About Matalan From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please dont hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
About the role As a Design Manager you are the design subject matter expert for your division, leading the delivery and curation of the creative direction and product development ensuring brand-aligned and commercially successful collections alongside the Head of Buying & Merchandising.
Strategy & Creative Leadership
Partner with Buying & Merchandising leadership teams to define and deliver a clear, long-term design strategy for your given product category that aligns to divisional and company objectives.
Set the creative vision and strategic direction for your product category, translating market insight and customer needs into compelling design outcomes.
Establish and own a seasonal range framework that reflects strategic priorities, supports KPIs, and drives design excellence.
Lead category design with a strong point of view, introducing insight-led concepts that elevate product relevance and innovation.
Build strong, senior cross-functional partnerships to align design, buying, merchandising, and trading priorities.
Drive cohesive execution of collaborative ranges and initiatives across divisions, ensuring alignment with the overall design vision and buying strategy.
Range Planning & Development
Partner with the Heads of Buying and Merchandising to deliver commercially robust ranges aligned to the seasonal framework and overarching design strategy.
Own the seasonal creative direction across colour, print, and fabric, ensuring a consistent and compelling aesthetic across categories.
Lead best-in-class range presentations that clearly articulate the design narrative, style credentials, and quality standards.
Present and influence confidently at Executive and Investor level, incorporating feedback to strengthen strategic decision-making.
Champion continuous improvement in quality, fit, and range composition through structured review and feedback loops.
Leadership & Accountability:
Act as the senior leadership voice for the Design function, influencing direction and decisions within the wider leadership team.
Confidently drive constructive challenge and healthy debate at senior level, using insight and judgement to strengthen outcomes and decision quality.
Set clear expectations and hold teams accountable for delivery, quality, and behaviours aligned to the product strategy, KPIs, and company values.
Lead and sponsor cross-functional initiatives, anticipating challenges, driving decisive action, and ensuring clarity of ownership and outcomes.
Develop and coach talent through purposeful feedback, capability building, and succession planning.
Create a high-performance, psychologically safe environment where roles, objectives, and impact are clearly understood.
Role-model disciplined, commercially minded ways of working, balancing creative ambition with executional rigour.
About You Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Designer, showcasing a strong portfolio of innovative work.
Ability to manage projects across short, medium, and long-term timelines while adapting to changing priorities.
Experience in a fast-paced omni-channel retail environment, understanding the dynamics of both online and offline markets.
Strong commercial awareness of the product market, with an eye for identifying opportunities and trends.
Skilled in using design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, AI) to bring ideas to life with precision.
Capable of engaging in direct and constructive conversations that drive design success.
Proficient in influencing and negotiating solutions that align with both design vision and business objectives.
Exceptional organisational skills with a keen attention to detail, ensuring projects meet quality standards.
Experienced in leading design teams and managing projects, fostering collaboration and creative excellence.
Benefits In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
Thrive Recognition Scheme
Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
Life Assurance
Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
Pension Scheme
Access to a wide range of career development
Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
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