Overview

 Merchandise Designer – London, N1C 4AG, United Kingdom 

The A Side: A Day in The Life

In October 2024, Universal Music UK brought together two iconic music labels, Island and EMI Records, to create Island EMI Label Group. The new powerhouse label group is designed to help deliver our strategy to support artists from the wider Universal family, linking closely with US label partners Republic Corps, and Interscope Capitol Labels Group.

We’re looking for a Merchandise Designer to join Studio Island on a 6-month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the Head of Merchandise Creative, you’ll be responsible for the design and development of clothing and goods across multiple artists and campaigns.

This is a hands-on creative role that requires a designer who can think conceptually, execute with precision, and manage projects through all stages — from ideation and design development through to sampling, quality control, and production handover.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, working on several concurrent projects, and balancing creativity with commercial understanding and brand alignment.

The B Side: Skills & Experience

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop merchandise collections across apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products for Island Records and EMI artists.
• Work closely with the Head of Merchandise Creative to ensure all design output aligns with artist vision and brand direction.
• Work closely with N1C, Universal Music UK’s central e-commerce and creative team to develop product ranges.
• Lead concept creation, research, and mood board development to inform and inspire design ideas.
• Produce detailed design packs, technical drawings, and material specifications for production partners.
• Oversee sampling and quality control, ensuring all products meet Studio Island’s creative and technical standards.
• Collaborate with Studio Island wider creative team, marketing managers, and artist teams to deliver high-quality creative work to brief and on time.
• Stay informed of fashion, streetwear, and cultural trends, applying these insights to elevate creative output.
• Manage multiple briefs simultaneously, maintaining quality and attention to detail across all projects.

Person Specification

• Past experience in fashion, apparel, or product design, ideally within music, lifestyle, or cultural industries.
• Very good interpersonal skills and ability to remain professional at all times.
• Proven ability to take a product from concept through to final sample, with a strong grasp of fabrication, print, and finishing techniques.
• Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong sense of visual storytelling and design composition.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high production standards.
• Confident working across multiple briefs in a deadline-driven, creative environment.
• Passionate about fashion, music, culture, and design — and how these worlds intersect.

* Candidates must upload a creative portfolio or link to a creative portfolio in their resume *

Bonus Tracks: Your Benefits

• Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 9%)
• Private Medical Insurance
• 25 paid days of annual leave
• Interest Free Season Ticket Loan available
• Holiday Purchase scheme
• Dental and Travel Insurance options
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Cars
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)