Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton

Location: Cherwell Business Village, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2SP, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design & Development (Fashion/Accessories)

Date Posted: 2026-05-29T13:53:53

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and development lifecycle for bags, accessories, and gifting products, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and commercial objectives.

• Drive creative product solutions and shape the product vision for seasonal collections across all sales channels.

• Manage and mentor a team of Product Designers and Design Assistants, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional departments including Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, and Wholesale to enhance product success and market impact.

• Maintain a strong commercial mindset, balancing emerging trends with brand values and the company's affordable luxury positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on physical product design within the fashion and accessories sector, emphasizing commercial viability and brand alignment. The "Senior" designation implies leadership responsibilities, including people management and strategic input into the product roadmap.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction and product vision for seasonal collections, focusing on bags, accessories, and gifting categories.

• Oversee the development of product designs from initial concept, mood boards, and colour palettes through to final production-ready specifications.

• Create accurate technical specification sheets, artwork, and visual assets for products and packaging.

• Manage the product sample process, including quality checks and ensuring all products meet stringent brand standards and aesthetic requirements.

• Maintain and update product decks, range plans, product codes, pricing, and visual assets with meticulous attention to detail.

• Track project progress against critical paths and seasonal deadlines, providing timely updates to design and cross-functional teams.

• Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, and Wholesale teams to ensure product success and cohesive brand messaging.

• Present creative concepts and final collections confidently to senior stakeholders and wider teams.

• Provide insights on competitor analysis, market trends, and product innovations to inform design strategies.

• Proactively communicate with suppliers to ensure alignment on product vision, timelines, and quality standards.

• Line manage Product Designers and Design Assistants, conducting performance reviews and supporting their professional development.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture, sharing best practices and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work and team leadership, crucial for a senior role. Emphasis on "end-to-end delivery" and "critical paths" points to a need for strong project management skills within the product development cycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A design qualification in fashion or product design is required. Bachelor's degree level is standard for senior roles.

Experience: Senior-level experience (5-10 years) is expected, with a proven track record of delivering products from concept to production. Experience in line managing or mentoring midweight/junior designers is essential.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for design creation and technical artwork.

• Strong portfolio showcasing concept-driven designs, brand value alignment, commercial objectives, and high-quality execution in accessories, bags, or gifting.

• Expertise in packaging design, typography, and understanding of retail product development.

• Deep knowledge of current accessories, gifting, and fashion trends.

• Exceptional visual communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance creative vision with business objectives.

• Experience in line managing or mentoring junior design staff and guiding projects to successful completion. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the affordable luxury market segment.

• Familiarity with range planning tools and product lifecycle management systems.

• Understanding of material sourcing and manufacturing processes for accessories.

• Stakeholder presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio with specific content requirements (brand values, commercial objectives) is critical for candidates to prepare. The explicit mention of line management experience narrows the field to individuals ready for leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, concept-driven portfolio is paramount, demonstrating a clear understanding of brand values and commercial objectives.

• Showcase end-to-end product development examples, from initial sketches and mood boards to final technical specifications and production-ready artwork.

• Include case studies highlighting successful product launches, demonstrating commercial impact and alignment with affordable luxury positioning.

• Present examples of packaging design, typography application, and trend integration relevant to accessories and gifting.

• Highlight examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers, illustrating effective communication and problem-solving. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating accurate technical specification sheets, including detailed measurements, materials, and construction methods.

• Examples of maintaining product decks, range plans, and product codes with meticulous attention to detail and consistency.

• Documentation illustrating the sample process, including quality checks and adherence to brand standards.

• Case studies demonstrating project management skills, including tracking progress against critical paths and seasonal deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for assessing a candidate's ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products. It must clearly demonstrate both design talent and robust process management skills suitable for a senior role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary DOE (Depending on Experience). Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in the UK with 5-10 years of experience and hybrid work arrangements, a range of £45,000 - £65,000 per annum is estimated. This range is influenced by the company’s location and its position in the affordable luxury market.

Benefits:

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

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

• Opportunities for professional development and learning to advance skills and career.

• An innovative, friendly, and supportive workplace environment.

• Access to a broad benefits package detailed on the company's careers portal.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, totaling 40 hours per week. There is flexibility for hybrid working, with an average of three days in the office and two days remote. This may increase to five days a week during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK compensation for a Senior Product Designer with the specified experience level and hybrid work model, adjusted for the retail/fashion accessory industry. The benefits package is strong, particularly the staff discount, which is a significant perk in the retail sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Accessories, Jewellery, Gifting. The company operates in a fast-paced, trend-driven consumer goods market, emphasizing affordable luxury and personal touch.

Company Size: The company is described as "family-run" and "entrepreneurial," suggesting a dynamic environment with a close-knit team. The job posting mentions "Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton," indicating a multi-brand structure.

Founded: Joma Jewellery was founded in 2008, and Katie Loxton was launched in 2015. This history points to a company with established market presence and a growth trajectory.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will be part of a "dynamic creative team" and will "line manage Product Designers and Design Assistants."

• Collaboration is key, working closely with Product Designers, Senior Designers, and cross-functional teams including Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, and Wholesale.

• The "family-run" nature implies a potentially flatter hierarchy and more direct access to leadership. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and integrity.

• Designs are driven by a strong commercial mindset balanced with emerging trends and creativity.

• A focus on bringing "stories to life" through collections suggests a narrative-driven design approach.

• The company is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging all team members to be their authentic selves and contribute ideas.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of entrepreneurial drive and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. The dual-brand structure offers a broad scope for design impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level Product Designer role, indicating a significant level of autonomy, responsibility, and influence within the design department. The role is expected to contribute strategically to the product vision and lead design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or a similar senior leadership position within the creative department. They will directly manage a team of Product Designers and Design Assistants.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue and business decisions through the creation of commercially successful and on-brand products. The Senior Designer's strategic input shapes seasonal collections, influencing sales performance across wholesale and retail channels.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Direct line management experience provides a clear path toward Design Management or Head of Design roles.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the creative direction and product vision for two established brands, gaining experience in high-level brand strategy.

• Skill Enhancement: Exposure to end-to-end product delivery, diverse product categories (bags, accessories, gifting), and cross-functional collaboration will broaden expertise.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a growing, entrepreneurial company in the fashion and accessories sector offers valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career progression, moving from individual contributor to a leadership position with strategic input into product development for multiple brands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, with a hybrid work arrangement. The office environment is described as "exciting buzz," "friendly," and "innovative."

Office Location(s): Cherwell Business Village, Banbury, Oxfordshire. This location suggests a professional business park setting. The hybrid model requires an average of three days per week in the office.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with opportunities to interact with design colleagues and cross-functional teams.

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

• The company emphasizes a "bright and friendly team" culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, totaling 40 hours per week. Flexibility is provided through the hybrid model, with potential for increased office presence during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model offers a balance between focused individual work and team collaboration, common in creative roles. The specific office location in Banbury is relevant for candidates considering commuting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: Submit your CV and a strong portfolio. The portfolio will be heavily scrutinized for design quality, commercial awareness, and adherence to brand aesthetics.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Design) to assess your experience, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your portfolio projects and design philosophy.

• Second Interview/Design Challenge: May involve a presentation of a specific design concept, a case study on a past project, or a practical design task. This stage evaluates your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your design process.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and confirm overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to design bags, accessories, or gifting items with a commercial edge and an understanding of the affordable luxury market.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the commercial outcome or impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, technical specification creation, and trend analysis.

• Showcase Leadership: If possible, include examples that highlight your mentoring or team collaboration experiences.

• Brand Alignment: Tailor your presentation to reflect an understanding of Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton's brand identity and target customer.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to concept development, trend forecasting, and translating market trends into commercially viable products.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and defending your creative choices, especially in the context of business objectives.

• Familiarize yourself with the company's current product lines and identify areas for potential innovation or improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Candidates should prepare to discuss their work in depth, demonstrating both creative talent and a strategic, commercial mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is essential, specifically:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, technical drawings, and artwork creation.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For mood boards, visual mock-ups, and image manipulation.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, presentations, and creating product decks/spec sheets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, a Senior Product Designer should be comfortable interpreting sales data, trend reports, and competitor analysis to inform design decisions. Familiarity with retail analytics tools or dashboards could be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how product information flows through CRM or PIM (Product Information Management) systems might be advantageous for efficient data management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a strong command of Adobe Creative Suite. While other tools aren't specified, understanding how design outputs integrate into broader business systems is a plus for a senior role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity: Driving the brand forward through innovative and aesthetically pleasing product design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal teams and external partners to bring products to life.

• Integrity: Maintaining high standards in design, quality, and business practices.

• Commercial Acumen: Balancing creative vision with market trends and business objectives to ensure product success.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Fostering an environment where all team members feel valued and can contribute their unique perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, E-commerce, and Wholesale teams are crucial for aligning product development with business strategy and market needs.

• Supplier Communication: Proactive and clear communication with suppliers to ensure brand vision, timelines, and quality standards are met.

• Team Mentorship: A supportive and developmental approach to guiding junior designers, encouraging knowledge sharing and best practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values highlight a professional yet collaborative and forward-thinking culture, with a strong emphasis on both creative output and business results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Continuously innovating while ensuring products meet market trends, price points, and the brand's affordable luxury positioning.

• Managing Multiple Product Lines & Deadlines: Effectively overseeing design projects for different product categories (bags, accessories, gifting) and adhering to strict seasonal timelines across two brands.

• Leading and Developing a Team: Providing effective mentorship, performance management, and fostering a positive team dynamic for designers with varying experience levels.

• Adapting to Fast-Paced Market: Staying ahead of fashion and gifting trends in a highly competitive industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Gaining experience in shaping the creative direction and product vision for multiple brands.

• People Management: Developing leadership skills through direct line management of a design team.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Deepening understanding of retail operations, merchandising, marketing, and e-commerce through close collaboration.

• Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis: Enhancing skills in identifying and translating emerging trends into successful product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow into a more strategic design leadership position by tackling challenges related to team management, brand strategy, and market responsiveness.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new product collection from initial concept to final sign-off for bags and accessories." (Focus on your end-to-end product development methodology, including trend research, concept generation, technical detailing, and collaboration.)

• "How do you balance creative innovation with commercial viability and brand consistency, particularly within the affordable luxury market?" (Prepare examples of how you've achieved this balance, referencing specific projects and market insights.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage a challenging design project with tight deadlines. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your project management skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to deliver under pressure.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about the Katie Loxton and Joma Jewellery brands, and how would your design aesthetic complement or evolve them?" (Research current product lines, marketing campaigns, and brand messaging. Show an understanding of their affordable luxury positioning.)

• "How would you approach line managing and mentoring junior designers to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment?" (Discuss your leadership style, feedback methods, and strategies for talent development.)

• "How do you stay informed about emerging trends in fashion accessories and gifting, and how do you translate these into actionable design ideas?" (Prepare to discuss your sources of inspiration and your process for trend analysis and application.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically by brand or project type. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, key challenges, solutions, and the final outcome (e.g., sales performance, customer reception).

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, include a project where you mentored a junior designer or led a specific design stream.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the commercial success of your designs.

• Brand Relevance: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to the Katie Loxton and Joma Jewellery brands and their product categories.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their portfolio in detail, demonstrating not only design skills but also leadership potential and a deep understanding of the company's market position and target customer.

📌 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 tailored to showcase relevant experience in fashion accessories, bags, and gifting. Prioritize projects demonstrating commercial success and alignment with the affordable luxury aesthetic.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your senior-level experience, line management responsibilities, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and achievements in product development from concept to production.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and commercial understanding. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss how you would contribute to the brands' success.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton's brand identities, product ranges, target markets, and recent campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

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

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