WW Print Designer JLP

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for a designer who is passionate about print and evolving trends to join the WW Print design team. You must be passionate about fashion, and stay informed and up to date about inspirational print design (catwalks) and also our competition, (High street).
As a Designer (Partnership Level 6) in the Print Design Profession, you will take a leading role in design projects, working independently, alongside or in collaboration with the wider Design and Trading community. , designing, developing and delivering original, relevant customer-centric and distinct best in class own brand products. You will be eager to learn about the John Lewis customer and build print ranges that excite and delight them.
It is also vital to have a great colour and print background that is relevant to the John Lewis customer. We would like to meet designers who have a strong yet versatile handwriting that can adapt to seasonal trends and new directions, in order to trade well within season and future focused business opportunities.
This designer must present print ranges backed with strong research and a great working knowledge of print and print bases to ensure work presented is easily translated with product designers and buyers into actual garments.
You will also be mentoring within the wider design and category teams, sharing significant experience and knowledge supporting where needed.
You may need to deputise for your Category Design Lead when appropriate.

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• Salary - £48,300 - £77,200 - Please note from 1st April 2025, the salary range for this role will start from £53,100 

• Contract type - This position is a Secondment/Fixed Term contract until April 2026

• Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The TCP (Trend, Colour, Print) team aims for around 3 days a week in the office to connect and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings. 

• Location -  This role is based at our London Head Office campus in Pimlico. Please note, any cost incurred as a result of travel to the office is the responsibility of the successful candidate. There is no travel allowance for this role.

• (FYI) Next Steps - The application process requires you to upload a portfolio / examples of your work as well as your CV and application answers. If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be required to provide your portfolio to the assessors as well as present a small project that will be provided to you in advance. 

Key responsibilities

• Play a critical role in delivering product design that will be aligned to brand / sub brand guidelines and aligning with customer needs. Demonstrating significant experience and expertise while supporting the Design Team and studio in fulfilling key tasks across the season

• Responsible for designing and developing seasonal ranges, delivering original, relevant, customer-centric and distinct best in class own brand products and delivering planned growth. Displaying a breadth of design handwriting to ensure our customer offer is truly unique.

• Preparation and presentation of relevant and appropriate category trend research. Demonstrate a good level of research and analytical skills to keep abreast of key customer requirements, market trends/conditions and evolving product needs. Reviewing technological advancements and new ways to incorporate sustainability inline with partnership ES standards/goals.

• You will research thoroughly into your Category/Brands by setting out seasonal trend boards and colour palettes, have excellent illustration and cad skills, whilst being proficient in Adobe and other specialist design software. 

• Ensure the sampling process is efficient. Produce precise design packs and fulfil seasonal design briefs with commercial and innovative solutions, supported by illustrating / briefing / sourcing key materials and details. Ensure accurate samples are produced. Maintain comprehensive records of design projects.

• Work autonomously and set a clear direction when working on additional project teams, agreeing key objectives and a process to achieve the outcome. Taking the lead where needed. Task management responsibilities can include projects, new category collections, developing sub brands.

• Work collaboratively with all levels of buying, merchandise and the technical team to co-create the briefs & deliver identified outcomes ensuring that these align with the brand guidelines.

• Align to our Own Brand's strategies with a strong focus on understanding our customer and their evolving needs with desire to ensure that we deliver appropriate and relevant products.

• Limits risk and protects intellectual property with clear records when briefing & archiving, giving style references to product/print where needed to help with traceability.

• EU and International travel may be required to develop products as appropriate.

• Mentor, develop and share skill knowledge across the design studio, enabling team members to learn and contribute in a practical way and have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. Act as a role model and contribute to ensure a cohesive and positive Design team through behavioural and work ethics.

• Demonstrating strategic thinking, working alongside the Category Design Lead to drive your category in line with business outcomes and with the voice of the customer at the heart of decision making.

• You may need to deputise for your Category Design Lead when appropriate.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• Proven experience working as a Print Designer.

• Experience in stakeholder management, excellent communication and presentation skills 

• A proven commercial focus 

• A track record of credible creative achievements 

• A strong understanding of the JL&P brand and / or sub brands, their brand values and potential for product

• Proficient in Adobe Suite

Desirable skills/experience you may have 

• An experienced Womenswear print designer who has at least 10 years in the industry.

• BA degree in Print/Textile Design (product, textiles, surface pattern, decorative arts)

• Substantial experience within a retail product design studio

• Good external network across the design industry

• In depth knowledge of Adobe Creative suite, Illustrator and Photoshop. Procreate and other ipad based experience welcome

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Closing Date:

April 6, 2025

Pay:

£48,300.00 - £77,200.00 Annual

Contract Type:

Temporary

Hours of Work:

35

Job Level:

Partnership Level 6

Where You'll Be Working:

London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, , SW1V 2QQ

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.  

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.   

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. 

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. 

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.  

Important points to note:  

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. ​ 

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.  

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.