Design Assistant

We are looking for a creative and motivated Design Assistant to join our talented Product Design team at Katie Loxton. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience across all areas of product design, from handbags and gifting to lifestyle accessories and packaging. You will support Midweight and Senior Designers at every stage of the product journey and learn how a global brand brings their collections to life.

In this role, you will get involved in a wide variety of tasks, from creating visuals and technical specifications to quality checking samples and contributing ideas for new products. You will be encouraged to bring your own creativity and perspective, helping to shape the look, feel, and presentation of our collections. Every day brings a new opportunity to gain insight into how designers bring collections to life, from initial concept and development through to production and launch.

This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, hands-on, and eager to develop their skills while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will gain invaluable insight into the world of commercial design, product styling, and brand storytelling, all while contributing to collections that delight customers and reflect our signature affordable-luxury aesthetic.

If you are passionate about design, excited by trends, and ready to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of a growing brand, this could be the perfect next step in your career. The role is Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. You will be based at our stunning Head Office in Banbury, Oxfordshire three to four times a week on average with the flexibility to work from home for the remaining two days. This may increase to 5 days a week during peak periods.

HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE

• Design Support & Creative Contribution
  • Assisting in driving the brand forward through creative product design, supporting the Katie Loxton aesthetic.
  • Supporting the creation of visuals, artwork, and accurate technical specification sheets across product and packaging.
  • Helping to maintain product decks, range plans, product codes, pricing, and visuals.
  • Contributing ideas for creative product solutions and supporting the team in overcoming design challenges.
  • Supporting the sample process, checking quality and ensuring products meet brand standards.
• Execution & Delivery
  • Assisting with the end-to-end delivery of products, including specifications, packaging, tags, care labels, POS, and sample checks.
  • Ensuring meticulous attention to detail and accuracy across all outputs.
  • Tracking project progress and providing updates to designers, supporting timely delivery against seasonal deadlines.
  • Maintaining critical paths, product codes, colour references, and documentation to ensure consistency and accuracy.
  • Helping prepare for key meetings, organising samples and maintaining a high standard in the product development space.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Working closely with Product Designers, Senior Designers, and cross-functional teams (Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, Wholesale) to support project delivery.
  • Communicating progress clearly, raising queries proactively, and escalating issues to meet deadlines.
  • Providing insights on competitors, trends, and product innovations to inform the design team.
• Planning & Learning
  • Anticipating upcoming briefs, planning workload effectively, and supporting the team in meeting seasonal deadlines.
  • Continuously developing your skills, learning from Midweight and Senior Designers.
  • Taking initiative to improve your own processes and technical capability while contributing to the team's efficiency and creativity.

THE TALENT YOU'LL BRING

• A degree or equivalent qualification in fashion, product, graphic design, or a related field.
• Some relevant experience in product, accessories, or lifestyle design, including internships or placements.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A positive, collaborative attitude and strong communication skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for design, trends, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent attention to detail and a desire to grow skills in concept development, product design, and cross-category execution.

PERFECTLY PACKAGED

• A competitive salary DOE.
• 33 days holiday rising to 35 with length of service, inclusive of bank holidays.
• A broad benefits package including 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 are proud to be part of.

We are a family-run, entrepreneurial company with an exciting pace of life and a bright and friendly team. We are passionate about creating stunning products with a personal touch and innovating our business behind the scenes. We value creativity, collaboration, and integrity.

We strive to be the best in our field, and we know that happens by hiring a diverse team and encouraging everyone to be their authentic selves when working with us. We don’t hire based on cultures, preferences, or personalities – it’s what you bring to the team that counts.