Womenswear Designer · London, UK ·

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 Womenswear Designer works as part of a cross-functional design team, reporting to the Design Manager and Senior Designer. The role is central to the full design process, from trend research and print ideation through to multi-product shape-work and seasonal collection development. The role requires close collaboration with Buying and Development teams, contributing creative ideas and ensuring all projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

• Research & Trend Analysis: Research new and innovative commercial ideas in line with brand strategy, drawing on sources such as Instagram, Depop and runway, as well as attending research trips and trade shows. Identify and interpret key seasonal and in-season trends, translating them into clear design directions. Drive trend-led product ideas that align with brand strategy and customer profile. Present research and design concepts clearly in team meetings, contributing to range direction and planning.
• Design & Collection Development: Create new ideas and sketches across all product ranges using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (CAD). Design to stories within agreed ratio, customer profile, trend direction, end-use and seasonal requirements. Work on monthly main range collections across multiple product categories, contributing to concept and planning sessions with the Design Manager and Senior Designer. 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. Create clear and detailed development handovers, including accurate CADs or supporting references, fully annotated front and back views, detail callouts, and all relevant technical information such as Pantones, colour cards, trims, and measurements/specifications as required. Lead on the execution of new print and graphics directions, either creating these personally or setting a clear brief for the graphics team.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with the Design Manager and Senior Designer to concept and plan collections, participating actively in range planning meetings and contributing ideas with confidence and clarity. Participate in design meetings and collaborate closely with Buying and Development teams to ensure all design output is cohesive, differentiated, and commercially effective. Support the Senior Designer with sample development feedback and print amendments, ensuring all revisions are completed on time and communicated to the correct teams. Keep the Design Manager and Operations Manager updated on project progress, flagging any issues proactively and addressing them efficiently.

About you:

• 2–3 years of experience as a Womenswear Designer.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Google Docs; confident working with CAD to a high standard.
• Strong understanding of the design process, with the ability to translate trends into commercial graphic and print designs.
• Trend-focused with a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for womenswear and the Motel brand.
• Confident working at pace — producing sketched CADs and handovers for the development team to tight deadlines.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• A natural problem-solver who identifies issues early and addresses them collaboratively with the team.
• Flexible, diligent and able to adapt quickly to the needs of the team and the business.
• A strong team player with a proactive, positive approach and a passion for Motel's 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.