Design Assistant

Pretty Little Thing; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

On-site gym and fitness classes

Discount across all brands

Wellbeing package

Dog-friendly offices (in selected locs

Job summary

PrettyLittleThing is seeking a Design Assistant to support the Design team in creating high-energy, trend-led apparel and fashion collections that reflect the latest market trends and brand identity.

You will join a vibrant, creative Design team that collaborates with Garment Techs, Buying, and Merchandising to bring on-trend product lines to life at pace. This role emphasizes hands-on CAD work, sample management, and close supplier liaison.

Qualifications

• Experience or placement within a fast-fashion design environment.
• Degree or qualification in Fashion Design or a related creative discipline.
• Proficiency with Illustrator and Photoshop for creating detailed flat CADs and mood boards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing trend research, mood board creation, and competitor analysis to inspire new product development.
• Assist in producing accurate design CADs, technical spec packs, and colour palettes for suppliers.
• Manage and organise samples, fabric swatches, trims, and design archives.
• Support the design team during fit sessions and liaise with suppliers regarding design modifications.
• Maintain internal design systems, Range Plans, and administration to ensure smooth departmental workflow.

Skills

Team player

Proactive

Independent worker

Adaptability

Interest in fashion

Education

Fashion Design degree

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

As a Design Assistant at PrettyLittleThing, you will support the Design team in creating high-energy, trend-led apparel and fashion collections that reflect the latest market trends and brand identity.

PrettyLittleThing: Who are we?

Allow us to reintroduce you to PrettyLittleThing, the generation-defining style source for every kind of It Girl. Founded with the belief that quality fashion essentials should be available to all, we deliver an extensive range of clothing and accessories for all sizes, genders, races, and ages. From the classic and timeless to the contemporary and cutting edge, designed with you in mind.

Think it's impossible to love Monday almost as much as Friday? Think again! - For the team at PrettyLittleThing, that weekend-every-day feeling is a perk of working for us, and it's the kind of vibe we’re all used to and expect. Our unique way of working speaks for itself: we work hard, and we play hard.

Your Team

You will join a vibrant, creative Design team that works collaboratively with Garment Techs, Buying, and Merchandising to bring on-trend product lines to life at pace.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing trend research, mood board creation, and competitor analysis to inspire new product development.
• Assist in producing accurate design CADs, technical spec packs, and colour palettes for suppliers.
• Manage and organise samples, fabric swatches, trims, and design archives.
• Support the design team during fit sessions and liaise with suppliers regarding design modifications.
• Maintain internal design systems, Range Plans, and administration to ensure smooth departmental workflow.

Requirements

• Experience or placement within a fast-fashion design environment.
• Degree or qualification in Fashion Design or a related creative discipline.
• Proficiency with Illustrator and Photoshop for creating detailed flat CADs and mood boards.
• A team player with a strong collaborative mindset and a proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently, manage own time effectively, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• A genuine interest in fashion and retail.

About Debenhams Group

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!

We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible. We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you're someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you'll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work – without exception. 2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.

Benefits

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
• Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes
• Discount across all brands
• Comprehensive wellbeing package
• Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations)
• Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks
• Free season ticket loan