Leather Goods Design Assistant (6-month Fixed-Term Contract)

Born in 1971, the roots of Mulberry are in Somerset, England. For more than fifty years, Mulberry has been a British lifestyle brand, internationally acclaimed for quality and design capturing the Mulberry Spirit. Sustainability has been part of the Mulberry ethos since the brand's inception, in recognition of our purpose-driven approach, in 2024 we proudly achieved B Corp Certification. Today, we are a global brand, but our values remain the same; we are committed to improving our impact on people and the planet. To do this our people are honest, dynamic, and community spirited. If these are values you share, we would love you to join our team. Scope of the Role: We are looking for a passionate and creatively driven Design Assistant to join our Leather Goods & Lifestyle Accessories Design team. This is an exciting opportunity that would suit a recent graduate seeking hands-on experience within a design environment, supporting the development of handbags, small leather goods, jewellery, and lifestyle accessories. The role will provide exposure to the full creative process, from concept research and sketch development through to prototyping and product development. Working closely with the wider design team, you will gain valuable industry experience while contributing to seasonal projects and day-to-day studio activities. Duties & Responsibilities: Support the design team across handbags, small leather goods, jewellery, and lifestyle accessory categories Assist with seasonal research including inspiration, materials, colour palettes, trends, and competitor analysis Create sketches, renderings, mood boards, and presentation materials Support the preparation of technical specification sheets and product documentation Assist with Photoshop renderings and visual presentations Help create physical mock-ups and prototype samples Support material organisation, archive management, and studio administration Assist the team during product development and sample review processes Contribute creatively to design discussions and seasonal concepts Culture: Embrace and demonstrate the Mulberry values and behaviours: honesty, dynamism, and a community-oriented spirit. Support Mulberry to deliver an inclusive culture, through behaving in a way that is open-minded and respectful towards others, and understanding that your views, opinions, and experiences may not always be shared by your colleagues. Act as an ambassador for Mulberry and communicate positively about the brand. Sustainability: As a certified B Corp, we are committed to using business as a force for good. You’ll be encouraged to incorporate environmentally and socially responsible practices into your work, supporting our Made to Last strategy across Climate, Circularity, and Community. Help foster a culture where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Champion equity, empathy, and understanding in all interactions - internally and externally. Skills & Knowledge: Degree in Fashion Accessories, Product Design, Leather Goods Design, or a related discipline Previous internship or university project experience within accessories, leather goods, or lifestyle products Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator Strong hand drawing and visual communication skills Understanding of technical specification sheets and product documentation Ability to create physical mock-ups and models Familiarity with 3D design software is advantageous Basic knowledge of Salpa 3D pattern cutting techniques is desirable Interest in materials research, trims, and craftsmanship Strong interest in fashion, arts, design, and culture Curious, proactive, and enthusiastic with a collaborative mindset Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Eagerness to learn and develop within a fast-paced creative environment This placement would suit a highly motivated and creatively curious individual looking to gain meaningful experience within a dynamic luxury accessories design team and develop an understanding of the end-to-end design and development process. Mulberry is an equal opportunities employer and we are passionate about hiring and developing the best talent. All hiring decisions are made only on the basis of qualifications, skills or experience and as they relate to the particular role. If you need us to make any adjustments to our application or interview processes to enable you to be at your best, please email us at [email protected].