At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of contemporary collections and manage a creative team.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a brand focused on transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape fashion trends and make a real impact in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design and significant experience in design management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
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.
We are looking to hire an experienced Design Manager for Soft Wovens, Embellishment & Embroidery to play a key role in shaping Karen Millen’s contemporary, elevated collections across occasionwear and premium daywear. This role will be based out of our central London office.
Responsibilities
- Work with the Product Director to set an inspiring vision for the future and effectively translate and communicate this to the teams.
- Lead the design and development of soft woven collections, including dresses, blouses and elevated daywear.
- Deliver seasonal trend packs and identify in-season trends.
- Translate these into the business.
- Identify focused key items for the season, volume lines, colour palettes and print direction.
- Create modern, feminine silhouettes that align with the Karen Millen design handwriting.
- Approach product development from a collection perspective, ensuring ranges feel cohesive and commercially balanced.
- Support strategic range planning and build strong category architecture across the season.
- Deliver designs that support seven-day dressing through considered fabric and silhouette choices.
- Demonstrate an in-depth, customer-focused knowledge of the market and trends.
- Manage and develop the Design Team for Karen Millen.
- Deputising for the Product Director, with the opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director on a regular basis.
- Take responsibility for the design critical path in line with buying and marketing.
- Drive the creative development of embellishment, embroidery and artisanal surface techniques.
- Produce detailed artwork packs, placement designs and trim concepts for suppliers.
- Explore innovative applications of craft and premium detailing across occasionwear.
- Manage the design process from initial concept through to final sample approval.
- Deliver product that balances crafted statement pieces with cleaner, refined silhouettes and fabrications.
- Work closely with Buying and Merchandising to ensure collections are commercially balanced.
- Partner with Garment Technology to achieve exceptional fit, construction and quality.
- Ensure product is delivered on time and in line with the critical path.
- Maintain strong awareness of global fashion trends, craft techniques and competitor activity.
- Identify new product opportunities and emerging design directions relevant to the Karen Millen customer.
- Work closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and Studio teams to deliver cohesive collections.
- Contribute to range presentations, design reviews and seasonal concept development.
Qualifications
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
- Significant experience at a Design Manager level, within soft wovens or occasionwear.
- Proven experience within a previous design role, with management experience.
- Strong experience designing woven dresses and tops.
- Confident knowledge of embellishment, embroidery and surface design techniques.
- Able to adapt design handwriting across both crafted and cleaner product categories.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple developments and deadlines.
- Commercially aware with a strong understanding of customer, trend and market influences.
- A collaborative team player with a clear design perspective and strong product focus.
- Comfortable working at pace. Agility is an asset.
- A team player who supports others in peak times.
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.
Benefits
- 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.
Design Manager employer: Karen Millen
At Debenhams Group, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Design Manager based in our vibrant central London office, you will benefit from a highly competitive bonus scheme, comprehensive wellbeing package, and ongoing learning opportunities that support your professional growth. Join us in shaping the future of fashion while enjoying a culture that values collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow designers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent collections. Be ready to share how your vision aligns with their brand and how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨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 Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for design shine through! Share specific examples of your previous work that align with the role, especially in soft wovens and occasionwear. We want to see how your unique style can contribute to our vision.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this position. Highlight your experience in managing design teams and your knowledge of embellishment and embroidery techniques. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills directly to what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Design Manager role. We value clarity as much as creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Debenhams Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karen Millen
✨Know Your Design Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current fashion trends, especially in soft wovens and occasionwear. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence your design vision for Karen Millen's collections.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, particularly in embellishment and embroidery. Make sure to include examples that demonstrate your ability to create modern, feminine silhouettes and cohesive collections.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in the past. Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple developments and deadlines while keeping the team aligned.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Debenhams Group's vision for the future and how the Design Manager role fits into that. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you understand their expectations better.
