N Brown – who we are and why work for us?

N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,200 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility.

We’re committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by ‘championing inclusion, we’ll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer’. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.

In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we’re so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!

The Role

We’re looking for a highly creative and commercially driven Senior Womenswear Designer to join our Design team on a Fixed Term Contract. This role plays a key part in shaping the womenswear offer across our multi-brand portfolio, including JD Williams, Simply Be, and additional N Brown brands. Reporting to the Head of Design for Womenswear and managing a Designer.

What will you do as a Senior Designer?

Design and development of trend-led womenswear across product categories of woven tops, trousers and skirts, dresses and occasion wear, delivering cohesive seasonal ranges across JD Williams, Simply Be and additional brands.

* Work with the design team in translating global trends, colour direction and fabric innovation into commercially relevant collections. Seasonal concept development, including mood boards, colour palettes, trend presentations and range architecture.

* Ensure all product aligns with brand handwriting, customer insight, price architecture and margin targets.

* Collaborate closely with Head of Design, Buying, Technical, Merchandising, Studio and Marketing teams to ensure product consistency, strong storytelling and effective go-to-market execution.

* Preparation and presentation of design concepts and seasonal range reviews to senior stakeholders.

* Build strong relationships with suppliers and factories, overseeing sample development, fabric selection and design integrity through to production.

* Maintain a deep understanding of the N Brown customer, market landscape and competitor activity to inform design direction.

* Drive innovation in product, fabric, fit and design detail, continually evolving the brand offer.

* Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of collections within critical path timelines.

Skills and Experience

Significant experience designing womenswear across multiple product categories within a fashion retailer or supplier environment.
A strong portfolio demonstrating trend-led, commercially successful womenswear collections.

* Proven ability to translate global trends into product ranges that resonate with a broad customer demographic.

Strong knowledge of fabrication, garment construction and manufacturing processes.

* Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) with strong CAD capability.

* Strong understanding of range building, product architecture and commercial design strategy.

* Confident presenting design concepts and influencing stakeholders across cross-functional teams.

Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple seasons, brands and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

* A collaborative mindset combined with strong creative ownership and accountability.

What’s in it for you?

Hybrid working (2-3 days in the office at a minimum)
24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
Annual bonus scheme
Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
A range of financial wellbeing support
Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence
Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance
Paid volunteer time – all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice

Ways of Working

We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you’re in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we’re perfectly located, plus we’re surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!