At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop trendy womenswear collections with a focus on quality and detail.
- Company: Join the iconic Karen Millen brand, known for its creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Embrace change and make a real impact in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design and experience in womenswear softs/woven design required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
Since 1981, Karen Millen has been an iconic name in fashion, known for quality design, premium fabrics, and attention to every detail. Our brand moves fast, sets trends (we don’t follow them), and thrives on creativity and collaboration. Our passion is luxury‑level quality, and our mission is to deliver outstanding value for our customers and to make Karen Millen a truly democratic brand.
THE ROLE
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. Our in‑house design team is obsessed with detail. We interpret trends to serve our customer, harnessing the colour palettes and moods of the international catwalks. Due to our continuing growth, we are now looking for an experienced Softs designer to join our passionate, agile and creative team.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Ensure the development of the collection and trends each season for your department.
- Source and develop fabrics for each month to suit your product range.
- Forecast trends to bring newness and fashionability into the ranges with original, detailed designs.
- Produce in‑season catwalk analysis for your department to underpin your range direction.
- Propose balanced ranges covering customer attitudes, creating total looks and considering end‑uses and lifestyle.
- Confidently lead the fit and seal process in our fit sessions, with tech.
- Innovate on bestsellers to protect the commercial baseline of the range.
- Demonstrate awareness of what is new in fashion on the street, in competition and designer collections; drive this into the product ranges.
- Contribute to seasonal research and develop on‑brand macro trends at season launch alongside the Head of Design and design team.
- Manage the critical path to hit design deadlines, plan the travel calendar, and safeguard products through development to booking stage.
- Work closely with buying and the senior team to build range and cultivate supplier relationships.
- Onboard new suppliers to deliver exceptional quality and value for the customer.
- Plan seasonal shoot campaigns with the Head of Design.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
- Demonstrated background in womenswear softs/woven design.
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
- Experience with hand drawing, Photoshop and Illustrator.
- In‑depth knowledge of textiles, garment construction and fit, with a strong technical foundation.
- A professional who embraces accountability and attention to detail throughout the product journey.
- A motivating and inspiring personality who can nurture and develop direct reports.
- Professional, focused and driven to bring cohesion and clarity to the range and team.
- Creative problem‑solving and the ability to think on your feet.
- Agility, adaptability and willingness to travel offshore and locally.
- Creativity, organisation and passion for fashion.
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. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast‑moving, high‑growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy and the drive to make an impact.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work—without exception. 2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
OUR BENEFITS
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance.
- Discounts across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- Free season ticket loan.
Softs Designer employer: Karen Millen
At Debenhams Group, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and dynamic employer that fosters creativity and collaboration within our teams. As a Softs Designer, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment where your ideas are valued, and you have access to ongoing learning and development opportunities. With a commitment to inclusivity and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive bonuses and a focus on employee wellbeing, Debenhams Group is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Softs Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Showcase your best designs and projects that highlight your creativity and attention to detail. Make sure it reflects your unique style and aligns with the luxury vibe of Karen Millen.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend fashion events, connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people at Debenhams Group. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends and collections from Karen Millen. Show us you’re not just passionate about fashion but also knowledgeable about what’s happening in the industry right now.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our exciting journey of transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Softs Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Share your experiences and how they connect to the role of Softs Designer. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for the industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We appreciate attention to detail, so make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your unique perspective on design and how you approach challenges in the fashion world.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karen Millen
✨Know Your Fabrics
As a Softs Designer, you need to be well-versed in textiles. Before the interview, brush up on different fabric types and their properties. Be ready to discuss how you would source and develop fabrics that align with the latest trends and customer needs.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Prepare to talk about your design journey from concept to final product. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your attention to detail and creativity. Discuss how you approach trend forecasting and how you incorporate that into your designs.
✨Demonstrate Trend Awareness
Stay updated on current fashion trends, both on the street and in high-end collections. During the interview, share your insights on what’s trending and how you would integrate those elements into your designs for Karen Millen.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with buyers, suppliers, and other designers to create cohesive ranges that resonate with customers.
