Sportswear & Performance Apparel & Accessories Designer

Planet Knox Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare package

Freelance role with potential to go F2

Job summary

Knox is seeking an experienced Designer to join our East London team. This hands-on role covers performance apparel and accessories from concept through to production, within a small, collaborative design team.

The candidate will combine creative vision with technical understanding, with strong Illustrator/InDesign skills and experience working with overseas factories and performance fabrics.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in performance, technical or protective apparel/product development.
• Strong knowledge of apparel construction and overseas factory workflows.
• Excellent Illustrator and InDesign skills; Excel/Word proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design directors, pattern makers and production to take products from concept to market.
• Manage multiple development projects across garments, gloves and accessories.
• Create detailed technical drawings, specs and files for factories.
• Review samples, participate in fittings and communicate technical amendments.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Organisational skills

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

Experience in performance/technical apparel

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

MS Excel

MS Word

3D design software

Job description

Knox is a well-established performance-led, premium motorcycle brand that design & produce innovative apparel, protection, gloves and other accessories. Knox is based between their Lake District Head Office and their East-London design office. Knox are seeking an experienced and versatile Designer to join our East London team.

About the role

This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role suited to a strong product designer with varied experience across performance apparel and accessories. The ideal candidate will combine creative vision and passion with strong technical understanding.

Working within a small and collaborative team, the role requires someone who is proactive, resourceful, organised and able to take ownership of products from concept to production. This is not a concept-only design role.

We are particularly interested in applicants from performance-driven sectors, including:

• Activewear
• Motorcycle apparel
• Cycling
• Workwear / PPE

This role will involve working across garments, gloves and accessories.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Design Director, pattern makers, and production team to design and develop new products from initial concept through to production and market launch.
• Manage multiple technical development projects simultaneously across apparel and accessories categories.
• Research and develop new concepts, performance materials, trims, technologies and finishes appropriate to each product category bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the table.
• Create detailed technical drawings, specifications, and technical files for product development and factory communication, ensuring these are kept up to date throughout development.
• Design with consideration for target price, manufacturing feasibility and commercial requirements, while maintaining the intended design and performance objectives.
• Strong knowledge of performance fabrics, materials, trims and their applications, with the ability to select appropriate solutions according to function, performance and intended use.
• Work directly with suppliers and factories through development.
• Maintain clear communication with overseas factories via meetings, email, Teams, and telephone.
• Review samples critically throughout development and actively participate in fittings, assessing design, construction, fit, functionality and finish, and communicate clear and technically informed amendments to factories.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of relevant CE and safety standards, ensuring products are designed and developed with compliance, protection and intended use in mind.
• Work alongside development partners to support technically compliant product development.
• Present concepts and developments clearly to the wider team while responding constructively to feedback.
• Attend regular design, development, and production meetings.
• Maintain organised archives of samples, trims, fabrics, accessories, and development materials.

Skills and experience required

• Ideally 7+ years’ relevant industry experience within performance, technical or protective apparel/product development. However, we will consider candidates with 5+ years’ experience who can demonstrate exceptional technical ability, strong product instincts and substantial hands-on experience taking products from concept through to production.
• Strong technical understanding of apparel construction, manufacturing processes, and product development workflows. Experience of working with overseas factories is essential.
• Excellent Adobe Illustrator and InDesign skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with 3D design software is highly desirable.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and manage workload independently.
• Comfortable working within a small, collaborative team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An understanding of functional product design, technical construction, and performance-led development is essential.
• Experience within motorcycle, outdoor, cycling, or protective apparel sectors would be highly advantageous.

Package and benefits

• Freelance role with opportunity to transition into a permanent position for the right candidate.
• Healthcare package available for PAYE employees.