At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the global visual and material expression for Speedo's swimwear products.
- Company: Join Pentland Brands, a family business behind iconic active brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holidays, and product discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of swimwear with innovative designs that enhance performance and confidence.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in graphics and materials leadership, with strong strategic and creative skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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.
At Speedo, product has to do more than look good. It has to move with the swimmer, feel comfortable in the water and support performance, confidence and freedom of movement, whether someone is training, competing, learning or simply enjoying the swim.
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 palettes
- 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.
What you’ll be doing:
- Colour Strategy & Direction
- Lead the development of seasonal colour architecture aligned to Speedo’s brand DNA and consumer insight
- Translate macro trends into commercially viable, performance-ready colour stories
- Oversee colour approvals, lab dips and execution standards globally
- Establish colour governance to ensure global consistency with regional nuance
- 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 bring:
- 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
Why Speedo?
Speedo is one of the world’s most iconic swimwear brands, built on a heritage of innovation, performance and a lifelong love of swimming. From elite competition to everyday fitness, leisure and learning, Speedo creates product for every type of swimmer. It is a brand trusted in the water because it understands what matters: fit, movement, comfort, durability, confidence and performance.
Joining Speedo means becoming part of a team that cares deeply about helping people feel at home in the water, whether they are chasing a personal best, building confidence, training regularly or discovering the joy of swimming for the first time.
Perks & Benefits
We offer a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, hybrid working, flexible start and finish times, generous holiday allowance, product discounts, sample sales, enhanced family-friendly policies, healthcare support, gym and fitness discounts, cycle to work scheme and electric car scheme.
You can find full details of our benefits and perks on our UK Benefits page.
The Interview Process
We want our interview process to feel clear, straightforward, and supportive. If your experience and expectations look like a strong match for the role, here’s what you can expect next:
- Talent Team Intro Call - A 30-minute video call with our Talent Team to get to know each other, talk through the role and your experience, and answer any questions you have.
- Experience Interview - A more in-depth interview (usually online) with the hiring manager to explore your skills, experience and approach, and how these align with the role, our principles, and our ways of working.
- Final Interview - A final in-person interview at our office, focused on deeper discussion and practical application, giving you the chance to meet more of the team and see Pentland Brands in action.
Head of Graphics, Materials and Colour (Speedo) in London 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 Head of Graphics, Materials and Colour (Speedo) in London
✨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 Head of Graphics, Materials and Colour (Speedo) in London
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!
