At a Glance
- Tasks: Design trendy knitwear and jerseys, forecast fashion trends, and lead fit sessions.
- Company: Join the iconic Karen Millen brand, known for quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, private medical cover, gym access, and discounts across brands.
- Other info: Embrace change and innovation while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design, experience in womenswear design, and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Since 1981, Karen Millen has been an iconic name in fashion, known for quality design, premium fabrics, and attention to every detail. Our brand moves fast, sets trends, and thrives on creativity and collaboration. Our passion is luxury level quality, our mission is to deliver outstanding value for our customer and to make Karen Millen a truly democratic brand.
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
Our in-house design team are obsessed with detail. We interpret trends to serve our customer, harnessing the colour palettes and moods of the international catwalks. Due to our continuing growth, we are now looking for an experienced Softs designer to join our passionate, agile and creative team.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Ensure the development of the collection and trends each season for your department.
- Source and develop fabrics for each month to suit your product range.
- Forecasting trends to bring newness and fashionability into the ranges with original, detailed designs.
- Producing in-season catwalk analysis for your department to underpin your range direction.
- Proposing balanced ranges covering customer attitudes, creating total looks and considering her end uses and lifestyle.
- Confidently leading the fit and seal process in our fit sessions, with tech.
- Innovating on bestsellers to ensure the commercial baseline of the range is protected.
- Demonstrating your awareness of what is new in fashion on the street, in the competition and in the designer collections.
- Driving this into the product ranges.
- Alongside the Head of Design and design team, contributing to seasonal research, developing on-brand macro trends at season launch.
- Managing the critical path to hit design deadlines, plan travel calendar and safeguard product through development to booking stage.
- Working closely with buying and senior team to range build and cultivate supplier relationships.
- Onboarding new suppliers to deliver exceptional quality and value for the customer.
- Working with the Head of Design to plan for seasonal shoot campaigns.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
- Demonstrated background in womenswear softs/woven design.
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline. Hand drawing, Photoshop and illustrator experience are required.
- In-depth knowledge of textiles, garment construction, and fit, with a strong technical foundation.
- You embrace a high level of professional accountability and are in the detail of the product journey.
- A motivating and inspiring personality who will nurture and develop your direct reports.
- Always professional, focused and driven to bring cohesion and clarity to the range and team.
- Able to think on your feet and problem solve creatively. Agility and adaptability are essential.
- Flexible regarding offshore and local travel.
- Creative, organised and passionate about fashion!
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception. 2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance.
- Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes.
- Discount across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations).
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks.
- Free season ticket loan.
Knit & Jersey Designer in London employer: Debenhams Group
At Debenhams Group, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive wellbeing package, ongoing learning opportunities, and a vibrant work culture that values individual differences. With competitive benefits, including a bonus scheme and a dog-friendly office environment, we offer a unique and rewarding workplace for those passionate about fashion and eager to make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knit & Jersey Designer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend fashion events, and join relevant online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its latest collections. Be ready to share how your design vision aligns with their brand ethos. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Debenhams Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Knit & Jersey Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the world of design. We want to see that creative spark that makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your Portfolio:Make sure your portfolio reflects the kind of work we do at Karen Millen. Highlight your best designs that showcase your skills in womenswear softs/woven design. We’re looking for originality and attention to detail, so pick pieces that really stand out!
Be Authentic:In your written application, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your journey, your design philosophy, and how you approach challenges in the fashion industry.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Debenhams Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Fabrics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of textiles and fabrics before the interview. Be ready to discuss how different materials can impact design and fit, as well as how you would source and develop them for your collections.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Prepare to walk through your design process in detail. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your hand drawings, Photoshop, and Illustrator work. Be ready to explain how you forecast trends and how your designs cater to customer lifestyles.
✨Stay Trend-Savvy
Demonstrate your awareness of current fashion trends, both on the street and in high-end collections. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate these trends into your designs while maintaining the brand's unique identity.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with suppliers and colleagues alike.
