Senior Designer - Canterbury (off field) in London

Senior Designer - Canterbury (off field) in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible
Pentland Brands

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design innovative rugby apparel that combines performance with team identity.
  • Company: Join Canterbury, the original rugby brand with over a century of heritage.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and product discounts.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values rugby and its community.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in sportswear design while collaborating with passionate teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in apparel design, strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and a creative mindset.

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.

Design rugby apparel built for strength, movement and team identity. At Canterbury, product has to do more than look good. It has to stand up to the intensity of the game, move with the player and carry the pride of the team, from training ground to match day and beyond.

The Senior Designer for On Field & Licensed designs performance-led Canterbury product across rugby, licensed and on-field ranges.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Design seasonal off-field, training and functional fitness ranges aligned to the global design direction.
  • Translate consumer insight, trend, product strategy and brand handwriting into clear design concepts.
  • Create CADs, technical details, colour stories and presentation materials for internal reviews.
  • Work closely with Product Management and Development to ensure designs are feasible, commercial and aligned to quality requirements.
  • Review prototypes and samples, refining construction, material choices and finishing details.
  • Maintain accurate design documentation, specifications and PLM information.
  • Support storytelling and range reviews by presenting design rationale and consumer insight clearly.
  • Guide design consistency across off-field product so the range feels joined up and distinctly Canterbury.
  • Maintain design documentation, colour, material and graphic handovers so Development and Sourcing can progress work accurately and on time.
  • Use prototype reviews, fit sessions and sample feedback to refine product detail while protecting the intended design handwriting.
  • Create seasonal design concepts, CADs, colour direction and technical design information for the assigned pod.
  • Translate lifestyle, training and consumer needs into functional, brand-right product solutions.
  • Work closely with Product Management and Development to resolve fit, construction, cost and quality considerations.
  • Present design rationale clearly in seasonal reviews, range meetings and cross-functional forums.

What you’ll bring:

  • Apparel design experience in sport, training, lifestyle, activewear or performance clothing.
  • Strong understanding of fit, construction, fabrics, trims and garment detailing.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; CLO3D or similar and PLM experience are desirable.
  • Ability to balance creative direction with commercial, cost and quality requirements.
  • Strong visual communication and presentation skills.
  • Collaborative approach with experience working across Product, Development, Sourcing and Brand teams.
  • Organised, proactive and comfortable managing several seasonal projects at once.
  • Strong craft, taste level and technical curiosity, with the ability to turn brand DNA and trend insight into practical product solutions.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating lifestyle, training, sportswear or related product design capability.

Why Canterbury?

Canterbury is the world’s original rugby brand, built on more than a century of sporting heritage, technical product knowledge and deep connection to the game. Founded in New Zealand in 1904, Canterbury creates performance kit, training apparel, casualwear and fan product for players, teams and supporters who live and breathe rugby. It is a brand shaped by strength, durability and belonging, supporting people on and off the pitch, from grassroots clubs to the highest levels of the sport.

Joining Canterbury means becoming part of a team that cares deeply about rugby product and the people who wear it: how it fits, how it moves, how it performs under pressure, how it represents team identity, and how it brings players, coaches and fans together.

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.

This vacancy is a newly created role as part of organisational changes. Final appointment will depend upon the outcome of consultation processes and affected employees will have priority for consideration.

Senior Designer - Canterbury (off field) 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.

Pentland Brands

Contact Details:

Pentland Brands Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Designer - Canterbury (off field) 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 Senior Designer - Canterbury (off field) in London

Apparel Design Experience
Understanding of Fit and Construction
Knowledge of Fabrics and Trims
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
Experience with CLO3D or Similar Software
PLM Experience
Visual Communication Skills

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!