At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Kidswear Design team in creating innovative prints and graphics for younger audiences.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a leader in retail innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Unleash your creativity and see your designs come to life in-store and online.
- Qualifications: Experience in print design, proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator, and a passion for trends.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
From Merchandising and Marketing – Product Development and Design, through to Supply Chain and Space Planning – our mission is to bring stylish wardrobe, home and beauty essentials to our customers through an easy, inspiring shopping experience, online and in store, that delights them every time. As we continue to transform our business to meet the evolving needs of our customer, we’re looking for results‑driven individuals with a passion for product, a collaborative mindset, creative flair and strong commercial awareness to join us on our journey. Please ensure you include a sample of your portfolio with your application. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Print & Graphic Designer to join our Kidswear Design team, with a focus on Younger Girls/ Boys. You will support the delivery of innovative, commercial and customer‑focused print and graphic design, bringing fresh ideas while staying true to the M&S handwriting. Ideally, you’ll have a strong understanding of the M&S customer and a clear point of view on how to evolve print and graphics in a way that feels relevant, modern and commercially successful. As part of the Kidswear Design function, you’ll contribute to creating outstanding prints and graphics that delight and excite our customers, for everyday wearability.
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about print and graphics, excited to push creativity to the next level, and confident working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. You’ll help deliver versatile, modern prints and graphics, thoughtfully designed for effortless dressing. Kidswear at M&S is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, with sustainability and digital‑first design at the heart of everything we do. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills, take ownership, and see your designs come to life in store and online.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.
What you’ll do:
- Working alongside the Print Manager research print and graphics trends to source images, to compile and layout Design Product Strategy (DPS) boards, identifying relevant trends in the market.
- Research current and emerging trends, sharing ideas with the Design team to help ensure ranges are continually evolving and market leading.
- Collaborate with the Designers to meet critical path deadlines and deliver the right designs, at the right time.
- Producing a high standard of Artwork sheets with a good understanding of print and graphic techniques.
- Create repeat tiles using Photoshop / Illustrator to show true representation of print scales for range reviews and PLM Artwork packs.
Who you are:
- Expert in the field of print design with design experience within the Retail industry.
- Experience in all over Print, placement Graphics and embroidery.
- Knowledge of trend interpretation, current competitive marketplace, and inspirational brands.
- Experience in briefing and specifying a high standard of technical Artwork Sheets to send to Suppliers.
- High level of proficiency in Design Applications to optimise the quality of design work e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, CAD.
What's in it for you:
- After completing your probationary period, you’ll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third‑party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry leading parental, adoption, and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you’re passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
Everyone’s welcome:
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating, and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted, and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you’d benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Assistant Print & Graphic Designer Kidswear in City of Westminster employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the Kidswear Design team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to tailored training programmes, generous benefits including a 20% colleague discount, and a supportive environment that values diversity and wellbeing. Join us in this exciting phase of transformation where your innovative designs can truly make an impact in the retail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Print & Graphic Designer Kidswear in City of Westminster
✨Join Design Communities
Get involved in online platforms like Behance or Dribbble, where designers showcase their work. These communities often have job boards or contests that can help you land that entry-level graphic design gig we’re all after!
✨Attend Local Design Meetups
Check out local design meetups or workshops in your area. They’re fantastic for networking, and who knows? You might meet someone from Marks & Spencer Plc looking for fresh talent like you to join their team!
✨Build Your Portfolio
We can't stress this enough—having a strong portfolio is key! Even if you lack professional experience, use class projects or personal work to showcase your skills. Make sure to include it in your application when you apply at Marks & Spencer Plc.
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to send your application directly through our website! It shows you’re proactive and really interested in the position. Plus, it helps us keep track of applicants much more efficiently!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Print & Graphic Designer Kidswear in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure to showcase your best work, including any projects from school or personal endeavours. We want to see your creativity in action, so highlight different styles and techniques that represent your unique flair.
Tailor Your CV for Design Roles:When you're putting together your CV, lean into the graphic design lingo. List relevant skills like software proficiency (think Adobe Creative Suite) and any design techniques you're familiar with. Since it's entry-level, don’t sweat too much about experience – showcase your passion for design instead!
Craft a Design-Savvy Cover Letter:Your cover letter shouldn't just be text on a page; it’s your chance to show your design skills! Use layout and typography to create something eye-catching while keeping it professional. Talk about why you're interested in Marks & Spencer Plc and the role of Assistant Print & Graphic Designer Kidswear – we love seeing enthusiasm!
Be Ready to Discuss Your Design Process:In addition to your written application, be prepared to discuss your design process in interviews. Whether it's how you come up with ideas or the steps you take to finalise a project, being able to articulate your approach impressively shows your depth as a designer and will set you apart!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a slick, well-organised portfolio showcasing your best graphic design work. Include a variety of projects that highlight different skills—think branding, digital design, and print. Be ready to discuss your creative process and the tools you used, like Adobe Creative Suite.
✨Know Your Design Principles
Brush up on fundamental design principles like typography, colour theory, and composition. You might get asked about how these concepts influence your work or even face some design-based challenges. Keep it fresh, and be prepared to chat about why you made certain creative choices in your projects.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As it’s an entry-level role, emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow. Talk about any relevant coursework, internships, or personal projects you've taken on that reflect your passion and adaptability in a fast-evolving field like graphic design. This will resonate with Marks & Spencer Plc as they look for fresh talent with potential.
✨Prepare for Feedback Questions
Expect questions about how you handle feedback—it's a big part of design work. Be ready to share specific examples of when you received constructive criticism on your designs and how you implemented it to improve your work. This shows that you're open to collaboration and iteration, which is key in graphic design.