Senior Product Designer - Gifting & Lifestyle

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Gifting & Lifestyle Company: Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Creative / GTM Operations Date Posted: February 19, 2026 Experience Level: Senior (implied 5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative direction and product vision for seasonal gifting and lifestyle accessory collections.
• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept and design to final production delivery.
• Ensure all product designs align with the brand's aesthetic, commercial objectives, and affordable luxury positioning.
• Mentor and develop junior designers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, and Wholesale to enhance product success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, implying a leadership capacity beyond individual contribution. The "Gifting & Lifestyle" focus suggests a strong emphasis on market trends, consumer appeal, and visual merchandising. The "GTM Operations" category is inferred due to the significant cross-functional collaboration required, impacting go-to-market strategies through product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Shape the creative direction and product vision for seasonal collections, ensuring commercial viability and brand alignment.
• Develop initial concepts, color palettes, and campaign ideas with a focus on cohesion across the Katie Loxton collection.
• Create visually compelling product designs, artwork, and accurate technical specification sheets for products and packaging.
• Support the creation and maintenance of product decks, range plans, product codes, pricing, and visual assets.
• Oversee the sample process, rigorously checking quality and ensuring products meet stringent brand standards.
• Manage the end-to-end delivery of products, including specifications, packaging, tags, care labels, POS materials, and sample checks.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail and accuracy across all design outputs and documentation.
• Track project progress, provide timely updates to relevant stakeholders, and proactively escalate issues to meet seasonal deadlines.
• Maintain critical paths, color references, and essential documentation to ensure consistency and accuracy in product development.
• Prepare for key internal and external meetings by organizing samples and maintaining a high standard in the product development space.
• Collaborate closely with Product Designers, Senior Designers, and cross-functional teams (Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, Wholesale) to support project delivery and product success.
• Communicate progress clearly, raise queries proactively, and escalate issues to ensure timely delivery of product lines.
• Provide insights on competitors, market trends, and product innovations to inform the design team's strategic direction.
• Confidently present creative concepts to senior stakeholders and clearly communicate final collections to wider teams.
• Maintain proactive communication with suppliers to ensure alignment on product vision, timelines, and quality standards.
• Line manage Product Designers and Design Assistants, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and support for their professional development.
• Conduct performance reviews and development conversations with direct reports, fostering growth and skill enhancement.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture, sharing best practices and expertise across the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end delivery," "technical specification sheets," "range plans," and "critical paths" points to a need for strong project management and process adherence within the design function, directly impacting Go-To-Market (GTM) readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A design qualification in fashion or product design is required.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant design field is preferred.

Experience:

• Senior-level experience (implied 5-10 years) delivering products from concept through to production.
• Proven experience in line managing or mentoring midweight/junior designers.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex design projects on time and within scope.
• Experience within the gifting, lifestyle accessories, fashion, or related retail product sectors is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for design creation and technical documentation.
• Strong, concept-driven portfolio showcasing brand alignment, commercial objectives, and high-quality execution in product design.
• Exceptional visual communication skills with a keen eye for detail and brand consistency.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance creative vision with business objectives and market trends.
• Knowledge of packaging design principles, typography, and retail product development processes.
• Expertise in understanding and applying emerging trends within the gifting and lifestyle accessories market.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D design software or product visualization tools.
• Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and material sourcing for accessories.
• Experience in line management and team development within a creative department.
• Knowledge of e-commerce product presentation and digital asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and explicit mention of "line managing" indicate a need for leadership and team development capabilities, beyond just individual design talent. The portfolio requirement is crucial, acting as a primary tool for assessing a candidate's fit for the brand's aesthetic and commercial goals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, concept-driven portfolio is paramount, demonstrating a clear understanding of the Katie Loxton brand aesthetic and its affordable luxury positioning.
• Showcase a range of projects from initial concept ideation through to final production-ready designs, including technical specification sheets.
• Include examples of successful commercial product launches or collections within the gifting, lifestyle, or fashion accessories sectors.
• Highlight your ability to translate emerging trends and market insights into commercially viable product designs.
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in artwork, typography, and technical documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and managing technical specification sheets that are accurate, detailed, and meet manufacturing requirements.
• Examples of contributing to or maintaining range plans, product codes, and pricing structures.
• Documentation showcasing your approach to sample checking, quality control, and ensuring brand standards are met.
• Showcase your ability to track project progress, manage critical paths, and maintain organized product development documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer, the portfolio is not just a showcase of creative output but also a demonstration of process understanding, commercial acumen, and the ability to manage the practicalities of product development from ideation to delivery. It should implicitly or explicitly detail the candidate's role in the workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (DOE - Depending on Experience).
• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in the UK with extensive experience, a range of £45,000 - £65,000 per annum is anticipated.

Benefits:

• 33 days of holiday per year, rising to 35 days with length of service (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Generous staff discount across both Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton brands.
• Comprehensive benefits package, details available on the company's careers portal.
• Opportunities for professional development, learning, and skill advancement.
• Access to an innovative and friendly workplace environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring an average of 3 days in the Banbury, Oxfordshire office and 2 days working remotely.
• Flexibility for increased office presence (up to 5 days a week) may be required during peak periods, such as during sign-off periods.
• Total expected working hours per week: 40.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the "Senior" designation, the hybrid work model, and common compensation structures for creative roles in the UK. The provided holiday allowance is generous and a key benefit. The hybrid arrangement with specific office days is crucial for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Accessories, Jewellery, Gifting, Retail. The company operates in a fast-paced, trend-driven consumer market. Company Size: Implied to be a growing, family-run, entrepreneurial business with a significant presence beyond the UK, suggesting a team size that allows for specialized roles but maintains a close-knit feel. Founded: Joma Jewellery founded in 2008; Katie Loxton launched in 2015. This indicates a company with established brand recognition and a history of growth and expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will be part of a Product Design team, likely reporting to a Head of Design or Creative Director.
• This role involves direct line management of Product Designers and Design Assistants.
• Close collaboration is expected with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, Wholesale, and Creative teams, highlighting a cross-functional operational structure.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on creativity and innovation, driven by emerging trends and a strong commercial mindset.
• A data-informed approach is implied through collaboration with Merchandising and E-commerce teams to understand product performance and market demand.
• Focus on delivering high-quality, affordable-luxury products that resonate with customers.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging all team members to contribute ideas and be their authentic selves.

Company Website: https://careers.katieloxton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's entrepreneurial and family-run nature suggests a dynamic, hands-on work environment where individual contributions are visible. The commitment to diversity and inclusion is a key cultural indicator. The "Gifting & Lifestyle" focus means the company culture likely values creativity, trend awareness, and customer-centricity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. It sits at a pivotal point between individual design contribution and team leadership, directly influencing product strategy and execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or a senior leadership role within the product or brand team. They will directly manage and mentor junior design staff.

Operations Impact: This role is critical to the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. The designs produced directly shape the product offerings available to wholesale partners and retail customers, influencing sales, brand perception, and market competitiveness. Effective product design is a core component of the company's commercial success and brand identity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Significant opportunity to hone line management and team leadership skills.
• Strategic Influence: Potential to further influence the creative and product vision of the brands, moving towards more strategic design leadership roles.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (gifting, lifestyle accessories) and potentially explore new design disciplines or technologies.
• Industry Exposure: Continued immersion in the fast-paced fashion and gifting industry, staying ahead of trends and consumer preferences.
• Career Progression: Potential pathways to Head of Design, Creative Director, or other senior creative/product management roles within the organization or broader retail industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Product Designer role is not just about design execution but also about strategic product vision and team leadership, offering a clear path for career advancement within a growing company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a friendly office environment in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The company describes it as an "innovative and friendly workplace with an exciting pace of life."

Office Location(s): Cherwell Business Village, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2SP, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid work model is in place, allowing for two days of remote work per week, offering flexibility.
• The office environment is characterized by a "buzz" and a "friendly team," suggesting a collaborative and engaging atmosphere.
• The company culture emphasizes innovation and creativity, likely reflected in the physical workspace.
• The role requires interaction with various departments, indicating a need for a collaborative physical space.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid setup allows for a blend of in-office and remote work, supporting a balanced lifestyle.
• Occasional adjustments to the schedule, with increased office presence during peak periods, are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility while still requiring regular in-office collaboration. The company's description points to a dynamic and supportive office culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with brand aesthetics.
• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Design/Creative Director) to discuss experience, design philosophy, leadership approach, and cultural fit. Portfolio presentation may be required.
• Second Interview/Workshop: Potentially a practical design exercise or a more in-depth portfolio review session, possibly involving cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Merchandising, Buying). This stage assesses problem-solving skills, commercial awareness, and conceptual thinking.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your senior-level experience, leadership potential, and alignment with Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton's gifting and lifestyle aesthetic.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process from ideation to final execution. Include concept sketches, mood boards, technical specifications, and final product images.
• Highlight Commercial Impact: Where possible, demonstrate the commercial success or market relevance of your designs (e.g., sales performance, trend adoption).
• Detail Technical Skills: Ensure examples of technical specification sheets are clear, accurate, and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Leadership Examples: If possible, include examples of how you've mentored junior designers or led projects.
• Brand Alignment: Tailor your presentation to explicitly show how your design sensibility fits the "affordable luxury" positioning and the "personal, thoughtful, unforgettable" product ethos.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to trend forecasting and how you integrate emerging trends into commercial product lines.
• Anticipate questions about managing stakeholders (internal teams and external suppliers) and resolving design challenges.
• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and compellingly, focusing on the story behind each project and your role in its success.
• Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster growth and collaboration within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should prepare to present projects that demonstrate not only design talent but also commercial acumen, process management, and leadership potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, technical drawings, and detailed artwork.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, mood boards, and visual mockups.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, presentation decks, and technical specification sheets.

Design & Development Tools:

• Conceptualization Software: Tools for mood boarding, sketching, and ideation (e.g., Procreate, Sketchbook, or similar).
• Product Information Management (PIM) / PLM Systems: Familiarity is preferred for managing product data, specifications, and lifecycle tracking.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for tracking project progress and critical paths.

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For standard documentation, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Video Conferencing Platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc., for remote collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency. Familiarity with PIM/PLM systems and project management tools will significantly enhance a candidate's application, demonstrating an understanding of efficient product development workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and develop unique, trend-setting products.
• Commercial Acumen: A strong focus on marketability, profitability, and aligning designs with business objectives.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Commitment to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and delivering on the "affordable luxury" promise.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared freely, and cross-functional partnerships are strong.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and ensuring all team members feel empowered to contribute their best work.
• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the end customer in mind, creating products that are personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with internal departments (Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, Wholesale) to ensure product success.
• Proactive communication and query raising are encouraged to maintain smooth workflow progression.
• Openness to feedback and constructive critique from peers and senior stakeholders.
• Emphasis on sharing best practices and fostering a learning environment within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a blend of creative passion and business discipline. The collaborative nature of the role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across diverse teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: Consistently developing innovative designs that also meet strict commercial targets and brand guidelines in a fast-paced market.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively communicating and aligning design vision with various internal teams (Buying, Merchandising, Marketing) and external suppliers, each with potentially different priorities.
• Trend Forecasting & Adaptation: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving gifting and lifestyle trends and translating them into timely product launches.
• Line Management Responsibilities: Developing leadership skills to effectively mentor, guide, and manage a team of junior designers.
• Hybrid Work Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and consistent output while working across both office and remote environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Opportunities to influence the broader product vision and creative strategy for the brands.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Gaining experience in people management, coaching, and fostering talent within a creative team.
• Industry Trend Immersion: Continuous exposure to the latest trends in fashion accessories, gifting, and retail product design.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepening understanding of retail operations, merchandising, marketing, and e-commerce strategies through close collaboration.
• Potential for Advanced Training: Access to industry workshops, conferences, or courses to enhance design skills or leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior creative role in a growing retail business, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to advance into broader creative leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach translating market trends into commercially viable product designs for the gifting and lifestyle sector?" (Prepare with examples of trend analysis and product ideation).
• "Describe your process for creating technical specification sheets. What are the critical elements for ensuring smooth production?" (Be ready to discuss detail, accuracy, and manufacturer communication).
• "How would you mentor a junior designer who is struggling with our brand's aesthetic or meeting deadlines?" (Focus on your leadership style, feedback methods, and support strategies).
• "Walk us through a product collection you led from concept to delivery. What were the key challenges and successes?" (Prepare a concise case study from your portfolio, highlighting your role, process, and impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the 'affordable luxury' positioning of Katie Loxton, and how would your designs embody this?" (Research the brand's current offerings and target audience).
• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a design team?" (Discuss your approach to teamwork, feedback, and valuing diverse perspectives).
• "How do you ensure your designs align with broader marketing and e-commerce strategies?" (Highlight your understanding of cross-functional collaboration and GTM integration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio as a narrative, explaining the "why" behind each project, your design journey, and the outcomes.
• Focus on Seniority: Emphasize projects where you took a leadership role, made strategic design decisions, or mentored others.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales, customer reception, successful production).
• Brand Relevance: Explicitly connect your work to the Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton brand values and target market.
• Technical Clarity: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs and your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, commercial understanding, leadership capability, and operational process awareness. The portfolio is your primary tool to evidence these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, highlights relevant gifting and lifestyle product design experience, and clearly showcases your senior-level contributions and leadership potential. Tailor your selection to align with the "affordable luxury" brand ethos.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience in product design, concept development, technical specifications, and team management. Use keywords such as "Product Design," "Gifting," "Lifestyle Accessories," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Technical Specifications," and "Line Management."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, commercial awareness, and leadership approach. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to design strategy, trend integration, and team collaboration.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton, understanding their brand identity, product lines, target market, and company values. Familiarize yourself with their current collections and any recent news or campaigns.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been created by synthesizing information from the provided job listing and applying industry standards for Senior Product Designer roles. All details, especially regarding salary expectations, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application process.