Womenswear Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Womenswear Design Manager

Company: MR PORTER

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Fashion Design & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of exclusive womenswear knitwear collections for the My Theresa Private Label, aligning with brand aesthetic and market positioning.

• Manage and mentor a design team, overseeing the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept generation through to production readiness.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Buying, Product Development, and Technical Design teams to ensure successful seasonal launches and product excellence.

• Drive strategic initiatives for process improvement, sustainability integration, and team development within the design department.

• Contribute to the overarching creative vision and commercial success of the My Theresa Private Label through innovative and trend-aligned product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative design with operational execution, requiring a candidate who can translate brand vision into commercially viable products while managing a team and complex production timelines. The emphasis on "exclusive own-brand collections" and "strengthening brand identity" highlights the strategic importance of this position within the LuxExperience Private Label.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design process for womenswear knitwear, from initial concept development and mood board creation to final garment specification.

• Lead and manage the Design Team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment, ensuring accountability for output quality and timely delivery.

• Partner closely with the Chief Buying Officer/Creative Director of My Theresa to ensure seasonal creative concepts are understood and effectively translated into design proposals.

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Buying, Product Development, and Technical teams to define product direction, execute tasks, and ensure adherence to the critical path for all seasonal launches.

• Refine existing and develop new garment blocks in conjunction with the Technical team, focusing on consistent fit and customer expectation management to minimize return rates.

• Act as a strategic business manager by overseeing design processes, promoting best practices, articulating a clear future vision, and building a strong team with a focus on succession planning.

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of market trends, actively contribute to the group-wide Sustainability Strategy through informed sourcing decisions, and manage product-focused aspects of key brand events.

• Present finalized ranges and design concepts effectively to wider teams and Senior Management, articulating the creative rationale and commercial potential.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of fabric ideas, with a particular focus on sustainable fibers and finishes, ensuring alignment with luxury market standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a strong focus on both creative leadership and operational management. The emphasis on "strategic business manager," "succession planning," and "sustainability strategy" suggests that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to manage a department, think long-term, and integrate ethical practices into their design process, beyond just creative output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• BA or equivalent in Womenswear Fashion Design, with a specific focus and specialization in knitwear. Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in people management, with a proven ability to build trust, lead groups through effective ideation, and facilitate organizational change within a design context.

• Significant experience in knitwear design for Ready-to-Wear (RTW), with a comprehensive understanding of other womenswear categories including suede, leather, and outerwear.

• Proven track record of managing the complete design process from concept to production for luxury or entry-luxury womenswear markets. Required Skills:

• Exceptional eye for product, fabric, color, fit, and emerging trends within the entry luxury/luxury womenswear market.

• Ability to translate market insights and brand values into unique, commercially successful product ranges.

• In-depth knowledge of sustainable practices, fibers, and fabrics, extending beyond standard certifications to include innovative finishing and fabric idea development.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and CAD software for design and technical specification.

• Strong understanding of technical design principles, including block development and fit refinement to meet customer expectations and reduce returns.

• Strategic thinking and business acumen to manage processes, define vision, and contribute to the company's growth.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and strategies to diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with fabric sourcing and supplier negotiation within the luxury fashion sector.

• Familiarity with critical path management and production timelines specific to the fashion industry.

• Understanding of luxury retail operations and customer engagement strategies.

• Experience contributing to or developing a company's sustainability strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a BA with a knitwear focus, coupled with experience in other categories like suede and leather, indicates a need for a versatile designer. The emphasis on "entry luxury/Luxury womenswear market" and "My Theresa brand values" means candidates must understand the specific nuances of this market segment. "People Management" is listed as a demonstrable experience, suggesting leadership capabilities are as critical as design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive design projects, each detailing the full lifecycle from initial concept to final production-ready designs.

• Include examples of knitwear design, demonstrating expertise in yarn selection, stitch techniques, and garment construction relevant to luxury RTW.

• Present designs for other womenswear categories such as suede, leather, and outerwear to highlight versatility.

• Integrate visual representations of market trend analysis, mood boards, and color palettes that informed the design process for each project.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and CAD software through clear, well-executed design flats, technical sketches, and print designs.

• Detail the process of collaborating with technical teams for block refinement and fit consistency, including examples of how customer feedback or return data was utilized.

• Include specific examples of how sustainable practices, fibers, and fabrics were incorporated into design choices, detailing sourcing and finishing considerations. Process Documentation:

• For each project, provide a concise overview of the design process, highlighting key decision points and collaborations.

• Document the approach to managing design timelines and ensuring adherence to critical path milestones.

• Illustrate the methodology used for people management within design projects, including team ideation and feedback incorporation.

• Outline strategies for translating brand values and creative briefs into tangible product designs.

• Include examples of how market trends and customer insights were integrated into the design and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase creative output but also strategic thinking, process management, and leadership. The emphasis on sustainability and technical collaboration means these aspects should be clearly documented and exemplified within the portfolio. Demonstrating how designs reduce return rates through fit refinement is a key operational metric to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a Womenswear Design Manager in London, UK, with 5-10 years of experience in the luxury fashion sector, is between £60,000 and £85,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, considering the responsibilities outlined, the luxury market focus, and the hybrid work model. Factors such as the candidate's specific experience, negotiation skills, and the company's compensation strategy will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, potentially including private medical insurance, dental, and vision coverage.

• Generous employee discount across MR PORTER and other LuxExperience brands, a significant perk for fashion industry professionals.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and potential for attending industry events.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility with a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, public holidays, and potential for additional leave.

• Access to employee assistance programs for confidential support. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential flexibility depending on project needs and critical path deadlines.

• The hybrid working model allows for a combination of in-office and remote work, typically requiring a set number of days in the London office per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location (London, UK), experience level (Mid-Senior), and industry (Luxury Fashion), a competitive salary range is estimated. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for large, established luxury retail groups like YOOX Net-A-Porter (parent company of MR PORTER and Mytheresa). The specific number of "office days" for the hybrid model is not specified but is a common detail to clarify during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the luxury fashion e-commerce and private label development sector. LuxExperience Private Label specifically focuses on creating exclusive, own-brand collections for leading luxury destinations like Mr Porter, NET-A-PORTER, and Mytheresa. This positions MR PORTER at the forefront of high-end retail, blending curated luxury with proprietary product lines.

Company Size: MR PORTER, as part of the YOOX Net-a-Porter Group (YNAP), is a large global organization. The LuxExperience Private Label division itself may have a more focused team size, with the Design department estimated at 3 individuals for this specific brand. This suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are visible within a larger corporate structure.

Founded: MR PORTER was launched in 2011, and YOOX Net-a-Porter Group was formed in 2015 through the merger of Yoox Group and Net-A-Porter. This history indicates a company with established expertise in luxury e-commerce and a forward-thinking approach to brand development and private label strategy.

Team Structure:

• The Design Team for this role is described as having a size of 3, indicating a focused and potentially intimate working group.

• The Design Manager reports to the Head of Design & Production, establishing a clear hierarchy.

• Close collaboration is expected with the Chief Buying Officer & Product Development team, as well as Merchandising and Buying teams, highlighting a cross-functional structure. Methodology:

• Creative Vision Translation: A core methodology involves deeply understanding the unique identity and customer of a specific brand (Mytheresa) to translate its creative vision into distinctive collections.

• Collaborative Product Development: The process emphasizes close partnership across departments (Buying, Merchandising, Product Development, Technical) to ensure product direction, task execution, and adherence to critical path timelines.

• Fit and Quality Focus: A structured approach to refining blocks and ensuring consistency of fit is critical, with the explicit goal of meeting customer expectations and reducing return rates.

• Sustainability Integration: The company is committed to a group-wide Sustainability Strategy, requiring designers to actively contribute through sourcing and fabric choices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of LuxExperience Private Label being part of MR PORTER and the broader YOOX Net-A-Porter Group is crucial. This implies access to significant resources, established processes, and a global reach, while the specific team size of 3 suggests a focused, high-impact unit within this larger entity. The emphasis on "exclusive own-brand collections" and alignment with "My Theresa brand values" indicates a strong need for brand guardianship and market-specific understanding.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior Level, specifically as a Design Manager. It requires not only creative expertise in womenswear and knitwear design but also significant people management and strategic operational skills. The scope includes leading a team, overseeing product development lifecycles, and contributing to business strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Head of Design & Production. This indicates a clear line of accountability and a direct channel for strategic input and guidance. The role also requires significant collaboration with senior figures such as the Chief Buying Officer and Creative Director of My Theresa.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact extends beyond creative output. They are responsible for shaping exclusive products that strengthen brand identity, deepen customer engagement, and drive commercial success. By managing fit consistency and sustainability, they directly influence customer satisfaction, return rates, and the brand's ethical standing – all critical operational and business metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Head of Design & Production or similar senior leadership roles within LuxExperience Private Label or the broader YOOX Net-A-Porter Group.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to contribute to and shape the future of private label strategy, sustainability initiatives, and brand development across multiple luxury destinations.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in luxury knitwear, sustainable fashion practices, and advanced design technologies through ongoing projects and potential training.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad experience by working closely with buying, merchandising, marketing, and product development teams, enhancing understanding of the end-to-end luxury retail value chain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is tailored to highlight how design decisions translate into tangible business outcomes like customer engagement and reduced returns, framing the role within an operational context. Growth opportunities are framed in terms of both vertical progression within design leadership and horizontal expansion into broader strategic areas relevant to operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, specifically at "Our Westfield office." This suggests a modern, potentially large-scale office environment designed to accommodate various teams within the LuxExperience/MR PORTER ecosystem. Given it's a hybrid role, the office likely includes collaborative spaces, design studios, and meeting rooms conducive to team interaction and brainstorming.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Westfield, London, UK. This is a well-known, central location in London, often associated with major retail and corporate hubs, implying good accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studio: Expect a workspace equipped for creative ideation, potentially featuring mood board areas, fabric libraries, and sample review spaces.

• Technology Integration: Access to necessary design software, CAD tools, and potentially digital prototyping technologies will be available to support design workflows.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The hybrid model and team structure necessitate regular interaction with merchandising, buying, and product development teams, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

• Hybrid Flexibility: The role supports a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between focused individual work at home and collaborative team sessions in the office.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement implies a degree of flexibility in structuring the work week, with specific days in the office determined by team needs and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Westfield office" provides a specific, recognizable location. The "hybrid" work model is detailed with implications for workspace context, emphasizing collaboration and flexibility, which are key aspects for operations professionals evaluating work environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess alignment with essential qualifications, design skills, and people management experience.

• First Interview: Typically with the Head of Design & Production, focusing on creative vision, design philosophy, experience with knitwear and luxury markets, and initial assessment of people management style.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate their design process, strategic thinking, sustainability integration, and ability to manage complex projects from concept to production. This may include a specific design challenge or scenario related to My Theresa's brand.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including Merchandising, Buying, and Product Development representatives, to assess collaboration skills, understanding of commercial viability, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Chief Buying Officer or a Director) to discuss strategic vision, leadership approach, and long-term contribution to the brand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your knitwear expertise, luxury market understanding, and people management capabilities. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, design rationale, challenges faced, solutions implemented (especially regarding fit and sustainability), and the commercial outcome or potential.

• Highlight Operations: Explicitly detail your involvement in the product development lifecycle, including collaboration with technical and production teams, and how you contributed to reducing return rates or improving efficiency.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you have managed or mentored designers, facilitated team ideation, and driven projects to successful completion.

• Sustainability Focus: Clearly outline your approach to sustainable sourcing, fabric selection, and design for longevity, aligning with the company's strategy.

• Brand Alignment: Show how your design aesthetic and approach align with My Theresa's brand values and target customer.

Challenge Preparation:

• Trend Forecasting: Be prepared to discuss current and upcoming trends in luxury womenswear, with a specific focus on knitwear, and how you would translate these into commercial collections.

• Sustainability Scenarios: Anticipate questions about sourcing sustainable fabrics, implementing eco-friendly finishes, or contributing to a circular economy model within fashion design.

• People Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage team performance, resolve conflicts, foster creativity, and implement succession planning within a design team.

• Commercial Acumen: Be ready to discuss how you balance creative vision with commercial viability, margin targets, and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio presentation and case study" with a potential "design challenge" is crucial for operations roles. This section provides actionable advice on how to structure this presentation to showcase not just creativity but also operational efficiency, strategic thinking, and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for creating mood boards, illustrations, technical flats, print designs, and digital presentations.

• CAD Software: Proficiency in specific CAD software used for fashion design, pattern making, and 3D garment visualization (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear, or similar industry-standard tools) for creating detailed technical specifications and virtual prototypes.

• Design Management Platforms: While not explicitly stated, experience with project management or design collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Wrike, or specialized PLM systems) would be beneficial for managing team workflows and critical paths.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Tools: Familiarity with platforms or services that provide market trend analysis, color forecasting, and consumer insights (e.g., WGSN, Edited, or similar market intelligence services).

• Sales & Return Data Analysis: Ability to interpret sales data, customer feedback, and return rate reports to inform design decisions, improve fit, and enhance product commerciality.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with PLM software (e.g., Centric PLM, PTC FlexPLM) is highly advantageous for managing product data, workflows, and collaboration throughout the development process.

• ERP Systems: Basic understanding of how design data integrates into Enterprise Resource Planning systems for production and inventory management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "Photoshop, Illustrator, and CAD software" is critical. Highlighting the potential need for PLM systems and trend forecasting tools adds depth relevant to operations professionals who manage the end-to-end product lifecycle. The "design management platforms" are inferred but highly relevant for a manager role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the expectations of the My Theresa customer, translating into product quality, fit, and overall brand experience that drives loyalty and reduces returns.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, commercially viable collections on time, adhering to critical path timelines and maintaining rigorous standards from concept to production.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel design approaches and unique product offerings that align with the luxury market and strengthen the brand's distinctive identity.

• Sustainability and Responsibility: A dedication to integrating ethical and sustainable practices into the design and sourcing process, contributing to the company's broader environmental and social goals.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and communicative team environment where cross-functional partners are valued, and collective success is prioritized.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working seamlessly with Merchandising, Buying, Product Development, and Technical teams to ensure alignment on creative vision, commercial targets, and production feasibility.

• Open Communication: An emphasis on clear, transparent communication to share design intent, provide feedback, and resolve challenges proactively.

• Data-Informed Design: While creative, the process is informed by market trends, sales data, and customer feedback, encouraging a data-driven approach to design decisions.

• Feedback Culture: A willingness to both give and receive constructive feedback to continuously improve product quality, processes, and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the company's stated values and operational needs into specific behaviors expected from operations and design professionals. The focus on "customer centricity" linked to "reducing returns" and "excellence in execution" linked to "critical path timelines" directly connects cultural values to operational outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Consistently translating a unique brand aesthetic into products that are both creatively compelling and commercially successful within the competitive luxury market.

• Managing Global Supply Chains and Sustainability Goals: Navigating complex sourcing challenges to meet sustainability targets while ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of materials and finished goods.

• Leading and Developing a Diverse Design Team: Effectively managing individual team members' strengths and development needs, fostering a cohesive and high-performing team, and implementing succession plans.

• Adapting to Evolving Market Trends and Technologies: Staying ahead of rapid shifts in fashion trends, consumer preferences, and design/production technologies to maintain the brand's relevance and competitive edge.

• Minimizing Returns through Fit and Quality: Continuously improving garment fit and quality to meet high customer expectations in the luxury segment and reduce the operational and financial impact of returns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Sustainability Practices: Opportunities to deepen knowledge and application of cutting-edge sustainable materials, production methods, and circular economy principles in fashion.

• Digital Design and 3D Prototyping: Development of skills in advanced CAD and 3D design software for virtual prototyping, reducing physical sampling and improving efficiency.

• Leadership and Strategic Management: Formal training or mentorship programs focused on enhancing leadership capabilities, strategic planning, and business management within a global retail context.

• Industry Insights: Access to trend forecasting services, industry events, and cross-functional exposure to gain a holistic understanding of the luxury fashion value chain.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed from an operational perspective, linking design activities to business metrics like return rates and supply chain efficiency. Growth opportunities are tailored to skill development relevant to modern fashion operations and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a knitwear collection for My Theresa that balances current luxury trends with the brand's established aesthetic and sustainability goals?" (Focus on process, trend integration, sustainability, brand alignment)

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities between creative vision and production constraints. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, collaboration, operational feasibility)

• "How do you ensure consistency in fit and quality across a design team, particularly when aiming to reduce return rates for a luxury brand?" (Focus on technical understanding, process management, customer focus)

• "Outline your strategy for leading a design team, including how you foster creativity, manage performance, and plan for future talent development." (Focus on people management, leadership, succession planning) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of MR PORTER and My Theresa's brand positioning in the luxury market, and how would you ensure your designs reflect this?" (Focus on research, brand guardianship, market awareness)

• "How do you approach integrating sustainability into the design process, beyond basic compliance? What are some innovative sustainable practices you've explored or would propose?" (Focus on sustainability knowledge, innovation, company values)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams like Buying and Merchandising. What are your strategies for effective remote and in-office collaboration?" (Focus on adaptability, communication, team dynamics) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your design philosophy and leadership approach, then diving into 2-3 case studies.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data to illustrate the impact of your designs – e.g., "contributed to X% reduction in knitwear returns," "designed a collection that achieved Y% of seasonal sales targets," or "implemented sustainable sourcing that reduced environmental impact by Z%."

• Showcase the Process: Clearly explain your thought process behind each design, including market research, trend interpretation, technical considerations, and collaboration with other teams.

• Highlight Leadership: For team-based projects, clearly define your role, how you guided and supported team members, and how you facilitated decision-making.

• Visual Excellence: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, professional, and reflective of your design aesthetic. Use high-quality imagery and clear graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strategy questions are designed to probe both creative and operational capabilities, focusing on problem-solving, leadership, and business impact. The portfolio tips emphasize quantifiable results and process clarity, crucial for a management role in operations-adjacent fields.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Womenswear Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workday job portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight your experience in womenswear knitwear design, luxury market understanding, and people management. Include case studies demonstrating your process from concept to production, with a strong emphasis on how you translated brand vision into commercial success and managed team output.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in design management, cross-functional collaboration (mentioning specific teams like Buying, Merchandising, Product Development), and your proficiency with design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, CAD). Quantify achievements where possible, particularly relating to product development, fit improvement, or sustainability initiatives.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic approach to challenges. Be ready to discuss your experience with sustainability in fashion and how you manage teams and projects within critical path timelines. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research MR PORTER, My Theresa, and the LuxExperience Private Label strategy. Understand their brand values, target customer, and recent collections to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.