Senior Designer
THE ROLE
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
We are looking to hire an experienced Senior Designer for Soft Wovens, Embellishment & Embroidery to play a key role in shaping Karen Millen’s contemporary, elevated collections across occasionwear and premium daywear.
This role will be based out of our central London office.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, this role will drive the creative development of soft woven categories including dresses, blouses and crafted separates, with a strong focus on embellishment, embroidery and artisanal surface design.
You will combine a strong design handwriting with commercial awareness, translating seasonal trends and customer insight into distinctive, desirable product that reflects the modern, sophisticated Karen Millen aesthetic.
We are looking for a designer who is adaptable in their creative approach, able to move confidently between highly crafted statement pieces and a cleaner, more refined product handwriting. You will approach design from a collection perspective,
planning ranges strategically to ensure cohesive product stories and a balanced wardrobe offering.
Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and supplier partners, you will lead the design process from concept through to production, ensuring exceptional quality, craftsmanship and on-brand execution.
Key Responsibilities:
Collection & Design Development:
- Lead the design and development of soft woven collections, including dresses, blouses and elevated daywear
- Create modern, feminine silhouettes that align with the Karen Millen design handwriting
- Approach product development from a collection perspective, ensuring ranges feel cohesive and commercially balanced
- Support strategic range planning and build strong category architecture across the season
- Deliver designs that support seven-day dressing through considered fabric and silhouette choices
Embellishment & Surface Design:
- Drive the creative development of embellishment, embroidery and artisanal surface techniques
- Produce detailed artwork packs, placement designs and trim concepts for suppliers
- Explore innovative applications of craft and premium detailing across occasionwear
Product Development:
- Manage the design process from initial concept through to final sample approval
- Deliver product that balances crafted statement pieces with cleaner, refined silhouettes and fabrications
- Work closely with Buying and Merchandising to ensure collections are commercially balanced
- Partner with Garment Technology to achieve exceptional fit, construction and quality
- Ensure product is delivered on time and in line with the critical path
Trend & Market Awareness:
- Maintain strong awareness of global fashion trends, craft techniques and competitor activity
- Identify new product opportunities and emerging design directions relevant to the Karen Millen customer
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and Studio teams to deliver cohesive collections
- Contribute to range presentations, design reviews and seasonal concept development
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline
- Significant experience as a Senior Designer level, within soft wovens or occasionwear
- Strong experience designing woven dresses and tops
- Confident knowledge of embellishment, embroidery and surface design techniques
- Able to adapt design handwriting across both crafted and cleaner product categories
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple developments and deadlines
- Commercially aware with a strong understanding of customer, trend and market influences
- A collaborative team player with a clear design perspective and strong product focus
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception.
2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
- Discount across all brands
- Comprehensive wellbeing package
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
- Free season ticket loan
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