Lead Handbag and Accessories Designer in Banbury

We’re looking for a Lead Handbag and Accessories Designer to join our creative team and help shape the future of the Katie Loxton brand. In this exciting role, you’ll lead the end-to-end design and development of our handbag and accessories collections - from first spark of inspiration to final sign-off. With a strong understanding of trend, market and commercial needs, you’ll play a pivotal part in creating seasonal ranges that feel fresh, fashion-forward and perfectly on-brand. Taking full ownership of the critical path, you’ll ensure every detail is delivered on time and within budget, working closely with cross-functional teams across Design, Buying, Merchandising and Sales. From mood boards to sample reviews, you’ll bring passion, precision and a love for beautiful product to every step of the journey.

If you’re a creative thinker with a strong eye for detail and a love for designing collections that are as stylish as they are meaningful, we’d love to hear from you. The role is Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. You will enjoy the exciting buzz of our friendly office in Banbury, Oxfordshire three times a week on average with the flexibility to work from home for the remaining two days.

HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE

• Designing handbags and accessories for our Katie Loxton Brand.
• Taking ownership of the product critical path for Katie Loxton Handbags and accessories, ensuring all products are successfully delivered to company timeline and budget.
• Working closely with the Senior Product Design Manager and Creative Director to develop and deliver the vision of seasonal handbags and accessories.
• Developing and maintaining communication processes with the design team, enabling speed, creativity and agility.
• Working closely with the design team to ensure scheduling is accurate and capacity is met and managed.
• Working closely with the Senior Product Design Manager and Senior Buying Manager to set review dates for the upcoming season.
• Foreseeing and addressing any potential risks, whether they relate to product prices, material sourcing or timeline delays and ensuring these are effectively managed.
• Evaluating the current design systems and suggesting any improvements that could be made to improve the processes and productivity.
• Conducting weekly meetings with Senior Product Design Manager to communicate progress, challenges and updates, ensuring all projects are on track to hit deadlines.
• Leading the handbag and accessories design development from start to end, ensuring all products have been designed with cohesion.
• Working closely with the Senior Product Design Manager to align product goals with company strategy and option plans.
• Working closely with buying, Merchandising and sales teams to gather feedback from sales and ensure product is aligned to market demands, using this information to help inform design decisions ultimately creating the strongest collection possible.
• Working closely with suppliers to maintain high-quality standards while considering cost constraints.
• Leading sample approvals with design and buying, ensuring all information is gathered to feedback and sign off with the Senior Product Design Manager and Creative Director.
• Working with other Senior Designers in the team to ensure cohesion across categories within the Katie Loxton brand.
• Ensuring streamlined communications and ensure this information is passed on correctly up to the Senior Product Design Manager and Creative Director.
• Holding monthly trend report meetings with the Senior Product Design Manager and Creative Director using WGSN, ensuring, as a brand, we understand market trends, consumer behaviours, product functionality and material innovations within the industry.
• Identifying any big idea opportunities or quick wins where we can drive innovation as a brand.
• Any other ad hoc duties as reasonably requested by the Company.

THE TALENT YOU'LL BRING

• Proven experience as a product designer, with a track record of leading end-to-end design concepts.
• Strategic and forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to maintain brand consistency while driving innovation.
• Confident in shaping the creative vision while remaining actively involved in hands-on design work.
• Strong team player with a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• Highly creative and conceptual, with a strong ability to translate ideas into commercially viable designs.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
• Proficient in industry-standard design software, including CAD, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign; additional skills in specialist graphic software are desirable.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Degree in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

PERFECTLY PACKAGED

• A competitive salary DOE.
• 33 days holiday rising to 35 with length of service, inclusive of bank holiday.
• A broad benefits package including our staff favourite – a very generous staff discount across both our brands.
• Opportunities to make an impact as well as learn and develop further.
• An innovative and friendly workplace with a team we’re proud to be part of.

We are always striving to improve our way of working to be more inclusive, diverse and equal, including encouraging all team members to bring their ideas to the table as we know this is key to our continued success.