Senior Womenswear Designer - Flou & Jersey (Maternity Cover)

Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies, driven by a spirit of curiosity, playfulness, adaptability and passion. These values shape every aspect of the brand, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.

We are looking for an experienced and creatively driven Senior Womenswear Designer to join our Design team. Working closely with the Head of Womenswear Design, you will lead the design and development of the flou and jersey categories across the collection, helping to shape a commercially balanced and creatively distinctive range that reflects the Paul Smith aesthetic. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible, to support for up to 6 months.

Please note this role requires that you submit an online link within the application form, to a colour portfolio containing work examples, this should be available for 4 weeks after the advert closing date.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and develop the Paul Smith Women’s collection, focusing on the flou and jersey categories.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Womenswear Design on seasonal concepts, silhouettes, fabric direction, colour, and detailing.
• Conduct and contribute to creative research into themes, techniques, and emerging trends.
• Produce highly detailed design drawings, technical specifications, and development packs.
• Lead fittings and sample reviews, ensuring fit, quality, and finish meet Paul Smith standards.
• Work alongside Design Directors, Fabric Development, and Production teams to ensure the collection remains commercially balanced and aligned with market expectations.
• Maintain and update collection boards, ensuring all amendments are clearly communicated to Sampling and Production teams in Nottingham.
• Ensure seasonal files and design documentation are consistently organised and accessible.
• Attend fabric fairs, trade shows, fittings, and production meetings as required.
• Travel to Nottingham will be required.
• Work to seasonal range plans and critical path deadlines with strong attention to detail and organisation.

Who you are:

• An experienced womenswear designer with a strong background working within contemporary or luxury fashion brands.
• Highly knowledgeable in flou and jersey design, with a strong understanding of product development across these categories.
• Skilled in producing detailed technical drawings and clear, accurate design specifications.
• Confident leading fittings and overseeing the product development process from concept through to production.
• Commercially aware, with a strong creative vision and an instinct for modern, directional design.
• A collaborative and confident communicator who works effectively across design, development, and production teams.
• Highly organised and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experienced in luxury womenswear construction, fabrication, and fit, with a strong eye for quality and detail.

Why you'll love working with us:

Working at Paul Smith means being part of a brand that celebrates creativity, individuality and authenticity. Even though we are a global business, we’ve stayed true to who we are at heart. Our offices and shops remain welcoming and inclusive spaces built around collaboration, where we encourage our people to be themselves, reach their full potential, and play a part in creating something truly unique.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your lifestyle and wellbeing, which includes a 60% staff discount and a seasonal clothing allowance. You’ll also enjoy flexi-time, 33 days’ annual leave (pro-rata) with the option to buy or sell holiday days, private healthcare with Vitality, wellbeing support and many other perks to keep you motivated and inspired.

If you like the sound of what you’ve read so far, find out more about our company culture and the full list of benefits we can offer you.

At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.