At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead material and colour strategy for innovative product ranges in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Pentland Brands, a leader in sustainable apparel and fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, health perks, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and design in the outdoor and cycling space.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in material development with a passion for sustainability and design.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
As the Materials & Colour Lead, you will play a pivotal role in defining and delivering the material strategy and colour direction for our product ranges. You will work cross‑functionally with design, product development, merchandising, and sustainability teams to bring product innovation to life in a way that is both consumer‑led and purpose‑driven.
You’ll lead material selection, sourcing, and trend development – balancing technical performance with aesthetic appeal, sustainability requirements, and cost considerations. You will champion colour and material storytelling, ensuring our products are not only high‑performing but visually distinguishing.
Responsibilities- Lead on defining and implementing material strategies across our product categories (e.g., MTB, road, protective).
- Research, evaluate, and recommend new performance fabrics, trims, and sustainable materials.
- Partner with R&D and sourcing teams to trial, test, and validate materials.
- Drive continuous material cost optimization while protecting quality and performance.
- Develop colour palettes, seasonal colour stories, and trend boards that align with brand DNA and consumer insights.
- Work closely with design leads to translate trend direction into product colourways.
- Oversee the colour approval process, ensuring consistency in production and specification.
- Collaborate with Design, Technical Development, Merchandising, and Marketing to embed material and colour strategy into the product lifecycle.
- Liaise with suppliers to ensure technical and sustainability requirements are met (e.g., recycled content, Bluesign, OekoTex).
- Support production teams with material and colour risk mitigation (e.g., colour fastness, performance).
- Ensure materials and colour choices support our sustainability goals (e.g., use of recycled yarns, reducing waste).
- Drive initiatives to reduce environmental impact through innovation in materials and processes.
- Monitor quality performance (durability, washing performance, wear) and work with quality control to resolve issues.
- Mentor junior members of the materials and colour team, fostering a culture of curiosity, craft, and continuous improvement.
- Represent the materials and colour function in cross‑brand and group‑level forums, contributing to Pentland’s long‑term innovation roadmap.
- 7+ years’ experience in material development, fabric sourcing, or colour design – ideally in the outdoor, performance, or cycling space.
- Strong technical knowledge of textiles (weaves, finishes, performance metrics) and colour theory.
- Proven track record of working with material suppliers and navigating complex supply chains.
- Passion for sustainability and experience implementing environmentally responsible material strategies.
- Excellent storytelling skills with a keen eye for colour, trends, and design.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across design, sourcing, and production teams.
- Commercial mindset, balancing innovation with cost and lead‑times.
- Proactive, self‑driven, and act as an owner – spotting opportunities and driving change.
- Alignment with Pentland principles: consumer‑first mindset, strong ownership, bold action, speaking your mind, and doing the right thing.
- Competitive salary + discretionary bonus
- 25 days holiday (increases with length of service and option to purchase additional days)
- Discounts: brand discounts (friends & family, JD Sports), sample sales, and other retail perks
- Family‑friendly benefits: generous enhanced parental leave policies
- Health perks: medical cash plan, critical illness cover, life assurance, gym and fitness discounts, dental insurance, eye care, health screening
- Travel perks: season ticket loan, cycle‑to‑work schemes, electric‑car schemes, discounts on home charging units
- Flexible working: hybrid and flexible hours
- Chance to join employee networks focused on charity, D&I, and sustainability
As an equal opportunity employer, we’re committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive culture across our business, stores, and office environment. We warmly welcome your application.
This vacancy is a newly created role as part of organisational changes. Final appointment will depend on the outcome of consultation processes and affected employees will have priority for consideration.
Materials & Colour Lead (Endura) in Cardiff employer: Pentland Brands
At Pentland Brands, we pride ourselves on being a global family business that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Designer for Women's Outdoor Apparel at Berghaus, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our brand while enjoying a range of benefits including flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and development. Join us in creating exceptional products that resonate with today's outdoor consumers, all while being part of a supportive team that values integrity and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials & Colour Lead (Endura) in Cardiff
✨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 Pentland Brands!
✨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 Pentland Brands.
✨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 Pentland Brands.
✨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 Pentland Brands!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials & Colour Lead (Endura) in Cardiff
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 Pentland Brands.
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 Pentland Brands!
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 Pentland Brands. 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 Pentland Brands
✨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!
