At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop merchandise for top artists in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Company: Join Universal Music, the world's leading music company with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits including private medical insurance, annual leave, and gym membership discounts.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team and grow your career in the exciting music industry.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for fashion and music while making a real impact on artist merchandise.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion design, strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and a creative portfolio.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
Music is Universal
Its the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the worlds leading music company. From A&R to finance legal to digital sales to marketing Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender race disability sexual orientation religion belief age marital status background pregnancy or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism dyslexia ADHD and other forms of neurocognitive variation.
We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment workplaces and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition please email
The A Side : A Day in The Life
In October 2024 Universal Music UK brought together two iconic music labels Island and EMI Records to create Island EMI Label Group. The new powerhouse label group is designed to help deliver our strategy to support artists from the wider Universal family linking closely with US label partners Republic Corps and Interscope Capitol Labels Group.
We\'re looking for a Merchandise Designer to join Studio Island on a 6-month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the Head of Merchandise Creative you\'ll be responsible for the design and development of clothing and goods across multiple artists and campaigns.
This is a hands‑on creative role that requires a designer who can think conceptually, execute with precision and manage projects through all stages from ideation and design development through to sampling, quality control and production handover.
You will thrive in a fast‑paced collaborative environment working on several concurrent projects and balancing creativity with commercial understanding and brand alignment.
The B Side: Skills & Experience
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop merchandise collections across apparel, accessories and lifestyle products for Island Records and EMI artists.
- Work closely with the Head of Merchandise Creative to ensure all design output aligns with artist vision and brand direction.
- Work closely with N1C Universal Music UK’s central e-commerce and creative team to develop product ranges.
- Lead concept creation research and mood‑board development to inform and inspire design ideas.
- Produce detailed design packs, technical drawings and material specifications for production partners.
- Oversee sampling and quality control ensuring all products meet Studio Island’s creative and technical standards.
- Collaborate with Studio Island wider creative team, marketing managers and artist teams to deliver high‑quality creative work to brief and on time.
- Stay informed of fashion, streetwear and cultural trends applying these insights to elevate creative output.
- Manage multiple briefs simultaneously maintaining quality and attention to detail across all projects.
Person Specification
- Past experience in fashion apparel or product design ideally within music, lifestyle or cultural industries.
- Very good interpersonal skills and ability to remain professional at all times.
- Proven ability to take a product from concept through to final sample with a strong grasp of fabrication, print and finishing techniques.
- Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
- Strong sense of visual storytelling and design composition.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high production standards.
- Confident working across multiple briefs in a deadline‑driven creative environment.
- Passionate about fashion, music, culture and design and how these worlds intersect.
- Candidates must upload a creative portfolio or link to a creative portfolio in their resume.
Bonus Tracks: Your Benefits
- Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 9%)
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 paid days of annual leave
- Interest‑free Season Ticket Loan available
- Holiday Purchase scheme
- Dental and Travel Insurance options
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Cars
- Subsidised Gym Membership
- Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)
Just So You Know
The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder’s specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent definitive and exhaustive statement.
Merchandise Designer (6mt FTC) employer: Universal Music
Universal Music is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and diversity. As a Merchandise Designer, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and you'll have access to numerous growth opportunities within the music industry. With benefits like a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and employee discounts, Universal Music ensures that its team members are well-supported both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Designer (6mt FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in shape! Make sure it showcases your best work and reflects your unique style. We want to see how you think creatively, so include a variety of projects that highlight your skills in design and concept development.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Universal Music and its artists. Understand their brand and vision, and think about how your design style aligns with their ethos. We want to see your passion for music and how you can contribute to their creative team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Designer (6mt FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair:When applying for the Merchandise Designer role, make sure to showcase your creative portfolio. We want to see your unique style and how you bring ideas to life, so include your best work that aligns with the music and fashion vibe!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in fashion and design, especially within the music or cultural industries. We love seeing how your background fits with our vision.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors, and that it clearly outlines your skills in Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of production processes. We appreciate a polished presentation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Universal Music!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music
✨Know Your Music and Culture
As a Merchandise Designer, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of music trends and cultural influences. Research the artists you'll be working with and their brand aesthetics. This will help you align your designs with their vision and show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Creative Process
When discussing your portfolio, don't just present the final products. Walk them through your creative process, from ideation to execution. Highlight how you develop mood boards, conduct research, and create detailed design packs. This demonstrates your ability to manage projects effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Trends
Stay updated on current fashion, streetwear, and cultural trends. Be prepared to discuss how these insights can elevate your designs. Showing that you can apply market knowledge to your work will set you apart as a candidate who understands the commercial side of design.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in the past. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and ensure that all design output aligns with brand direction. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and professionalism.
