Print Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Print Design Manager

Company: Seasalt Cornwall

Location: Falmouth, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Retail

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and shape the creative print and colour strategy for Seasalt products, driving innovation and ensuring alignment with the brand's premium aesthetic and commercial goals.

• Manage and develop a high-performing print design team, fostering technical excellence and strategic thinking.

• Oversee the end-to-end print design process, from trend forecasting and concept development to final production, ensuring a cohesive and commercially successful collection.

• Champion sustainable print processes and material usage, aligning with the company's environmental commitments.

• Collaborate strategically with cross-functional teams, including marketing, buying, merchandising, and design leadership, to ensure unified brand storytelling and product execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for defining the visual identity of Seasalt's product lines. Success will hinge on a candidate's ability to blend artistic vision with commercial acumen and leadership skills, ensuring print designs not only resonate with the brand's Cornish heritage but also drive sales and align with sustainability objectives. The hybrid work model with a minimum of three days in the Falmouth office indicates a need for strong on-site collaboration and team engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a cohesive, forward-thinking, and efficient print and colour strategy that strengthens the brand's aesthetic, identity, and commercial objectives.

• Shape seasonal print and colour direction, ensuring designs align with customer expectations, brand evolution, and market trends.

• Curate trend research, inspiration exploration, and colour palette development, translating insights into distinctive print concepts with clear messaging.

• Collaborate closely with design managers, the Director of Design, and leadership teams to set briefs that evolve the brand's identity while maintaining design consistency and innovation.

• Lead and develop a high-performing print design team, fostering creative and technical excellence, strategic thinking, and effective decision-making.

• Present print and colour concepts and strategic insights to key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with campaign planning, brand vision, retail performance, and growth strategy.

• Oversee the development of bespoke, hand-rendered, and digital prints, ensuring a clear print handwriting with a sophisticated aesthetic that resonates with the brand's discerning customer.

• Manage the seasonal colour palette and approval of colour and strike-offs, ensuring print, colour, and scale complement fabric choices and enhance wearability while maintaining consistency across product categories.

• Research and interpret emerging fashion, art, and cultural influences, translating them into unique print narratives that resonate with the brand aesthetic and seasonal themes.

• Drive innovation in sustainable print processes to align with environmental goals, working with suppliers on low-impact techniques and optimizing material usage to minimize waste.

• Oversee the workload and critical path management of the print design team, ensuring a solution-oriented, smooth workflow from concept to production and championing cross-functional collaboration.

• Partner with marketing, buying, merchandising, and visual teams to craft compelling narratives around design concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and operational management. Candidates must demonstrate a strategic approach to print and colour, a deep understanding of market trends, and the ability to translate these into commercially viable designs. The emphasis on sustainability and team leadership is crucial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a creative subject or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Experience: Proven experience in similar design roles such as Print Design Manager, Senior Print Designer, or Print Studio Manager, with a strong background in the fashion retail industry.

Required Skills:

• Strong academic background in a creative subject or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• Proven knowledge of relevant design methodologies.

• Creative flair for fashion and a strong understanding of fashion retail industry trends.

• Expertise in trend forecasting and print repetition knowledge.

• Ability to successfully realize print designs into final fabric/product.

• Strong commercial understanding with an appreciation for business priorities.

• Proven experience in strategic planning, objective setting, and team alignment.

• Solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Proven experience in leading, managing, hiring, and developing team members to achieve department goals.

• Strong ability to motivate, coach, and support individuals to meet team objectives.

• Keen eye for detail and excellent visual acuity.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sustainable print processes and materials.

• Proficiency in digital design tools relevant to print creation.

• Experience working with hand-rendered print techniques.

• Familiarity with colour management systems and processes.

• Experience in international markets or global brand expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and commercial awareness. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience in managing the entire print design lifecycle, from ideation to execution, and demonstrate their ability to lead and inspire a creative team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of print design, colour strategy, and trend translation within the fashion context.

• Examples of developed seasonal print and colour palettes, demonstrating creative flair and commercial viability.

• Case studies or examples of how trends were researched, interpreted, and applied to create unique print concepts.

• Demonstrations of print execution from concept to final fabric or product, highlighting technical understanding.

• Evidence of sustainable print design initiatives or approaches.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate and demonstrate established processes for trend forecasting, colour palette development, print design execution, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Experience in managing the critical path for print design projects, ensuring timely delivery from concept to production.

• Examples of implementing and optimizing workflows for a print design team.

• Documentation or case studies showing how print and colour concepts were presented and approved by stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as tangible proof of creative expertise, strategic thinking, and execution capability. Candidates should curate their portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate leadership, commercial impact, and alignment with Seasalt's brand aesthetic.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Benefits:

• 34 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.

• Attractive 50% employee discount on Seasalt products.

• Flexible benefits allowance to personalize your benefits package.

• Private Medical Scheme including 24/7 virtual GP services.

• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme through Retail Trust with 24/7 support.

• Pension plan with generous 7% employer contributions.

• Life assurance programme.

• Enhanced family leave policies.

• Flexible working opportunities with a hybrid working approach (minimum 3 days in office).

• Learning and Development opportunities.

• Two days per year paid volunteering opportunities.

• Access to employee networks for support and development.

• Discounts on retail and gym memberships through a discount hub.

• Relocation allowance of 5% of the offered salary for candidates relocating to Cornwall.

Working Hours: Full-time role, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexible working opportunities within a hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior creative management role in the UK, with the upper limit reflecting significant experience and expertise. The comprehensive benefits package emphasizes employee wellbeing, professional development, and work-life balance, aligning with Seasalt's reputation as a great place to work. The relocation allowance is a significant incentive for candidates outside the immediate Cornwall area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Lifestyle Brand

Company Size: Over 80 shops across the UK, Ireland, and North America, with 400+ wholesale stockists and a growing global presence. This indicates a substantial retail operation with a significant product development and design function.

Founded: 1981, with roots in a small shop in Penzance, Cornwall. This heritage is central to the brand's identity, emphasizing its artistic influence and maritime heritage.

Team Structure:

• The Print Design Manager will lead the Print Design team, managing direct reports and overseeing their work.

• This role will require close collaboration with the Director of Design, other design managers, marketing, buying, merchandising, and visual teams, indicating a cross-functional and collaborative environment.

Methodology:

• Seasalt emphasizes a distinct creative handwriting and brand differentiation, suggesting a focus on unique, authentic design.

• The company values balancing culture with long-term growth, indicating a strategic and forward-looking approach to business.

• Sustainability is a key pillar, influencing product development and operational practices.

Company Website: https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Seasalt presents itself as a values-driven company with a strong connection to its Cornish heritage and a commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing. The "B Corp" certification and "Best Place to Work" award highlight a positive and ethical work environment. This context is crucial for candidates to understand how their role contributes to the broader company mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within the creative and design function, requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities. The role is responsible for strategic direction in print and colour, team development, and cross-functional influence.

Reporting Structure: The Print Design Manager will report to a higher-level design leadership position, likely the Director of Design, and will manage a team of print designers. This structure emphasizes clear lines of accountability and a hierarchical framework for creative development.

Operations Impact: The Print Design Manager's work directly impacts product appeal, brand identity, and commercial success. Strategic print and colour decisions influence customer perception, sales performance, and the overall aesthetic of Seasalt's collections. The role also contributes to the company's sustainability goals through responsible material and process choices.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific print techniques, sustainable design, or trend forecasting within the fashion industry.

• Leadership Advancement: Opportunity to move into broader design leadership roles, such as Head of Design or Creative Director, as the company continues to expand.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to transition into related areas such as Buying, Merchandising, or Product Development, leveraging a strong understanding of design and commercial strategy.

• Skill Development: Seasalt offers explicit Learning and Development opportunities, supporting ongoing professional growth in design, management, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a successful and values-driven retail brand. The company's growth trajectory and commitment to employee development suggest ample opportunities for advancement and skill enhancement for a high-performing Print Design Manager.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a minimum of 3 days per week expected at the Head Office in Cornwall. This suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Head Office located in Cornwall, England. This is a key consideration for candidates, especially given the relocation allowance offered.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely to be creative and collaborative, reflecting Seasalt's brand identity.

• Expect a blend of team-based work and individual design tasks.

• Access to necessary design tools and resources within the Head Office will be provided.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for focused work at home while maintaining team cohesion and in-person collaboration during office days.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid approach allowing for flexibility. Standard working hours are implied, but the company culture emphasizes flexibility where possible, aligning with their commitment to employee wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and emphasis on Cornwall as the primary work location are significant. Candidates should be prepared for a structured hybrid setup and consider the lifestyle implications of working in Cornwall.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Review of CV, cover letter, and portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on creative quality, relevant experience, and alignment with brand values.

• First Interview: Likely a virtual or in-person interview focusing on experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and initial assessment of creative vision.

• Second Stage Interview (In-Person): This stage will involve an in-person assessment at the Head Office in Cornwall. It will include the completion of a project (likely a design challenge or presentation) to assess practical skills and creative problem-solving.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic alignment, cultural fit, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 8-10 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your print design expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates an understanding of and ability to work within a distinct brand aesthetic like Seasalt's. Showcase how your designs complement or evolve a brand's identity.

• Showcase Process: Include examples that detail your design process, from initial research and concept development through to final execution. Visuals of mood boards, sketches, colour palettes, and final product integration are beneficial.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include information on the commercial success or impact of your designs (e.g., best-selling prints, contribution to collection success).

• Sustainability Focus: If you have projects demonstrating sustainable design practices, highlight them prominently.

• Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically and professionally. Be prepared to present and discuss your work clearly and concisely during interviews, focusing on the "why" behind your creative decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge or project brief provided for the second stage interview.

• Research Seasalt: Deeply understand Seasalt's brand, aesthetic, target market, and recent collections. Identify their print handwriting and potential areas for innovation.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to articulate your strategic approach to print and colour, considering market trends, commercial objectives, and sustainability.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas clearly and persuasively, as this will be a key part of the in-person assessment. Be ready to explain your creative choices and how they align with Seasalt's brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The in-person second stage interview with a project component is a critical step. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their creative skills and strategic thinking under assessment conditions and should thoroughly research Seasalt to tailor their approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) is essential for print design.

• Digital Design Tools: Experience with software for creating digital prints, potentially including CAD systems or specialized textile design software, is likely required.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Keynote for presenting concepts and strategies to stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a traditional "operations" role, understanding sales data, customer feedback, and market trend reports will be crucial for informing design strategy.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of how design integrates into the broader retail and production workflow is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around design software proficiency. Candidates should be adept with industry-standard tools for graphic and textile design. An awareness of how design strategy translates into commercial outcomes is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, driving the development of unique and forward-thinking print designs.

• Brand Authenticity: Upholding Seasalt's distinct creative handwriting and Cornish heritage.

• Sustainability: Commitment to environmental responsibility in design processes and material choices.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.

• Customer Focus: Designing prints that resonate with the brand's discerning customer base.

• Teamwork & Development: Fostering a supportive environment where team members can grow and excel.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Close collaboration with Design, Marketing, Buying, Merchandising, and Visual teams is essential for cohesive product storytelling and brand execution.

• Team Empowerment: Leading and mentoring the print design team, encouraging creative autonomy and shared responsibility.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Presenting ideas and strategies clearly and persuasively to senior leadership and other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, authenticity, sustainability, and a strong sense of community. Candidates should demonstrate how their values align with these principles and how they foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend and Timelessness: Developing prints that are current and commercially appealing while also maintaining the brand's signature aesthetic and timeless quality.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively implementing and innovating sustainable print processes and material choices within a commercial framework.

• Team Leadership: Managing and motivating a creative team, ensuring high performance and individual development while meeting tight deadlines.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring design vision is understood and supported across diverse departments with potentially differing priorities.

• International Market Adaptation: Developing print strategies that resonate across different international markets while maintaining brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Specialization: Opportunities to attend industry events, workshops, or courses focused on advanced print techniques, digital design, or sustainable textile practices.

• Leadership Training: Access to programs or mentorship focused on developing management and leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Staying abreast of global fashion and design trends through research, trade shows, and networking.

• Brand Growth: Contributing to and benefiting from the company's expansion, potentially leading to greater strategic input and responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle evolving challenges in sustainable design and global fashion retail, coupled with significant potential for leadership growth within a respected brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop a print and colour strategy for Seasalt for the next two seasons, considering our brand heritage and current market trends?"

• "Describe a time you successfully led a creative team through a challenging project. What was your approach to motivation and problem-solving?"

• "How do you balance commercial demands with creative innovation in print design? Provide an example."

• "What are your thoughts on sustainable print practices in fashion, and how would you implement them at Seasalt?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Seasalt and our brand aesthetic?"

• "How do you foster a culture of inclusion and creativity within a design team?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design departments like Marketing or Merchandising?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and approach, then walk through 3-4 key projects, detailing the brief, your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Highlight Leadership: For team management roles, emphasize your experience in mentoring, developing talent, and managing team workflows.

• Quantify Impact: Use data where possible to demonstrate the commercial success of your designs or the efficiency of your processes.

• Brand Relevance: Clearly articulate how your work aligns with or can enhance the Seasalt brand.

• Sustainability: Integrate discussions on sustainable practices within relevant projects.

• Engage: Be prepared to answer questions about your creative choices and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their strategic vision for print and colour, their leadership philosophy, and their understanding of Seasalt's brand and values. The portfolio presentation is a critical element, requiring a clear, concise, and impactful narrative.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Print Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest work in print design, colour strategy, trend forecasting, and team leadership, specifically showcasing examples relevant to Seasalt's aesthetic and brand values.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in fashion retail, print design management, strategic planning, and team leadership, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for Seasalt, articulates your understanding of the role's strategic importance, and highlights how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Seasalt's brand, history, current collections, sustainability initiatives, and company culture. Be prepared to discuss this knowledge during interviews.

• Prepare for the Project: If invited to a second-stage interview, be ready to complete a design project. Understand the potential scope and prepare to present your strategic and creative approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Seasalt Cornwall before making application decisions. The closing date for applications is May 25th, but early application is recommended as roles can close sooner.