Menswear Designer Jersey and Knit, John Lewis Own Brand in London

We are looking for a creative, high-energy Jersey & Knit Designer to join our growing team. Working directly with our Lead Designer, you will play a key role in developing fresh, innovative concepts while staying true to our brand's signature aesthetic and taste level. This role seeks a "culture add" who brings a positive, collaborative spirit and a sense of fun to the studio every day.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Collaborate & Create: Work hand-in-hand with the Lead Designer to evolve our jersey and knitwear categories from concept to final sample.
• Fresh Innovation: Bring new, trend-forward ideas to the table that push the brand forward while maintaining our core "look and feel".
• Team Synergy: Contribute to a high-vibe, positive workspace where ideas are shared freely and creativity thrives.
• Technical Execution: Develop detailed tech packs and oversee the development of jersey and knit textures, weights, and finishes.

Who you are:

• A Jersey & Knit Specialist: You have a deep understanding of garment construction, yarn types, and jersey fabrications.
• A Creative Spark: You are full of fresh ideas and aren’t afraid to share them.
• Positive & Proactive: You bring a "can-do" attitude and fun energy to a collaborative team environment.
• Brand-Aligned: You have a refined "eye" and an instinctive understanding of high-level design and taste.

At a glance:

• Salary: £33,000.00 - £51,700.00
• Salary in the region of: £40,000.00 - £45,000.00 dependant on skill and experience.
• Contract type: This is a permanent opportunity.
• Hours and location of the role: 35 hours per week, home location London Head Office, hybrid working with office days Tue–Thu; EU and international travel may be required.

Design responsibilities:

• Take a key role in design projects, with support from the category design lead, and in collaboration with the buying, merchandising and tech teams.
• Deliver product design that forms a coherent category assortment aligned to brand/sub-brand guidelines and serves our customers; support the Design Team and studio in fulfilling key tasks across the season.
• Produce commercial and innovative design solutions to briefs; develop a distinctive design handwriting to ensure our customer offer is unique.
• Assist in research, preparation and presentation of category trends; demonstrate research and analytical skills to stay abreast of customer requirements and market trends.
• Ensure the sampling process is efficient for your sub-category; produce precise design packs and fulfil delegated seasonal design briefs with commercial and innovative solutions.
• Maintain comprehensive records of design projects; own design, product development and sampling for designated ranges with stakeholders and leaders.
• Bring proficiency in design software (e.g. Adobe Suite, CAD, Clo3D) and be able to bring designs to life digitally.
• Where applicable, deliver task management for Design Assistants to achieve business outcomes.

Stakeholder Management:

• Support cross-department collaboration through effective stakeholder relationships.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Continuous Improvement:

• Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement mindset.
• Think boldly, evaluate issues from multiple perspectives, and generate workable options to adjust strategy and outcomes.

The successful candidate will have the following skills:

• Task Prioritisation and Setting Priorities: plan workload, adapt to changing circumstances, manage urgency and importance, and meet deadlines.
• Stakeholder Management and External Stakeholder Engagement: identify impacts, understand motivations, and build sustainable relationships.
• Decision Making: identify issues, gather information, evaluate options, and drive informed outcomes.
• Interpersonal Sensitivity: understand and relate to teammates and customers; consider wellbeing.
• Active Listening: fully concentrate and hear Partners.
• Agile Learning: learn from mistakes, adapt to change, and apply new skills.

Essential skills you’ll need:

• Experience in designing knitwear and jersey.
• Understanding of yarns, weights, gauges, knit structures and dying techniques; knowledge of pattern making, sewing, garment construction.
• Ability to translate concepts into production-ready sketches and technical specs using technology (e.g. Adobe).
• Aware of current fashion trends with a willingness to research.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in preparing design presentations and technical packages.
• Experience fittings and following through styles from sketch to production.
• Delivering designs on time within the seasonal critical path.
• Strong understanding of the JL&P brand and how design drives commercial outcomes.
• Design experience in the retail industry.

Desirable skills and/or experience:

• BA degree in Design (product, fashion, textiles, etc.).
• Specific sub-category design experience (e.g. Knit, Jeans) with portfolio.

About The Partnership:

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of John Lewis and Waitrose. Partners contribute to a shared purpose and culture, with a focus on retail excellence, innovation, and service. As Partners we share ownership and responsibility, working together through good and challenging times, with kindness and respect. We strive to create an environment where Partners can thrive and be themselves.

Important notes: roles may require pre-employment vetting (e.g., DBS checks); information will be provided during recruitment. Some roles may require additional checks. We may close vacancies early; apply early. If you need a reasonable adjustment for the application, contact us. We support flexible working where possible.