Location: Manchester (Office Based)
Department: Design
Reports to: Design Manager – Performance
Salary TBA
About the Role
We’re looking for a passionate and commercially minded Junior or Midweight Performance
Apparel Designer to join our clients growing design team.
Working primarily across Performance Menswear, with opportunities to
work on our Women’s performance product, you’ll help create innovative performance
apparel that blends technical function with contemporary design.
You’ll report directly to the Performance Design Manager and work closely with Buying,
Garment Technology, Product Development and our overseas factories throughout the
product creation process.
Key Responsibilities
• Research seasonal trends, performance innovations, consumer behaviour and
competitor activity.
• Design seasonal performance apparel collections from concept through to final product.
• Create clear CADs, technical sketches and presentation boards.
• Develop colour palettes, fabric direction and trim concepts.
• Produce detailed tech packs for supplier development.
• Work with overseas factories throughout the sampling process.
• Attend fit sessions and update products through each sample stage.
• Develop new silhouettes, construction techniques and functional design details.
• Assist with fabric, trim and component research.
• Ensure products meet commercial objectives whilst maintaining a premium aesthetic.
• Support the Design Manager in preparing seasonal range reviews and presentations.
• Help maintain consistent brand identity across all collections.
• Contribute ideas around innovation, sustainability and new product opportunities.
Essential Requirements
• Degree in Fashion Design, Sportswear Design or similar.
• Approximately 3–5 years’ experience in apparel design within
sportswear/performance/activewear.
• Knowledge of technical fabrications.
• Strong interest in performance, sportswear or outdoor apparel.
• Excellent Adobe Illustrator skills. Photoshop beneficial but not essential
• Good understanding of garment construction.
• Ability to produce high-quality CAD drawings and technical packs.
• Strong eye for proportion, fit and product detailing.
• Experience working directly with overseas suppliers
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills.
• A proactive attitude with willingness to learn.
• Experience in print design, including placement graphics and all-over print
development, would be beneficial but is not essential.
Key Skills
• Creative thinking
• Product innovation
• Commercial awareness
• Attention to detail
• Trend forecasting
• Problem solving
• Technical understanding
• Time management
• Presentation skills
• Teamwork
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining at an exciting stage as we our client continue to grow its
performance ranges. This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative performance
apparel across men’s and women’s product, collaborating closely with the Design Manager
and influencing collections from initial concept through to final production.