Designer

ABOUT US:

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.

Our in-house design team is obsessed with detail. We interpret trends to serve our customer, drawing inspiration from the colour palettes, silhouettes and moods seen across international catwalks, street style and the wider competitive market.

We are looking for an experienced Softs Multi-Product Designer to join our passionate, agile and creative team.

THE ROLE:

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven designer with strong trend awareness and the ability to independently design and develop collections.

As one of our brand designers, you will create trend-led, creative and commercially balanced woven multi-product ranges that respond to customer briefs and brand handwriting.

Working closely with the buying, print design, garment technology and cold-weather teams, you will help deliver cohesive seasonal collections and complete customer looks. You will take ownership of your product areas from initial concept and trend research through to fit, development and more.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Identifying emerging trends and influencing the business at critical points. Looking at opportunities to react quickly, with strong understanding of the supply base and how to get quick reads on product, ensuring we are market leaders.
• Producing in-season catwalk, street-style and competitor analysis to support the direction of your ranges.
• Taking lead on creating inspiring trend mood boards, colour palettes, and design direction, ensuring brand DNA is maintained whilst continually searching for new opportunities.
• Sourcing and developing new fabrics and creating custom embellishments and embroidery across the ranges.
• Working closely with the print designers to create elevated, unique products through engineered placement and hero prints which deliver newness and best-in class products.
• Producing detailed hand drawings, CADs and design specifications using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Innovating and evolving bestsellers to protect the commercial baseline of the range, responding to trade reactions.
• Working collaboratively with buyers, merchandising and cold weather teams to range-build and ensure the collection is balanced, cohesive and commercially focused.
• Confidently contributing to fit and seal sessions with the garment technology team, protecting the original design intent.
• Remaining open to UK and international travel to build supplier relations and research trips.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

• Demonstrated experience in womenswear softs and woven multi-product design.
• A minimum of five years’ relevant industry experience.
• A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
• Strong hand-drawing skills and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong trend awareness, commercial judgement and an understanding of the Debenhams customer.
• In-depth knowledge of textiles, woven fabrics, garment construction and fit.
• A strong technical foundation and understanding of the product-development process.
• Strong organisation and critical-path management skills with the ability to manage multiple products, collections and deadlines.
• A professional, focused and collaborative approach.
• The ability to think on your feet and solve problems creatively.
• Agility, adaptability and confidence working in a fast-changing retail environment.
• A genuine passion for fashion, product and the customer.
• Open mind and willingness to embrace AI in the workplace. Any previous experience is a bonus.

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