Midweight Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Midweight Product Designer

Company: Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton

Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept ideation to final delivery, ensuring alignment with the brand's affordable luxury positioning.

• Create detailed technical specifications, artwork, and product documentation utilizing the Adobe Creative Suite to translate design concepts into tangible product requirements.

• Collaborate closely with Senior Designers, Buying teams, and other cross-functional departments to ensure seamless product launches and adherence to brand vision.

• Champion quality control by meticulously reviewing samples against specifications, maintaining high standards for craftsmanship, materials, and attention to detail.

• Actively contribute to market trend analysis and competitor research, providing insightful recommendations for product innovation and personalization opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Midweight Product Designer," the responsibilities suggest a strong emphasis on execution and detailed documentation rather than purely conceptual design, aligning with a midweight role that bridges creative vision with production realities. The company's focus on "affordable luxury" implies a need for design that balances aesthetic appeal with cost-effectiveness and manufacturability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of innovative, on-brand products that align with our affordable luxury positioning.

• Work closely with Senior Designers to deliver projects from concept through to final product delivery.

• Create artwork, technical specifications, and product documentation using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Support the end-to-end product development process including packaging, tags, care labels, POS displays, and testing.

• Review samples against specifications, ensuring quality and attention to detail are maintained throughout the process.

• Help maintain accurate critical paths, product codes, colour descriptions, and product information.

• Collaborate with Buying and wider Design teams to support successful product launches.

• Mentor and support junior team members, encouraging accuracy, organisation, and creativity.

• Contribute fresh ideas around product innovation and personalisation opportunities.

• Maintain awareness of market trends and competitor activity, sharing insights with the wider team.

• Provide regular project updates and communicate progress clearly with Senior Designers.

• Continuously look for ways to improve processes and support team efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative input, technical execution, and project coordination. The inclusion of mentoring junior team members suggests a growing responsibility and potential for leadership development within this midweight role. The emphasis on maintaining product information (codes, descriptions) points to a need for meticulous data management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A qualification in Fashion or Product Design (degree, diploma, or equivalent experience).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal qualification is listed, equivalent experience is accepted, indicating a pragmatic approach to candidate assessment.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a product design role, ideally within fashion, accessories, or lifestyle brands.

• Proven ability to take products from concept through to final delivery.

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage multiple deadlines. Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for artwork creation and technical documentation.

• Excellent visual communication skills, with a keen eye for aesthetics and brand alignment.

• Strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail for managing product specifications, critical paths, and sample reviews.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Confident working both collaboratively within a team and independently on assigned projects.

• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused mindset for problem-solving and process improvement.

• Excellent communication and team-working skills to foster effective cross-functional collaboration.

• A genuine passion for fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products, demonstrating market awareness. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in product development for accessories or lifestyle goods beyond general fashion.

• Familiarity with packaging design, POS display creation, and product testing protocols.

• Basic understanding of critical path management for product launches.

• Mentoring or guiding junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong technical foundation in design software and a practical ability to manage the product lifecycle. The "passion for fashion, accessories and lifestyle products" suggests the company values candidates who are genuinely engaged with their market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating the full product development lifecycle, from initial concept sketches to final production-ready designs.

• Include examples of technical specifications, artwork files (e.g., print-ready files for packaging or product details), and any related product documentation created.

• Highlight projects where you managed multiple deadlines and adapted to a fast-paced work environment.

• Present case studies or examples that illustrate your attention to detail and quality control processes during sample review or production.

• Demonstrate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) through the quality and complexity of the artwork and documentation presented. Process Documentation:

• Examples of technical specification sheets you have created, detailing materials, dimensions, colours, and manufacturing instructions.

• Visuals of packaging designs, labels, or POS displays that you contributed to, showcasing creative problem-solving and brand adherence.

• Documentation that illustrates your understanding of critical path management or project timelines for product launches.

• Evidence of how you have reviewed and approved product samples, including any feedback or revisions made.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. It should not only display creative talent but also demonstrate a clear understanding of the practicalities of product development, technical documentation, and project execution within a commercial context. The ability to present a structured approach to process is as important as the creative output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (DOE - Depending on Experience).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry benchmarks for a Midweight Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the UK, a typical salary range would be £30,000 - £45,000 per annum. This estimate considers the location (Oxfordshire), the industry (fashion/lifestyle retail), and the hybrid work arrangement. Exact compensation will be based on the candidate's specific skills, experience, and interview performance.

Benefits:

• 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays, rising to 35 with length of service.

• Generous staff discount across both Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton brands.

• Opportunities for professional development, learning, and career advancement.

• Participation in an innovative and friendly workplace environment.

• Comprehensive benefits package, details available on the company's careers portal. Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (37.5 hours per week, assuming a standard 30-minute lunch break).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires an average of three days per week in the Banbury office, with the flexibility to work from home for the remaining two days, offering a balanced hybrid work model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Accessories, Jewellery, and Lifestyle Gifts. The company operates in a competitive retail landscape driven by trends, brand identity, and customer loyalty.

Company Size: The company is described as "family-run" and "entrepreneurial," suggesting a dynamic, potentially mid-sized organization with a close-knit team structure and a fast-paced operational tempo.

Founded: Joma Jewellery was founded in 2008, with Katie Loxton launching in 2015. This indicates a growing business with established brands that have successfully expanded beyond the UK.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely works closely with Merchandising, Buying, Marketing, and Operations departments.

• Reporting lines suggest a structure where the Midweight Product Designer supports Senior Designers, who in turn report to Design Management or Head of Product.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential for concept development, sourcing, production, and launch. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and integrity.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the need to analyze market trends and competitor activity.

• Process improvement and efficiency are valued, as indicated by the expectation for the designer to "continuously look for ways to improve processes."

• A commitment to diversity and inclusion is a stated value, encouraging authentic self-expression and idea contribution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of family-run values (friendliness, close-knit team) and entrepreneurial drive (exciting pace, innovation). The emphasis on diversity and inclusion suggests an open and forward-thinking environment. The "affordable luxury" positioning means design must be commercially viable and trend-aware.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Midweight" role, typically indicating 2-5 years of professional experience. It sits above a Junior Designer role, requiring more autonomy and the ability to manage projects independently, while still reporting to and being guided by Senior Designers. The role involves contributing to strategy and mentoring junior staff, suggesting a path towards Senior Designer positions.

Reporting Structure: The Midweight Product Designer will report to Senior Designers and collaborate closely with various departments including Buying, Merchandising, and Marketing. This structure provides exposure to different facets of the product business.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's product offering, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue. By developing appealing, on-brand products and ensuring efficient development processes, the designer contributes to sales success and customer satisfaction. Their input on innovation and personalization can also drive new market opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in product development for fashion accessories, jewellery, and lifestyle goods, including advanced technical specification creation, material sourcing, and manufacturing processes.

• Leadership Potential: Mentoring junior team members provides initial leadership experience, paving the way for potential future management roles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working across Buying, Merchandising, and Marketing offers a holistic understanding of the retail business, valuable for broader career development.

• Trend Forecasting: Continued development in market trend analysis and competitor research can lead to a more strategic role in product curation and forecasting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Midweight" title is a key indicator of career stage. The role offers a solid foundation in product development within a specific niche and provides avenues for both technical specialization and early leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a "friendly office" in Banbury, Oxfordshire. This suggests a traditional office setting that fosters collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Cherwell Business Village, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2SP. This location offers a business park environment, potentially with good transport links and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model (3 days in office, 2 days remote) allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative, team-oriented activities in the office.

• The "exciting buzz" of the office implies a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere, suitable for creative roles.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is assumed, supporting creative output and technical documentation.

• Opportunities for informal collaboration with colleagues across departments are likely facilitated by the office environment.

Work Schedule: The standard Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM schedule provides a structured work week, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. This schedule is conducive to managing project timelines and collaborating with teams across different time zones if necessary, though primarily UK-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant factor, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility and focus of remote work. The description of the office as "friendly" and having an "exciting buzz" suggests a positive and energetic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio alignment with requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a conversation with a Senior Designer or Hiring Manager to assess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your design process, software proficiency, and project examples.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: A dedicated session where you present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design rationale, the challenges you faced, your problem-solving approach, and the outcome. This is a key stage for demonstrating your skills.

• Second Interview/Team Meet: Potentially meet with other team members or department heads to gauge collaboration style and broader team fit.

• Offer: If successful, a formal offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your skills in product design, technical documentation, and your experience in fashion/lifestyle. Showcase variety if possible.

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process (ideation, sketching, CAD, technical specs), challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) through high-quality artwork and clear, detailed technical specifications.

• Showcase Brand Alignment: If possible, include projects that show an understanding of brand positioning (e.g., "affordable luxury") and how your designs align with it.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention any measurable results or positive feedback received on your designs.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your approach to deadlines, and your understanding of manufacturing constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a short design task or a problem-solving scenario related to product development, packaging, or trend adaptation.

• Technical Proficiency Test: Be ready to demonstrate your software skills or discuss your approach to creating technical specifications.

• Process Explanation: Be prepared to explain your approach to managing a product development timeline, from concept to delivery, and how you ensure quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely a critical component of the interview process. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their creative output but also to articulate their design thinking, technical capabilities, and project management skills in a structured and compelling manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating artwork, technical drawings, and product documentation. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is explicitly required.

• 3D Design Software (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Blender) could be beneficial for visualizing products, though not a stated requirement.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be used for managing critical paths and project timelines, though not specified.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Analysis Tools: While specific tools aren't listed, the requirement to "maintain awareness of market trends and competitor activity" implies the use of industry publications, trend forecasting services (e.g., WGSN, though likely accessed via senior team members), and competitor website analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Software (Potentially): Larger organizations use PLM systems to manage product data, specifications, and workflows. The mention of maintaining product codes and information suggests a system for this purpose.

• Internal Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms are likely used for day-to-day communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is strong Adobe Creative Suite proficiency. While other tools might be used internally, candidates should focus on highlighting their expertise in the specified design software and their ability to adapt to internal systems for project and data management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Encouraged in product innovation and design problem-solving.

• Collaboration: Essential for working across departments and with senior designers.

• Integrity: Implies honesty, ethical conduct, and commitment to quality in all aspects of work.

• Attention to Detail: A critical value for ensuring product quality, accuracy in specifications, and brand consistency.

• Proactivity & Solutions-Focus: Valued in a fast-paced environment to overcome challenges and drive improvements.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: The company actively promotes an environment where all team members feel valued and can contribute their authentic selves.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close work with Buying, Merchandising, and Marketing to ensure product vision is realized commercially and effectively launched.

• Mentorship & Support: A culture of supporting junior team members and sharing knowledge is encouraged.

• Feedback Exchange: Open communication and constructive feedback are likely integral to the design process, especially when working with senior designers and reviewing samples.

• Efficiency-Oriented: A continuous improvement mindset is fostered, encouraging team members to identify and implement process enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture blends traditional values with modern inclusivity. The emphasis on creativity, detail, and collaboration, alongside a proactive approach, defines the ideal candidate profile.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability: The "affordable luxury" positioning requires designs that are both aesthetically appealing and cost-effective to produce, demanding a pragmatic approach to design.

• Fast-Paced Environment & Multiple Deadlines: Managing a diverse workload with competing priorities in a dynamic retail setting requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality: Maintaining high standards across all products, from initial concept through to final production and packaging, is a continuous challenge.

• Adapting to Market Trends: Staying ahead of or quickly responding to evolving fashion and lifestyle trends requires constant market awareness and agile design processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Product Development: Deepen expertise in designing for specific product categories (jewellery, accessories, gifts) and understanding their unique manufacturing and material considerations.

• Advanced Technical Skills: Enhance proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially explore new design software or techniques relevant to product visualization.

• Project Management Acumen: Develop stronger skills in critical path management, project scoping, and cross-functional coordination.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Gain experience in guiding junior designers, which can be a stepping stone to team lead or management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about merchandising, buying strategies, and marketing campaigns, providing a broader understanding of the retail business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a midweight designer in a growing retail brand, offering significant opportunities for skill development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a product you designed from concept to final delivery. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results).

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a brand's positioning, such as 'affordable luxury'?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand strategy and commercial constraints).

• "Walk us through your process for creating technical specifications for a new product." (Highlight attention to detail, clarity, and understanding of manufacturing needs).

• "How do you manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment?" (Showcase organizational skills, prioritization, and time management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton?" (Research the brands, their aesthetic, and recent collections).

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams like Buying and Marketing?" (Emphasize communication, teamwork, and understanding of different departmental goals).

• "Describe a time you had to mentor or support a junior colleague. What was your approach?" (Highlight leadership potential and teamwork).

• "How do you stay updated on fashion and lifestyle trends?" (Demonstrate industry awareness and proactive learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, mockups, and clear examples of technical drawings or artwork. Keep text concise and focused on key points.

• Narrative: Tell a story for each project. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Technical Demonstration: Be ready to verbally walk through elements of your technical specifications or artwork files, explaining the rationale behind specific details.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, commercial awareness, and strong interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate your design process and problem-solving approach is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Midweight Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided careers portal link.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience in product design, fashion/lifestyle brands, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any project management or mentoring experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your skills in concept-to-delivery, technical documentation, and brand alignment. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a website link or PDF).

• Prepare for the interview: Research Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton thoroughly. Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and how you fit the company culture, using specific examples.

• Review company values: Understand their emphasis on creativity, collaboration, integrity, and diversity to align your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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