At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative Nightwear and Swimwear products that excite customers.
- Company: Join a leading fashion brand known for its commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent contract, hybrid working, and opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for personal development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of Nightwear while mentoring aspiring designers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Nightwear design and strong collaboration skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the role
As a Designer (L6) within our Product Design Profession, you will be the driving force behind designing, developing, and delivering original, relevant, and customer‑centric own‑brand products. Utilising deep customer insights, you will inspire, excite, and delight our customers while delivering planned growth for your categories. We are seeking a true specialist; someone who 'owns' their product area. While you will provide strategic oversight across Underwear and Swim, you will act as the primary expert and specialist in Nightwear, ensuring a commercial and clear direction that sets the standard for the industry. You will take a leading role in design projects, working independently, alongside or in collaboration with the wider Design and Trading community. As part of your role you will be mentoring within the wider design and category teams, sharing significant experience and knowledge supporting where needed.
Contract type – This position is a Permanent contract.
Working pattern / flexible working – The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you’ll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The expectation is for three in‑person days per week, which can include your time spent on store visits and meeting brands / suppliers. For Fashion Design this is generally Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Location – This role is based at our London Head Office campus in Pimlico. Travel may be required to Europe, the Far East & India.
FYI – This position is predominantly focused on Nightwear Design; however, as the role also involves the oversight of our swimwear design team, previous experience in this category is highly desirable.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic Design & Ownership
- Category Leadership: Take the lead on Nightwear design projects, working independently and collaboratively to deliver best‑in‑class products.
- Specialist Expertise: Demonstrate significant experience in Nightwear, overseeing Underwear and Swim to ensure a cohesive, distinct, and unique customer offer.
- Commercial Direction: Partner closely with Buying, Merchandising, and Technical teams to co‑create briefs and deliver outcomes aligned with brand guidelines and commercial goals.
- Strategic Thinking: Work alongside the Category Design Lead to drive your category in line with business outcomes, keeping the voice of the customer at the heart of every decision.
- Research & Trend: Lead seasonal trend research, setting color palettes and mood boards that reflect market conditions and evolving customer needs.
- Sustainability: Review technological advancements and incorporate new ways to meet Partnership ES (Environmental/Sustainability) standards.
- Mentorship: Act as a role model within the Design Profession, mentoring and sharing knowledge to help the wider team achieve their potential.
- Deputising: Support the Category Design Lead, stepping in to deputise and provide leadership for the category when appropriate.
- Co‑ownership: Act in accordance with the Partnership’s purpose and democratic principles, speaking honestly and frequently to improve the business.
About You
- The Specialist: You are a seasoned designer with a deep‑seeded passion and expertise in Nightwear. You understand the technicalities of the product area and have the 'handwriting' to create a unique market position.
- The Collaborator: You thrive in a cross‑functional environment, working seamlessly with Trading and Technical communities to ensure the best product for the collection.
- The Mentor: You are committed to personal and professional development, both for yourself and for those you mentor within the studio.
- Agile & Global: You are comfortable with EU and International travel for product development and embrace the Partnership’s agile and flexible working practices.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need
- Experience in stakeholder management, excellent communication and presentation skills.
- A proven commercial focus.
- A track record of credible creative achievements.
- A strong understanding of the JL&P brand and / or sub brands, their brand values and potential for product.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- BA degree in Design.
- Substantial experience within a retail product design studio.
- Good external network across the design industry.
Important points to note
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third‑party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, and therefore, we recommend you apply early. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability which means you may need longer to complete your application please contact us as soon as possible. We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Womenswear Designer – S.U.N (Nightwear/Swimwear) employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Womenswear Designer – S.U.N (Nightwear/Swimwear)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend design events, and join online forums. 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 Nightwear designs. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision, especially in Nightwear and Swimwear. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Womenswear Designer – S.U.N (Nightwear/Swimwear)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nightwear: Make sure to highlight your love for nightwear in your application. Share specific examples of your previous work that showcase your expertise and unique design handwriting in this area.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you align with our vision and values.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Nightwear Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of nightwear trends, fabrics, and customer preferences. Research the latest styles and innovations in the market to showcase your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work in nightwear and swimwear. Be prepared to discuss your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them to create standout pieces.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you communicate and co-create with buying, merchandising, and technical teams.
✨Emphasise Your Mentorship Skills
As a potential mentor within the team, be prepared to talk about your experience in guiding others. Share specific instances where you've helped colleagues grow and how you plan to contribute to the development of the wider design team.