Junior Designer

Location: London, UK

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Welcome to Motel. Our story began during a road trip in the 1990s, where our founders, Will and Andy, travelled across America collecting vintage items while living out of motels. They started purchasing vintage clothing in the USA and selling it wholesale, which eventually led to the creation of stores. From there, they began designing reworked vintage pieces, and thus, Motel was born. Over 30 years and a team of 200+ people later, every piece of clothing we make is created with the same spirit of fun, freedom and adventure as the road trip that first defined the brand. We’re still ambitious and independent, but now we’re a global team – we work from an operational base in Worcester, a design studio in London and a creative studio in Bali.

The role: The Junior Designer supports the Womenswear Design team by generating fresh, commercially-focused ideas and contributing to the full design process, from trend research and mood boarding to print development. The role involves supporting the broader team with day-to-day office tasks and administrative duties, working closely under the guidance of the Senior Designer.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

• Continuously research trends, newness, and commercial ideas across Instagram, Depop, runway and relevant sources.
• Create mood boards to support collection direction, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetic.
• Maintain a strong awareness of current trends, influencers and relevant brands.
• Compile weekly reports including competitor analysis, social media insights and emerging trends.
• Conduct regular competitive shopping in vintage and high street markets, identifying and capitalizing on missed fashion opportunities.
• Support Motel's sustainability initiatives by considering how our practices can improve, actively working in line with the sustainability journey of the business.

Design & Creative:

• Contribute to trade reactions by assisting with updates to best-selling styles, drawing on in-season sales analysis and market awareness to identify emerging trends.
• Design new ideas and sketches across requested product ranges using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Assist in researching and creating sketches, CADs and producing clear, detailed handovers.
• Support in briefing prints and graphics, following direction from Senior Designers.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the Motel design identity and customer.

Team Support & Administration:

• Manage and track samples, design documents and research materials.
• Assist with sourcing fabrics, trims and references as required.
• Provide general support to the design team, including note-taking and meeting preparation.
• Maintain organisation of the office workspace, ensuring samples and materials are stored correctly.

About You:

• Committed to promoting conscious creativity, helping us build a brand that champions sustainability and supports our social and environmental impact.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office; experience with CAD essential.
• Trend-focused with a keen eye for detail and a strong awareness of social media, youth culture and emerging fashion movements.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple deadlines and work at pace.
• A great understanding of the Motel brand, its aesthetic and its customer.
• A genuine team player with a flexible, diligent approach and a passion for the brand and its success.

What’s in it for you!

• Competitive salary in line with industry benchmarking.
• 3% employer pension contribution, 5% employee contribution as standard.
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, with additional days for long service.
• Birthday day off.
• Team socials and meetups.
• Monthly well-being activities to support your health and wellbeing.
• Tailored progression pathways.
• A thorough EAP scheme offering financial, legal and health support.
• Access to professional support & mentoring.
• Bonus Scheme for all employees paid out twice a year.
• Motel 50% discount.

Motel is a growth mentality company. Motel Rocks Group Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.