Senior Womenswear Designer
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Paul Smith is one of Britain's leading independent design companies, driven by a spirit of curiosity, playfulness, adaptability and passion. These values shape every aspect of the brand, whether it's a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, 'classic with a twist' remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
Working closely with the Head of Womenswear Design and Design Directors, you will support the creative development of the womenswear collection from concept through to final product, balancing innovation with strong commercial awareness. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident designer with exceptional technical ability, strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of luxury womenswear.
Please note this role requires that you submit an online link within the application form, to a colour portfolio containing work examples, this should be available for 4 weeks after the advert closing date.
What you'll be doing
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Womenswear Design and Design Directors to design and develop seasonal womenswear collections aligned to the brand vision and critical path.
• Take ownership of design-related decisions in the absence of the Head of Womenswear Design.
• To initiate and collaborate on research into themes, silhouettes, fabrics and techniques that reflect the Paul Smith aesthetic while driving commercial success.
• Produce highly detailed design drawings, technical specifications and CADs to support product development and sampling.
• Lead fittings and sample reviews, ensuring fit, quality and production standards are consistently achieved.
• Manage and help drive the seasonal critical path, including prototype reviews, styled fittings and product development milestones.
• Organise and oversee design team workflow to ensure timely delivery of collections.
• Work collaboratively with the Design Directors and Fabric Development teams to ensure collections are commercially balanced and aligned with market expectations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date collection boards, communicating all updates clearly to Sampling and Production teams.
• Ensure seasonal files, artworks and design archives are organised, accessible and maintained to a high standard.
• Partner closely with the Copyright team and Company Lawyer to ensure all artworks meet copyright requirements.
• Attend copyright meetings, fabric fairs and trade shows as required.
• Travel to our Nottingham Head Office and international factories as required.
Who you are
• An experienced womenswear designer with a strong background working within contemporary or luxury fashion brands.
• Highly knowledgeable in tailoring and outerwear would be desirable, with a strong understanding of product development across these categories.
• Skilled in producing detailed technical drawings and clear, accurate design specifications.
• Confident leading fittings and overseeing the product development process from concept through to production.
• Commercially aware, with a strong creative vision and an instinct for modern, directional design.
• A collaborative and confident communicator who works effectively across design, development, and production teams.
• Highly organised and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experienced in luxury womenswear construction, fabrication, and fit, with a strong eye for quality and detail.
Why you'll love working with us
Working at Paul Smith means being part of a brand that celebrates creativity, individuality and authenticity. Even though we are a global business, we've stayed true to who we are at heart. Our offices and shops remain welcoming and inclusive spaces built around collaboration, where we encourage our people to be themselves, reach their full potential, and play a part in creating something truly unique.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your lifestyle and wellbeing, which includes a 60% staff discount and a seasonal clothing allowance. You'll also enjoy flexi-time, 33 days' annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days, private healthcare with Vitality, wellbeing support and many other perks to keep you motivated and inspired.
If you like the sound of what you've read so far, find out more about our company culture and the full list of benefits we can offer you.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.