Senior Designer

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.

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 occasion wear and premium daywear.

This role will be based out of our central London office.

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.

• 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

• 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 occasion wear

• 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

• 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

• Work closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and Studio teams to deliver cohesive collections
• Contribute to range presentations, design reviews and seasonal concept development

• A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline
• Significant experience as a Senior Designer level, within soft wovens or occasion wear
• 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…