity, and consumer preferences to inform seasonal direction and product innovation. 
• Develop seasonal color palettes, trend boards, and theme concepts, incorporating relevant styles, silhouettes, materials, trims, and branding elements aligned with the brand’s aesthetic and target market. 
• Source new fabrics, trims, and sustainable materials based on trend alignment, design functionality, and quality standards, while maintaining successful communication with suppliers. 
• Translate buyer briefs into commercially viable, brand-aligned product designs by creating detailed 2D/3D sketches, technical drawings, and tech packs using CAD software. 
• Review samples and prototypes to ensure they meet original design specs, branding proportions, and finishing standards, collaborating with QA, buyers, and suppliers during fit sessions and post-fit revisions. 
• Assist with trim and packaging artwork development, ensuring brand alignment, print accuracy, and layout approvals prior to final production. 
• Present holistic seasonal trend overviews to the Buying team through storyboards, mood boards, and other visual tools to support Early Product Development (EPD). 
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including buying, marketing, and suppliers—to support product launches, seasonal collabs, and merchandise plans. 
• Maintain clear communication, meet deadlines, and proactively resolve issues during product development to ensure smooth execution from concept to final rollout. 

What you bring 

• 3–5 years of experience in a Design role, preferably within the retail industry. 
• Bachelor's degree in Design or a related field. 
• Demonstrates strong business acumen with a solid understanding of merchandising principles. 
• Proactive problem-solver with a critical and analytical mindset. 
• Highly organized with excellent time management and prioritization skills to ensure productivity. 
• Exceptional attention to detail in all aspects of design and execution. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities. 
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, and eager to drive innovation and continuous improvement. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for reporting, presentations, and design support tasks. 

What we offer 

At Freedom of Movement, our mission is to be known as an inspirational and conscious South African brand that connects intimately with our customers by constantly delivering authentic lifestyle products of superior quality. Working for Freedom of Movement means a fantastic position in an aspirational South African brand, where we inspire all personnel to create their own destiny and live their lives with true FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: the Freedom to dream | the Freedom to create | the Freedom to move. You will be working in an environment with plenty of development opportunities, new experiences and improve skill sets. You will be given the freedom to positively contribute and share in growing our business. Our unique culture - "Uhambo" translates to “journey” in Zulu as well as Xhosa. Uhambo implies an adventure or purposeful movement, overcoming challenges and obstacles during the journey. It encapsulates the essence of seeking new experiences, encountering different cultures and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to embark on an inspirational expedition. At Freedom of Movement, we believe that Uhambo personifies our Culture which is centered around teamwork, where we create an environment that fosters resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Together we passionately work towards inspiring, fostering a culture of innovation, and delivering products and service of superior quality. Uhambo - “together we move to inspire” 

Job Type: Full-time 

Job Level: Mid-level role 

Location: HQ, Unit 3 Harvest Park, Harvest Close, Richmond Industrial Precinct, Cape Town 

Expected Start Date: April 2026 

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks please consider your application unsuccessful.