Lead Designer, Beatles Fashion & Retail Collections in London

Apple Corps Ltd. was founded in 1968 to oversee The Beatles’ creative and business interests. It initially served as the new outlet for The Beatles’ own recordings as well as the music of a wide-ranging roster of artists, all brought to the label personally by the band (individually and/or collectively). Apple Corps’ mission celebrates artistry in an inclusive, creative environment. Since its inception, the company has encompassed music, publishing, merchandise, electronic and film enterprises.

For almost six decades, Apple Corps Ltd. has helped to bring The Beatles music to billions of fans in pioneering, creative manners, decade after decade. Apple Corps and Universal Music Group UK are coming together to build a dedicated team focused on shaping the next chapter of Beatles product, ecommerce, retail and customer experience. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of music, culture, creativity, commerce and fan experience. The Beatles remain one of the most important and influential creative forces in the world, with a legacy that continues to inspire fans across generations.

This team will create exceptional products, experiences and customer journeys for Beatles fans globally. From product design and packaging to retail, ecommerce, trading and fan engagement, every touchpoint must reflect the creativity, quality and cultural significance associated with The Beatles.

The Senior Designer will be responsible for leading the design vision, development and execution of fashion, accessories and retail product ranges connected to The Beatles. This role blends creative direction with hands-on design craft, ensuring products are distinctive, commercially aligned, production-ready and consistently reflective of the quality and cultural importance of the brand.

Key responsibilities

• Define the overall design vision, aesthetic and product language for fashion, accessories and retail product ranges.
• Ensure designs align with Apple Corps’ brand identity, product strategy and commercial objectives.
• Bring a high level of creativity, craft and cultural sensitivity to all product work.
• Develop original product concepts, seasonal collections and design narratives.
• Take ideas from initial ideation through to final specifications.
• Create cohesive range stories across trend-led pieces, limited editions, material and manufacturing specification.
• Select appropriate fabrics, materials, trims, finishes and product details.
• Produce detailed technical documentation for production partners.
• Create accurate tech packs, CADs, specification sheets and production-ready documentation.
• Maintain strong documentation standards from initial development through to final production.
• Analyse fashion, culture, retail, music, entertainment and consumer trends.
• Translate relevant insight into design directions and product opportunities.
• Work closely with suppliers to review prototypes and samples.
• Refine design details, fit, quality, finish and overall aesthetic.
• Partner with merchandising, production, marketing, retail and ecommerce teams.
• Oversee final execution of designs across relevant product categories.
• Ensure consistency with brand guidelines, quality benchmarks and customer expectations.

Key skills and experience

• Strong ability to define and deliver a clear design vision across multiple product categories.
• Ability to translate ideas into fully realised product ranges.
• Expertise in creating detailed technical packs, specifications and production-ready documentation.
• Deep understanding of materials, construction methods, trims, finishes and manufacturing processes.
• Strong competency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
• Sharp trend awareness and ability to interpret insight meaningfully.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Strong understanding of visual identity, quality standards and brand consistency.
• Understanding of sustainability principles in design, including materials, finishes, packaging and compliance.