At a Glance
- Tasks: Design trendy womenswear collections and innovate on bestsellers.
- Company: Join the iconic Karen Millen brand, known for quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, discounts, private medical cover, and ongoing development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team shaping the future of fashion.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design and experience in womenswear design required.
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.
- Discount across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- Free season ticket loan.
Softs Designer in London employer: Debenhams Group
At Debenhams Group, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and dynamic employer that fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration. As a Softs Designer, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment where your ideas are valued, and you have the opportunity to grow professionally through ongoing learning and development. With competitive benefits, a commitment to employee wellbeing, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, working with us means being part of a team that is shaping the future of retail while enjoying a supportive and inspiring workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Softs Designer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the brand inside out! Research Karen Millen's latest collections, their design ethos, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their creative team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events where you might bump into someone from the team. A friendly chat can go a long way in making you memorable when it comes to hiring decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it's up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects that align with the softs/woven design focus. Bring it along to interviews and be ready to discuss your creative process and how you tackle challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Debenhams Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Softs 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! Talk about what inspires you and how you keep up with trends. We want to see that you're not just a designer, but someone who lives and breathes fashion.
Tailor Your Portfolio:Make sure your portfolio reflects the kind of work we do at Karen Millen. Highlight your best softs designs and any projects that showcase your understanding of textiles and garment construction. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share your unique design perspective and how you approach challenges creatively. We’re looking for visionaries who can bring fresh ideas to our team!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into the process. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
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 any recent trends you've noticed in the market.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Prepare to walk through your design process step-by-step. Highlight how you forecast trends, develop collections, and manage the critical path. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
✨Bring Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure it showcases a variety of your work, especially pieces that reflect your understanding of women's softs/woven design. Be ready to explain your thought process behind each piece.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since collaboration is key at Debenhams Group, think of examples where you've successfully worked with others, whether it's with buyers, suppliers, or your design team. Show them you're a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
