Assistant Print & Graphic Designer Kidswear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Print & Graphic Designer Kidswear

Company: Marks & Spencer

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-23

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development and execution of innovative, commercial print and graphic designs for the Kidswear division, specifically Younger Girls/Boys.

• Conduct comprehensive trend research to identify emerging patterns, colors, and styles relevant to the M&S customer and the competitive retail landscape.

• Collaborate closely with the Print Manager and wider Design team to ensure timely delivery of design assets, adhering to critical path deadlines and product development timelines.

• Produce high-quality artwork sheets and repeat tiles using industry-standard design software, accurately representing print scales and specifications for suppliers.

• Contribute to a digital-first and sustainability-focused design ethos, aligning with M&S's transformation goals for the Kidswear category.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a broader "Operations" framework, specifically focusing on the operational aspects of the design and product development lifecycle within the Kidswear division. The emphasis on trend research, technical artwork, and supplier specifications highlights the operational efficiency and accuracy required.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research into current and emerging print and graphic design trends, market intelligence, and competitor analysis to inform design strategies and product assortments.

• Compile and present Design Product Strategy (DPS) boards, effectively translating trend research into actionable design concepts and visual mood boards.

• Collaborate with Designers and cross-functional teams (e.g., Merchandising, Product Development) to ensure design concepts are commercially viable, align with brand handwriting, and meet seasonal product objectives.

• Create detailed and accurate artwork sheets, including repeat tiles, colorways, and technical specifications, optimized for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems and supplier production.

• Utilize design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, CAD) to produce high-fidelity print designs, placement graphics, and artwork, ensuring seamless integration with other design elements like embroidery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the operational execution of design, from research and concept development to the technical delivery of production-ready assets. This aligns with a revenue operations perspective by ensuring design output directly supports commercial objectives and efficient product launches.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong foundation in graphic design, textile design, fashion design, or a related creative field is implied through the nature of the role and the required software proficiency.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of experience in print design, with a significant portion focused on retail or fashion, is expected. Experience in all-over print, placement graphics, and embroidery is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for creating and manipulating print designs and artwork.

• Strong understanding of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) principles relevant to textile and graphic design.

• Proven experience in trend interpretation, competitive marketplace analysis, and identifying inspirational brands.

• Demonstrated ability to brief and specify high-standard technical artwork sheets for suppliers.

• Experience with all-over print, placement graphics, and embroidery techniques.

• Excellent understanding of print and graphic techniques, including repeat tile creation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Kidswear or Children's apparel sector.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for artwork management.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles in textile and fashion design.

• Digital-first design thinking and application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Photoshop, Illustrator, CAD) and technical skills like "technical artwork sheets" and "repeat tiles" are critical for operations roles, as they directly impact production efficiency and product quality.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of print and graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on retail/fashion applications.

• Demonstrations of all-over print designs, placement graphics, and examples of embroidery or embellishment integration.

• Case studies or examples illustrating the process of trend research and its translation into commercial design concepts.

• Artwork samples that clearly display technical proficiency, including repeat tile creation and accurate scale representation.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design briefs or specifications for suppliers.

• Visualizations or explanations of your workflow for creating repeat tiles and preparing artwork for production.

• Any instances where you've contributed to or followed a Design Product Strategy (DPS) process.

• Illustrations of how you manage design tasks to meet critical path deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is explicitly required and is a critical component for assessing an operations candidate's practical skills, attention to detail, and ability to deliver production-ready assets. The focus on process documentation highlights the need for systematic work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the mid-level experience (2-5 years), London location, and the retail industry, a competitive salary range for an Assistant Print & Graphic Designer would typically fall between £30,000 - £45,000 per annum. This estimation considers the cost of living in London and industry benchmarks for similar roles.

Benefits:

• 20% Colleague discount across M&S products and select third-party brands after probation.

• Competitive holiday entitlement with the option to purchase additional days.

• Discretionary bonus schemes tied to personal objectives and company performance.

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.

• Life Assurance coverage.

• Tailored induction program and ongoing training opportunities.

• Access to the M&S Choices portal for various perks and discounts.

• Industry-leading parental, adoption, and neonatal policies.

• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including a 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist.

• A paid charity volunteer day per year.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying approximately 40 hours per week. The company operates a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in the office, balancing collaborative work with flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for London and this experience level. The benefits highlight M&S's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which are crucial for retaining talent in operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Fashion, Home, Beauty Essentials). M&S is a well-established British multinational retailer with a significant online and physical store presence, undergoing a transformation to modernize its offerings and customer experience.

Company Size: Large (Marks & Spencer is a major public company with thousands of employees globally). This scale implies structured processes, established workflows, and opportunities for impactful contributions within a large operational framework.

Founded: 1884. With a long history, M&S has a deep understanding of its customer base and a strong brand heritage, which influences design direction and operational strategies.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Kidswear Design team, reporting to a Print Manager.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Merchandising, Buying, Technical Design, and Production teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging customer insights and market trend analysis to inform design and product development.

• A focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork to ensure efficiency and alignment across departments.

• Emphasis on developing commercial products that meet customer needs and drive sales, with a growing focus on sustainability and digital innovation.

Company Website: https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding M&S's scale and transformation journey is key. For an operations role, this means adapting to established processes while contributing to innovation, with a strong emphasis on commercial outcomes and customer focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Assistant Designer role, typically considered an entry to mid-level position within the design operations pipeline. It offers foundational experience in print and graphic design, trend analysis, and technical artwork production within a large retail organization.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Print & Graphic Designer will report to a Print Manager, who likely oversees a team of designers and specialists. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance on design strategy and operational execution.

Operations Impact: The work directly influences the visual appeal and commercial success of M&S Kidswear products. High-quality, trend-relevant designs are critical for driving customer engagement, conversion rates, and ultimately, revenue. The role contributes to the operational efficiency of the product development cycle by delivering accurate and timely design assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop deeper expertise in print design techniques, advanced software skills, and trend forecasting specific to the fashion industry.

• Specialization: Potentially specialize further in specific areas like digital print, sustainable materials, or even move into a lead design role within Kidswear or other M&S divisions.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Designer or Print Manager position, managing a team and having greater strategic input into design direction and operational processes.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with other departments such as Merchandising, Buying, and Marketing, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory emphasizes moving from execution to strategy and potentially management, common in operations roles where foundational skills lead to broader responsibilities and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Marks & Spencer's Waterside House in London, indicating a corporate office environment. The company emphasizes a hybrid model, requiring colleagues to be in the office three days a week.

Office Location(s): Waterside House, 35 North Wharf Road, London, W2 1NW. This location is in a central London area, accessible via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and connection, supporting the hybrid working model.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including high-spec computers and software, is expected.

• Opportunities for in-person interaction with the Print Manager, fellow designers, and potentially other design and merchandising teams, facilitating knowledge sharing and rapid feedback loops.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement. The 3-day office presence is intended to maximize collaborative potential and skill development through direct interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific office days is a key operational consideration for candidates, impacting daily routines and team collaboration dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates will be assessed based on their CV and, crucially, their submitted portfolio. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: A likely follow-up stage will involve presenting key pieces from the portfolio, discussing design rationale, trend interpretation, and how designs align with commercial objectives and the M&S brand.

• Skills Assessment: This might include a practical design exercise or a discussion around technical skills, software proficiency, and problem-solving approaches relevant to print and graphic design challenges.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with the Print Manager and potentially other team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with M&S values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize pieces that showcase print design, graphic design, trend adaptation, and technical execution (e.g., repeat tiles).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your research process, creative rationale, and the final outcome. Highlight how you addressed commercial needs or customer insights.

• Highlight Kidswear Relevance: If possible, include projects specifically for childrenswear or that demonstrate an understanding of the younger demographic's aesthetic preferences.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Clearly show your ability to create clean, production-ready artwork, including repeat patterns, and specify colorways. Mention software used.

• Tailor to M&S: Research M&S Kidswear's current aesthetic and tailor your presentation to show how your style can complement and evolve their brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss a hypothetical design brief for M&S Kidswear, outlining your approach from trend research to final artwork.

• Practice articulating your design choices, explaining how they meet commercial needs and resonate with the target customer.

• Brush up on your technical skills in Photoshop and Illustrator, particularly regarding pattern repeats and artwork preparation for manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio is paramount. Operations candidates must be able to visually demonstrate their ability to execute tasks efficiently and to a high standard, which is what a portfolio effectively communicates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, manipulation, and creating detailed print designs. Proficiency in layer management, color correction, and creating seamless repeats is expected.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector-based graphics, logo creation, and precise artwork preparation. Experience with path manipulation, typography, and creating scalable graphics is vital.

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software: While not specified, this likely refers to textile CAD systems or general design software used for pattern generation and visualization in a 3D context.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Expected to work with PLM systems for managing artwork, specifications, and product data throughout the development cycle.

• Collaboration Platforms: Likely to use internal M&S platforms for project management, communication, and file sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, Illustrator, and CAD, along with PLM systems, highlights the technical operational requirements of this design role. Proficiency in these tools directly impacts the efficiency and quality of the design output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of the M&S customer and a commitment to designing products that delight them.

• Commerciality: A drive to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially successful and aligned with business objectives.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work effectively with others, share ideas, and contribute to a positive team environment.

• Innovation & Creativity: A passion for pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the M&S brand identity.

• Sustainability: An awareness of and commitment to sustainable practices in design and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• The role operates within a hybrid environment, requiring effective communication and collaboration both in-person and remotely.

• Cross-functional teamwork is essential, involving close partnerships with Merchandising, Buying, and Technical teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• A feedback-driven culture where constructive criticism is welcomed to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize the blend of creative input with commercial execution and collaborative teamwork, which are hallmarks of successful operations teams in creative industries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: The primary challenge is to develop innovative and fresh designs that also align with M&S's commercial strategy, trend forecasts, and customer preferences.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working within the retail calendar requires meeting tight deadlines and adapting quickly to changing trends and business needs.

• Digital Transformation: Adapting to and contributing to M&S's digital-first design initiatives and sustainability goals.

• Navigating Brand Heritage: Infusing modern creativity while respecting the established M&S brand handwriting and customer expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting Expertise: Deepen knowledge of global fashion and print trends through research, attending industry events (potentially), and working with trend forecasting services.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Master advanced features in Adobe Creative Suite and gain proficiency in new design technologies or PLM system functionalities.

• Product Development Cycle Insight: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to in-store availability.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced Print Managers and senior designers to develop strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of operations roles in retail, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to industry shifts.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for researching and identifying print and graphic design trends for a specific customer demographic, like younger girls/boys." (Focus on methodology, sources, and how trends are translated into actionable concepts).

• "How would you approach creating a repeat tile for an all-over print that needs to be commercially viable and align with the M&S brand aesthetic?" (Demonstrate technical skill and commercial understanding).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about M&S Kidswear and this specific role?" (Show genuine interest and research into the brand).

• "How do you approach collaboration with designers, merchandisers, and technical teams in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating your design process. Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Storytelling: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your inspiration, the challenges you faced, your creative solution, and the final outcome. Quantify impact if possible (e.g., "this design was part of a collection that exceeded sales targets").

• Technical Clarity: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used, especially for repeat patterns and artwork specifications.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions about the team's current challenges, design priorities, or how design impacts M&S's overall business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles often involves demonstrating not just creative skill but also a robust process, commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a structured environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Print & Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Crucially, include a comprehensive portfolio of your print and graphic design work. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Ensure your portfolio showcases relevant retail/fashion experience, technical skills, and trend interpretation.

• Tailor your CV to highlight experience in print design, graphic design, specific software proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator), trend research, and working with technical artwork specifications.

• Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulating your design process, commercial awareness, and how your style aligns with the M&S Kidswear brand.

• Research Marks & Spencer's current Kidswear collections, brand values, and recent initiatives (e.g., sustainability efforts) to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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