Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo)
Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo)

Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo)

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Pentland Brands

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the global visual and material expression for Speedo's performance swim and lifestyle products.
  • Company: Join Pentland Brands, a family business behind iconic active and lifestyle brands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on a globally recognised brand while fostering creativity and innovation.
  • Qualifications: 8-12+ years in graphics, colour, and materials leadership with a strong strategic mindset.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We’re Pentland Brands: a global family business behind some of the world’s most iconic active and lifestyle brands. We bring integrity, energy and ambition to our work, setting high standards and striving to deliver great outcomes without ego. With over 1,500 team members worldwide, we’re proud of our diverse, inclusive culture where everyone is encouraged to speak up, challenge thinking, create breakthroughs and collaborate openly. Our people are what set us apart, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Reports to: SVP / Brand Director Speed

Location: Farringdon, London

Hours: 36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (4.30pm finish on a Friday)

The Head of Graphics, Materials and Colour Mission:

As Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour at Speedo, you will define and lead the global visual and material expression of the brand across performance swim and lifestyle product. You will own:

  • Global colour strategy and seasonal pallet
  • Graphic language, print direction and placement execution
  • Material aesthetic expression in partnership with innovation and technical teams

This role ensures that Speedo’s products are visually distinctive, technically credible and commercially relevant, balancing creative ambition with performance functionality.

How you’ll drive success:

  • Lead the development of seasonal colour architecture aligned to Speedo’s brand DNA and consumer insights
  • Translate macro trends into commercially viable, performance-ready colour solutions
  • Oversee colour approvals, lab dips and execution standards globally
  • Establish colour governance to ensure global consistency with regional adaptations

Graphics & Print Leadership:

  • Define and evolve Speedo’s global graphic language across all categories
  • Lead seasonal print concepts, placement graphics, repeat patterns and brand graphics
  • Ensure graphics enhance product performance while strengthening brand storytelling
  • Drive innovation in print techniques, finishes and applications

Materials Aesthetic & Innovation Partnership:

  • Partner with Materials, Innovation and Technical teams to influence fabric direction and visual/material expression
  • Understand and leverage performance material constraints (chlorine resistance, stretch recovery, sublimation behaviour, durability, etc.)
  • Align material aesthetics with sustainability commitments and performance standards
  • Support testing and validation of colour and print performance (e.g. colour fastness, durability, print clarity)

Cross-Functional Leadership:

  • Work closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising and Brand teams to embed cohesive colour and graphic narratives
  • Collaborate with sourcing and supplier partners to ensure excellence in execution
  • Present seasonal direction and strategy to senior stakeholders

Team Leadership & Capability Building:

  • Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Graphics, Materials & Colour team
  • Foster experimentation, innovation and commercial awareness
  • Build long-term creative capability within Speedo’s global design function

What you’ll need to Thrive:

  • Significant experience (8–12+ years) in graphics, colour and materials leadership within performance sport, swimwear or technical apparel
  • Deep understanding of textile behaviour, printing methods, dye processes and material innovation
  • Strong strategic capability in building seasonal colour and graphic direction at global scale
  • Proven ability to balance creative vision with technical and commercial realities
  • Experience operating in a matrix, cross-functional global organisation
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder influence skills
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; experience with 3D design tools (e.g. CLO) and PLM systems advantageous
  • A strong eye for detail combined with strategic thinking

As an equal opportunity employer, we’re committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive culture across our business, stores, and office environment.

Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo) employer: Pentland Brands

At Pentland Brands, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of Farringdon, London, our team enjoys a supportive environment where innovation thrives, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on employee well-being, we empower our staff to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a healthy work-life balance, including early finishes on Fridays.
Pentland Brands

Contact Detail:

Pentland Brands Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Pentland Brands. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, bring along your best work. Let them see how your graphics and colour strategies can elevate their brand.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss trends! Stay updated on the latest in performance swimwear and materials. Being able to talk about how you can translate macro trends into Speedo's vision will impress.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Pentland family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo)

Graphics Leadership
Colour Strategy Development
Material Innovation
Textile Behaviour Understanding
Printing Methods Knowledge
Dye Processes Expertise
Strategic Thinking
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Stakeholder Influence
Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency
3D Design Tools Experience
PLM Systems Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Creative Vision Balancing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for graphics, materials, and colour shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with Speedo's mission and values. Make it personal and relatable!

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your experience in performance sport and technical apparel. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your skills in graphics and material innovation.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Graphics role. Share your vision for Speedo’s graphic language and how you can drive innovation. Keep it engaging and concise!

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pentland Brands

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends in graphics, materials, and colour, especially within the performance swimwear sector. Brush up on your knowledge of textile behaviour and printing methods, as these will likely come up during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in graphics and material innovation. Be ready to discuss how your creative vision aligns with Speedo’s brand DNA and how you’ve successfully translated macro trends into commercially viable designs.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Think about examples from your past where you’ve led a team or project. Be prepared to share how you fostered innovation and collaboration, and how you’ve built long-term capabilities within a design function.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since this role involves cross-functional leadership, be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in presenting seasonal strategies and collaborating with various teams.

Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour (Speedo)
Pentland Brands

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