Design Manager

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 Design Manager 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

Collection & Design Development:

• Work with the Product Director to set an inspiring vision for the future and effectively translate and communicate this to the teams.
• Lead the design and development of soft woven collections, including dresses, blouses and elevated daywear
• Deliver seasonal trend packs and identify in season trends. Is effective in driving these into the business.
• Has a broad eye for concept and can identify focused key items for the season, volume lines, colour palettes and print direction.
• 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
• Demonstrate an in-depth, customer focused knowledge of the market and trends.

Management

• Manage and develop the Design Team for Karen Millen.
• Deputising for the Product Director, with the opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director on a regular basis.
• Take responsibility for the design critical path in line with buying and marketing.

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 at a Design Manager level, within soft wovens or occasionwear
• Proven experience within a previous design role, with management experience.
• 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
• Comfortable working at pace. Agility is something you pride yourself on.
• A team player. Someone who enjoys going above and beyond to support others in the team where needed, especially during peak times.

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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