At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative footwear collections from concept to final product.
- Company: Join the iconic Vivienne Westwood brand, known for creativity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, health support, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible three-day work week with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Advanced design skills and strong knowledge of footwear construction required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
ABOUT VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Vivienne Westwood is one of the most iconic British fashion brands, renowned for its heritage, innovative design, and commitment to culture and activism. We care deeply about our people and the environment, and our core values — Gaia, Quality not Quantity, Activism, Culture & Heritage — guide us daily. If you share our passion for creativity, sustainability, and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Lead Designer - Footwear to join our Design team as maternity cover on a 9-month fixed-term contract, starting in October. This role will be based in our Elcho Street office and will be a three-day-per-week position. The role takes ownership of footwear design delivery from initial concept through to final product, ensuring alignment with creative direction, commercial objectives and brand standards. Working closely with the Head of Design and Design Director, the role plays a key part in shaping and translating seasonal creative direction into cohesive, innovative and commercially successful footwear collections.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design & Creative Execution
- Lead the design and development of Footwear collections across Men's and Women's categories, taking ownership from initial concept through to final product, in line with seasonal creative direction as communicated by the Design Director.
- Develop and deliver strong design concepts, sketches, mock-ups and technical specifications suitable for sampling and production, maintaining high standards of creativity, technical accuracy and brand consistency.
- Ensure all designs meet required creative, technical, quality and brand standards prior to submission.
- Drive consistency and cohesion across all Footwear categories, supporting clear seasonal storytelling and aligned collection output.
- Lead in-depth research for Footwear collections, drawing on the Vivienne Westwood archive, heritage, global trends, materials and competitor analysis.
- Develop seasonal concepts, mood boards and narratives to support footwear design direction.
- Contribute to range planning in collaboration with Merchandising, ensuring collections are balanced, commercially relevant and aligned with seasonal briefs.
- Prepare and present commercial and technical presentations (including Photoshop visuals, commentary, proto-retouching, layouts and technical documentation), communicating design concepts and final developments to Directors and internal teams.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as the lead point of contact for Footwear within the Accessories Design team, providing expertise, feedback and support throughout the design and development process.
- Support and lead prioritisation and workflow across the team, contributing to the effective delivery of seasonal deadlines and evolving business needs.
- Play an active role in improving design processes, templates and ways of working to drive efficiency, clarity and consistency across the team.
- Lead special projects, collaborations and show-related footwear design projects as required.
- Undertake any other ad hoc tasks as required.
PROFILE & KEY SKILLS
- Advanced design skills including hand sketching, CAD, CLO 3D, Adobe Creative Suite and technical specification development, particularly in relation to footwear.
- Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction, materials and production processes.
- High levels of attention to detail and accuracy across all stages of the design process.
- Strong understanding of the full design and development lifecycle, from concept through to final delivery.
- Proven ability to contribute to and shape creative direction, delivering innovative, brand-aligned and commercially successful products.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines within fast-paced seasonal timelines.
- Confident communicator, able to present design concepts and developments to internal stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and international teams, supporting alignment, problem-solving and efficient delivery.
BENEFITS
- Staff discounts
- Health & Wellbeing support (includes Private Medical Health Insurance, EAP, Gym Discounts, Access to Financial Planning Service, etc.)
- Perkbox Discounts and Wellness Hub
- Cycle to work scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Pension Scheme
- Training and hands-on experience
- Opportunities to build new skills and gain valuable industry knowledge
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we recommend applying early to avoid missing out. Vivienne Westwood is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by local government laws.
Lead Designer - Footwear (3 days per week, 9 month FTC) in London employer: Vivienne Westwood
At Vivienne Westwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, sustainability, and innovation. Our Battersea office offers a vibrant work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through hands-on experience and training opportunities, all while enjoying generous benefits such as health and wellbeing support, staff discounts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the fashion industry while working alongside passionate individuals who share your values.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Designer - Footwear (3 days per week, 9 month FTC) in London
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like Vivienne Westwood. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Designer - Footwear (3 days per week, 9 month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into Vivienne Westwood's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit Vivienne Westwood during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at Vivienne Westwood.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at Vivienne Westwood.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivienne Westwood
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand Vivienne Westwood. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
