Careers

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES 

PRODUCT DEVELOPER (APPAREL) – SUSTAINABLE FASHION (FULL TIME)

Highlights:

• Make an impact on our local, Melbourne based ethical, sustainable fashion business

• Highly collaborative, family centric and innovative team environment

• Join a workplace genuinely committed to Work Life Balance

About The Role
We are looking for a hands-on, meticulous and collaborative Product Developer to bring timeless, sustainable and commercial apparel to life. Under the guidance of our Head of Creative, the role of Product Developer encompasses all aspects of apparel development, from concept to completion.
 
Your responsibilities will include:

• Closely partner with Planning and Sustainability teams to develop 2 commercial seasonal collections per annum in line with the vision and inspiration articulated by the Head of Creative

• Compile superior tech packs, mood boards, sketches, colour palettes, fabrications and key trend forecasts

• Competently utilise software to sketch true to form garments that flawlessly depict product and construction specifications to handover to our Production team

• In collaboration with the Production team, own the development process, including management to critical path timelines, maintenance of ‘single source of truth’ product data within our PLM (WFX) and support fitting samples

• Source desired fabrics with the support of Sustainability team

• Embrace new technology into the design workflow and actively share knowledge and expertise with the broader team for continued development

• Continually evaluate and refine the design process and make suggestions to improve efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and external partners both domestic and international

• Proactively offer support and guidance to key team members (people management experience highly regarded but not essential).

• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and creative team culture that encourages innovation and growth

What We’ll Love About You
You have a solutions focused, positive and proactive mindset and thrive when working collaboratively. You come equipped with 5+ years’ in a Product Development (Fashion Apparel) position and demonstrate expertise in garment construction, sustainable fabrications and sustainable design.

You pride yourself on your operating speed, precision, attention to detail and are well accustomed to working towards tight design schedules. You are an efficient multi-tasker and renowned for your superior organisational skills. You are highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator and have an appetite to embrace and immerse yourself in new technology.

Your values and design aesthetic are aligned to ours - you’re focused on sustainability both personally and professionally, you love being part of a collaborative and innovative team where everyone lends a hand to get the job done. You are committed to communicating seamlessly and accurately within your team and across functions to ensure everyone remains on the same page.

Who Are You?
You are a perfect match with:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role

• Tertiary qualification in Fashion Design or related field (desired)

• Experience utilising design software (proficient in Illustrator), 3D design (desired) to create high quality, flawless CADs and tech packs

• Intermediate MS Office skills (Excel)

• Competent navigating PLM system (WMX highly desired not essential)

• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, fabrications, trims and apparel manufacturing

• Exceptional prioritisation, attention to detail and quality management capabilities with demonstrated ability to work to critical deadlines

• Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively (verbally, written and visually) within the team, across the business, and with our supply partners

• Ability to embrace collaboration and working together as one team

• Comfortable navigating change and willing to pivot to meet requirements

• Commercially creative and passionate about sustainable and circular fashion

In return we offer:

• Salary and benefits commensurate with experience

• Access to our generous annual profit share incentive scheme

• Genuine commitment to work life balance

• Highly collaborative, family centric and supportive work environment

• Market leading product discounts for you, your family and friends

• Your birthday off every year

• Two days paid volunteer leave every year

How To Apply
If this sounds like you, apply here or reach out to us at jobs@elkthelabel.com for a copy of the Position Description or to find our more. 

As part of your application, please provide:

1. a cover letter detailing why you’re the perfect candidate; and

2. a copy of your folio demonstrating your design handwriting and collection of work aligned to our brand and aesthetic

This is a full-time role based in our Preston office in Melbourne, as such we are unable to consider sponsorship or remote work for this role.

About ELK
A pioneer of Australian design, ELK was established in 2004 in Melbourne, Australia. The ELK aesthetic holds a unique place within the international fashion landscape. With a highly considered approach by brand founders Marnie and Adam, ELK collections resonate with their global audience through sustainable and ethical practices, design refinement, trend curation and an intellect that is innately their own. Their sculptural accessories, hand-made leather and ready-to-wear collections define their artful vision while their devotion to ethical and sustainable practices has endured them as a leader in the practice of responsible innovation for the fashion industry.

At ELK, we nurture an open, inclusive workplace, valuing authenticity, transparency and community and celebrate individual strengths. We strive to ensure our team reflects the diversity of our customers and the communities in which we work. We embrace the opportunity to welcome talent who are passionate not just about what we do but why we do it, irrespective of background, life stage, identity, and ability. Join us on our journey as a responsible business, making better products for a healthier planet.

 

COMPANY MISSION

To responsibly create product with enduring value through a thoughtful, intelligent design philosophy and crafted with an artisanal aesthetic. To lead a conscious business supporting traditional trades and a circular economy that operates ethically and transparently, in safe, fair and inclusive workplaces. To minimise our environmental footprint and create a positive impact on our local and global communities.

CORE VALUES

• Authenticity

• Transparency

• Innovation

• Consideration

• Community

• Creativity

ELK, a pioneer of independent Australian design was founded by husband and wife duo Marnie Goding and Adam Koniaras in 2004 in Melbourne, Australia. Founded on a belief in creativity, innovative design and an authentic approach where people are at the heart of every decision.

ELK creates bi-annual collections that are informed by a design ethos where simplicity meets innovation. Seasonal collections typically lean towards natural hues and maximise the use of fine quality raw materials sourced from all over the world.

Beyond their commitment to great design, ELK has a strong ethical foundation. As a family owned and operated business, there is a great respect for all persons that work within and for the business. ELK has garnered a loyal customer base and a global reach that sees ELK collections sold in over 1200 independent retailers across 20 different countries.

ELK has cultivated a work environment in which our employees are constantly challenged to do their best. Through a creative approach, ELK has created a strong brand identity, and we nurture this quality in others by employing people who share our keen interest in design, our love of nature and simplicity and our commitment to an ethical and sustainable business. Just as each piece in our range is carefully created; we seek out individuals who can bring their own life experience and inspired ideas to our company.

In return, ELK provides employees with a unique work culture. Our culture is open and friendly, which promotes a happy work place. Staff retention is high and many team members have been with the company for long periods of time. Operating in this transparent fashion ensures everyone can be instrumental in helping steer the business towards future opportunities and growth. We live, create and work in a world surrounded by like-minded people, by peers that inspire us and aim to create a positive impact on all those that work with and for us.

We encourage our employees to integrate ELK products into their lives outside of work through offering product discounts, allowing ELK staff to act as brand ambassadors.

We encourage all employees to participate in our Health and Wellbeing Initiative which provides weekly organic local fruit and vegetables, social activities, community and charitable initiatives and health and wellbeing activities. 

All employees are kept up to date with our ethical and sustainability drive and are informed about ELK products – from the design process, through the materials used-to craftsmanship and traditional skills utilised in making them– and are confident communicating about ELK to others.

ELK supports employees' involvement in activities outside of work, whether it be to study, artistic pursuits or volunteer work.