At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop apparel graphics while liaising with suppliers and factories.
- Company: Join Kecks, a dynamic action sports apparel brand built by riders for riders.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Work in a modern, casual office with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your designs and make a real impact in the action sports industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in apparel design and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 33000 £ per year.
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A PORTFOLIO OR LINK TO YOUR WORK TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE.
Location: 4L Gelders Hall Road, Loughborough Motorway Trading Estate, Loughborough LE12 9NH
Salary: £28,000–£33,000, depending on experience
We're looking for a senior, independent Apparel Graphic Designer to own the full loop between creative concept and factory-ready product. This is a hands-on, dual role: roughly half your time will be spent on product design and development — working directly with our suppliers and factories on fit, construction and specs — and half on graphic design for our marketing, social and web channels.
The most important part of this role is being able to speak the language of manufacturing. You'll need to be completely comfortable measuring product, spotting fit issues, communicating tweaks clearly to factories, and getting tech packs and files supplier-ready without anyone holding your hand.
You'll be reporting directly to management and will have real ownership over how our product looks, fits, and comes together.
What You'll Be Doing
- Product & Supplier Liaison (core focus)
- Building and maintaining tech packs and spec sheets for new and existing styles
- Preparing and sending print-ready and production-ready files to suppliers and factories
- Communicating directly with factories on fit, construction, and quality issues
- Measuring samples and products against spec, identifying discrepancies, and instructing corrections
- Managing fit sessions and sign-off on samples before bulk production
- Troubleshooting production issues as they come up, day to day
- Graphic Design
- Designing graphics for apparel (prints, logos, placement art) ready for production
- Creating marketing assets for social media, web, email and campaigns
- Maintaining brand consistency across product and marketing output
- Working closely with management on seasonal ranges and campaign concepts
- Athlete & Collab Merch
- Designing and producing merch ranges for our sponsored athletes
- Working on Kecks collaborations with partner brands (e.g. Mashtag)
- Managing production of collab and athlete product through to factory-ready files
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in apparel/clothing design with direct factory or supplier liaison experience — this is essential, not a nice-to-have
- Strong working knowledge of garment construction, measuring, and fit
- Confident and clear communicator — able to give factories precise, actionable feedback
- Skilled in Figma, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
- Experience building tech packs and preparing production-ready files
- Self-sufficient — able to run supplier relationships and day-to-day product queries without close supervision
- A genuine interest in action sports, apparel or streetwear is a big plus
Benefits
- 25 days' paid holiday per year, plus the usual 8 bank holidays
- Workplace pension (NEST) — 5% employee / 3% company contribution
- Working hours: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
About Us
Kecks is a UK action sports underwear and apparel brand built by riders, for riders. We design and produce product that stands up to real use — from the motocross track to the trail — and we work directly with our own factories and suppliers to get it right. We're a small, fast-moving team where everyone's work has a direct line to the product on the shelf.
Our work environment includes:
- Modern office setting
- Casual work attire
- Relaxed atmosphere
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Apparel Graphic Designer in Leicester employer: Kecks
At Kecks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and creative work environment in Loughborough. Our team enjoys a relaxed atmosphere with modern office settings, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including 25 days of paid holiday and a company pension scheme. We foster employee growth through hands-on experience and direct involvement in product development, making every role impactful and rewarding for those passionate about action sports and apparel design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apparel Graphic Designer in Leicester
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Kecks!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Kecks.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Kecks.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Kecks!
We think you need these skills to ace Apparel Graphic Designer in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Kecks.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Kecks!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Kecks. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kecks
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
