Job Description

About the role

A unique opportunity has arisen for a Design Manager to join our Papershop category, reporting into the Head of Design. As Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering inspiring, trend-driven products that resonate with customers of both Paperchase and Tesco brands.


We are looking for an experienced designer, ideally with a background in the paper, gifting or lifestyle market, who brings a great eye for detail and a strong creative vision. You'll have experience in trend forecasting and product design within a retail environment, with a proven track record of developing commercially successful, customer-loved ranges.


You'll be a confident influencer, able to take stakeholders and team members on the creative journey with compelling presentations and a clear, strategic approach. With strong design expertise and forward-thinking mindset, you'll define and embed design principles that align both brand values and business objectives.


The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships across Buying, Merchandising, Technical teams and supplier partners to deliver innovative and on-trend product. You'll be adaptable, motivated and a true team player. Previous experience managing and developing an assistant designer along with briefing print designers is essential.

You will be responsible for

Identify the latest trend across stationery, fashion and homewares. Communicate them with confidence and clarity to the design and buying teams. Lead and develop a cohesive vision and range that captures the brand essence of both Paperchase and Tesco. Influence commercial teams by presenting trend stories supported by clear research, customer data and historic sales knowledge to ensure new product formats and key trends are wide reaching. Set upfront design principles for both Paperchase and Tesco branded product within the Papershop category. Working closely to align the product strategy alongside buying team and the marketing strategy aligned with our brand team. Identify innovation within the market across trend, substrate and design details to ensure an exciting range that keeps customers coming back. Source innovative fabrications, trims and techniques alongside Technical Manager, ensuring that regulations are met. Where possible identifying and exploring sustainable materials. Create commercial trend-led designs that strengthen brand perception and drive customer loyalty for both Paperchase and Tesco. Apply excellent knowledge of illustration, pattern, page layout, colour theory, product design and trend creation to develop graphic briefs from scratch. Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising and Technical colleagues to ensure ranges are commercially viable, with risks identified and mitigated. Compile accurate technical brief packs and liaise with supplier partners to achieve 'first sample, right sample'. Ensure sample comments are fed back to suppliers in a timely manner. Use trade data to shape product strategy and product opportunities for the season ahead. Own the design critical path whilst supporting overall project schedules and deadlines to ensure business deadlines are met. Inspire, support and develop junior team members by providing clear direction, constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative, growth focused culture.

You will need

Proven experience designing within the paper, gifting, lifestyle or stationery categories, ideally for the UK retail market. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; MS Office and InDesign experience are a bonus. Confident influencing stakeholders and presenting design concepts backed by data, trend research and commercial insight. Strong commercial awareness, identifying risks and opportunities and leveraging sales data to inform design strategy. Solid knowledge of graphic design fundamentals including illustration, colour theory, typography and layout. Proven ability to produce detailed accurate technical briefs, and work closely with supplier partners to deliver 'right first time' samples. Motivated, adaptable, and a proactive team player with a passion for innovation and customer-centric design. Experience in mentoring, developing and managing an Assistant Designer. Highly organised, able to prioritise and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines. Ability to manage the whole design development process from trend research and sample development to range building and sign off. The successful candidate needs to be flexible to work in our Head Office in Welwyn Garden City 3 days per week.

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Whats in it for you?

We're all about the little helps. That's why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you - both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!

Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays) Private medical insurance 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years' service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing

About Us

You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award-winning mobile network. Truth is, we're all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues.


At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.


We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone's welcome. That's why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying.