Designer (Beauty), Durban

We are looking for a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented young Designer to join our clients dynamic team within the Beauty & Fragrance division, while also supporting selected Homeware projects.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong creative flair, a keen eye for colour and packaging aesthetics, and the ability to transform concepts into commercially appealing products. We are seeking an individual who is hardworking, eager to learn, highly organised, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced product development environment.

You will work closely with merchandisers, customers, suppliers, and overseas factories to bring innovative beauty and fragrance concepts to life — from initial trend research and design development through to final production.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting trend research to support seasonal merchandise buying trips
• Completing local competitive shopping and market research
• Photographing and cataloguing overseas samples
• Assisting with trend presentations and seasonal customer presentations
• Creating die lines for Beauty and Fragrance products
• Designing packaging and product componentry tailored to customer requirements
• Translating merchant briefs into creative and commercially viable design concepts
• Preparing and sending accurate production files to overseas factories
• Communicating with suppliers and customers regarding design briefs, artwork, colourways, and product specifications
• Reviewing first-off samples against CADs to ensure quality, finishes, packaging outlines, and design accuracy
• Managing and monitoring overseas samples, including returns and sample organisation
• Maintaining sample libraries, rails, and seasonal product displays
• Preparing updated customer CAD overview files and presentation packs
• Ensuring all factories receive complete and updated briefs and design documentation
• Supporting both Beauty & Fragrance and selected Homeware design projects as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Minimum Qualifications

• Higher National Diploma, Degree, or HND in Fashion & Textile Design or related field

Minimum Experience

• 2–5 years’ relevant experience within a fashion house, beauty, fragrance, packaging, or product design environment

Behavioural Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong creative flair and exceptional eye for colour
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Commercial awareness and understanding of target markets
• Confidence, initiative, and a proactive approach
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• The ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders
• Strong visualisation skills and spatial awareness
• Excellent colour matching and visual colour discrimination abilities
• A willingness to learn and adapt within a fast-paced environment

Technical Competencies

• Pattern development and cutting knowledge
• Strong packaging and product design capability
• Ability to conceptualise and execute ideas from concept through to finished product
• Understanding of design techniques, layouts, and production processes
• Strong appreciation for fine arts, composition, and aesthetics
• Ability to design with the target consumer and market in mind