Design Manager- Kids Essentials - 12 Month Maternity Cover
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3422 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and Tesco is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 1255 (Managers and directors in the creative industries, Manages a small team and drives creative vision across categories) or SOC 2161 (Research and development (R&D) managers, Design manager index entry, but role is hands-on design work). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3422 Clothing, fashion and accessories designers Most likely code | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
1255 Managers and directors in the creative industries Also possible | £33,400 | £44,900 | £44,900 | £44,900 |
2161 Research and development (R&D) managers Also possible | £38,100 | £43,500 | £48,900 | £54,400 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
We're looking for an experienced and creative Design Manager to lead our Kids Nightwear & Underwear category. You'll bring strong Kidswear design experience, exceptional print and graphic skills, and a proven track record of delivering commercial, trend-led products. Working cross-functionally with Buying, Merchandising and Technical teams, you'll drive the creative vision, develop original designs, and lead and inspire a small team in a fast-paced fashion environment.
You will be responsible for
Identifying the latest trend, print direction, colour and fabric across Kids Nightwear, Underwear and Socks.
- Leading the seasonal creative vision across multiple product areas, ensuring a consistent handwriting, whilst tailoring designs appropriately for different customer age ranges and genders.
- Setting the print direction and working closely with the Graphic Designers to develop original, trend-led prints, placements and all-over prints that deliver excitement and commercial appeal.
- Continually evolving the handwriting to remain fresh and relevant, pushing innovation to elevate our products.
- Producing detailed technical design packs and working collaboratively with suppliers to achieve a “right first sample" approach, ensuring clear communication and timely feedback throughout development.
- Analysing customer insight, market trends and best and worst sellers to shape future seasonal strategies, identifying opportunities while balancing cost, quality and commerciality.
- Working to the design critical path and supporting trend, development and production timeline to ensure all key milestones and business deadlines are achieved.
- Managing and developing an Assistant Designer, providing clear direction, regular coaching and opportunities for growth.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating ability to create commercially successful collections across multiple products.
- Proficiency in designing using Adobe lllustrator & Photoshop. Powerpoint and 3D Design (CLO) software experience is a bonus.
- Comprehensive understanding of garment construction, fabric & printing techniques with the ability to created detailed technical packs that cleary communicate designintent.
- Previous experience managing and mentoring an Assistant Designer and confidently briefing the graphic team
- Amazing organisational skills. Ability to prioritise and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to manage the whole design and development process from trend research and sample development through to range-building and fits.
- A proven track record of delivering innovative, commercially successful products that continually achieve a strong hit rate.
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 (12 months service required at the qualifying date) 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.
The above information is a shortened summary, refer to our policies for full details
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Tesco, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers (SOC 3422) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay- Median £37,232
- Going rate £41,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–37,530
ONS publishes no quartiles for this occupation, so the shaded band is a rough guide.
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Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Tesco holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3422 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.