Global VP Design – Rugby Performance Apparel

PENTLAND; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Product discounts

Sample sales

Family-friendly policies

Healthcare support

Gym discounts

Cycle to work

Electric car scheme

Job summary

Canterbury, part of Pentland Brands, seeks a Senior Design Leader to define and drive the global design vision for the Canterbury brand. You will guide seasonal direction across on-field, licensed, and lifestyle lines, ensuring a clear product handwriting that resonates across markets and consumer segments.

You will partner with Product Management and Development to balance creativity, performance, cost and manufacturability, while growing the design team and shaping the brand's storytelling.

Qualifications

• Strong track record leading senior design teams in performance apparel.
• Ability to set clear creative direction and maintain brand handwriting.
• Proven experience translating brand DNA into product design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define global design vision for Canterbury aligned to strategy and consumer insight.
• Lead seasonal direction across on-field, licensed, and lifestyle products.
• Develop Canterbury handwriting across markets and product categories.
• Collaborate with Product Management to ensure feasible, commercial designs.
• Mentor design team and foster culture of creativity and accountability.
• Guide external partners for footwear and hardgoods when needed.
• Maintain design documentation and handovers for development timelines.
• Lead design reviews to ensure consistent translation of direction.

Skills

Brand design strategy

Creative leadership

Team management

Product storytelling

Visual/graphic design

Job description

Canterbury, part of Pentland Brands, seeks a Senior Design Leader to define and drive the global design vision for the Canterbury brand. You will guide seasonal direction across on-field, licensed, and lifestyle lines, ensuring a clear product handwriting that resonates across markets and consumer segments.

You will partner with Product Management and Development to balance creativity, performance, cost and manufacturability, while growing the design team and shaping the brand's storytelling.