Head of Design in Alfreton

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd based in Alfreton, Derbyshire specialise in the design and marketing of technical outdoor clothing and equipment. Our experienced and enthusiastic team develop innovative designs, manufactured to the highest standard and brought to market throughout the world. Equip Outdoor Technologies own and operate two leading aspirational outdoor brands, Rab and Lowe Alpine. Our team is based at our Head Office just outside The Peak District National Park off jct28 of the M1 corridor.

We are the mountain people — and we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Design to help shape the future of one of the world’s most respected outdoor brands. This is a rare opportunity to lead the creative direction of Rab and Lowe Alpine, guiding globally recognised product collections that are trusted by mountain people everywhere — from alpinists and climbers to explorers, guides and adventurers pushing boundaries in the wildest environments on earth. You will be responsible for guiding the Design Team in the development of innovative, functional and commercially successful product collections. This role oversees the long‑term creative vision, design strategy, organisational capability and cross‑functional collaboration. Additionally, the position leads the design strategy across multiple seasons, ensuring brand consistency, technical excellence and sustained global commercial success.

Key Responsibilities of Head of Design (including but not limited to):

• Shape and lead the long‑term design and product vision, ensuring alignment with global brand strategy
• Own multi‑season design strategy, including innovation, sustainability and future pipeline planning
• Set design standards, processes, tools and quality expectations across the function
• Define team structure, resource planning and capability development
• Guide seasonal colour strategy at brand level
• Lead cross‑functional alignment with Product, Sales, Marketing, Development and Technical teams
• Provide expert input on materials and innovation strategies
• Represent the Design function at senior leadership level
• Influence company‑wide strategy and brand evolution
• Act as the external and internal ambassador for design
• Set a positive example as a leader for the design team, fostering high performance, outstanding deliverables and a vibrant team culture
• Demonstrate Equip’s values consistently within the design team to help spread these principles throughout the company, ensuring our brand values remain aligned
• Manage the annual department budget

Requirements:

To join us as Head of Design you must have:

Essential:

• Extensive leadership experience within multi‑category outdoor/performance design and product teams
• Proven ability to deliver commercially successful ranges while strengthening brand equity in global markets
• Demonstrates a high level of motivation and values collaboration, striving for collective achievements across the organisation
• A strong drive and enthusiasm for leading teams to deliver exceptional, world‑class products
• Proven history of building and managing an exceptional Design team
• Exhibits outstanding executive communication and influence skills
• Deep expertise in materials, construction, fit, colour and innovation
• Experience shaping long‑term creative direction
• Strong global market awareness
• A connection with mountain communities and an appreciation for the activities they pursue in mountainous settings, as well as a genuine affinity for their culture and way of life
• Relevant design degree or similar higher level qualification
• Demonstrates exceptional commercial insight and consistently exhibits strategic, forward‑thinking decision making

Desirable:

• Advanced material innovation or sustainability expertise
• An active participant in outdoor sports, bringing valuable insights and empathy to enhance product design

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
• Contributory company pension scheme, subject to qualifying conditions
• Discretionary profit share bonus scheme
• Employee Benefits Platform
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Online GP & Physio Service
• Employee Wellbeing Platform
• Hybrid working (discretionary basis, determined by business need) as well as an early finish on Fridays!
• Free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning training resources
• Great staff discounts on our Rab and Lowe Alpine products
• Reciprocal trade discounts on climbing, bikes, camping, sailing and running equipment
• Casual dress code
• Modern office facilities with free on‑site parking and we are proud to be a climate neutral company

Closing date for applications is 19 April 2026. For general enquiries please contact: Strictly No Agencies please. Our people are part of one team that is geared to achieving success for the company, and we are strongly committed to inclusivity, promoting equality and celebrating diversity among our staff. We are looking for people who are passionate about and can help live our values of Synergy, Ingenuity, Ambition, Determination and Integrity.