Softs Designer

ABOUT US
Since 1981, Karen Millen has been an iconic name in fashion, known for quality design, premium fabrics, and attention to every detail. Our brand moves fast, sets trends (we don’t follow them), and thrives on creativity and collaboration.

Our passion is luxury level quality, our mission is to deliver outstanding value for our customer and to make Karen Millen a truly democratic brand.

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.

Our in house design team are obsessed with detail. We interpret trends to serve our customer, harnessing the colour palettes and moods of the international catwalks. Due to our continuing growth, we are now looking for an experienced Softs designer to join our passionate, agile and creative team.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Ensure the development of the collection and trends each season for your department.
• Source and develop fabrics for each month to suit your product range.
• Forecasting trends to bring newness and fashionability into the ranges with original, detailed designs.
• Producing in season catwalk analysis for your department to underpin your range direction.
• Proposing balanced ranges covering customer attitudes, creating total looks and considering her end uses and lifestyle.
• Confidently leading the fit and seal process in our fit sessions, with tech.
• Innovating on bestsellers to ensure the commercial baseline of the range is protected.
• Demonstrating your awareness of what is new in fashion on the street, in the competition and in the designer collections. Driving this into the product ranges.
• Alongside the Head of Design and design team, contributing to seasonal research, developing on-brand macro trends at season launch.
• Managing the critical path to hit design deadlines, plan travel calendar and safeguard product through development to booking stage.
• Working closely with buying and senior team to range build and cultivate supplier relationships.
• Onboarding new suppliers to deliver exceptional quality and value for the customer.
• Working with the Head of Design to plan for seasonal shoot campaigns.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• Demonstrated background in womenswear softs/woven design.
• A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
• Hand drawing, Photoshop and illustrator experience are required.
• In-depth knowledge of textiles, garment construction, and fit, with a strong technical foundation.
• You embrace a high level of professional accountability and are in the detail of the product journey.
• A motivating and inspiring personality who will nurture and develop your direct reports.
• Always professional, focused and driven to bring cohesion and clarity to the range and team.
• Able to think on your feet and problem solve creatively.
• Agility and adaptability are essential.
• Flexible regarding offshore and local travel
• Creative, organised and passionate about fashion!

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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