Knox is a well-established performance-led, premium motorcycle brand that design & produce innovative apparel, protection, gloves and other accessories. Knox is based between their Lake District Head Office and their East-London design office. Knox are seeking an experienced and versatile Designer to join our East London team.
About the role
This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role suited to a strong product designer with varied experience across performance apparel and accessories. The ideal candidate will combine creative vision and passion with strong technical understanding.
Working within a small and collaborative team, the role requires someone who is proactive, resourceful, organised and able to take ownership of products from concept to production. This is not a concept-only design role.
We are particularly interested in applicants from performance-driven sectors, including:
- Activewear
- Motorcycle apparel
- Cycling
- Workwear / PPE
This role will involve working across garments, gloves and accessories.
Key responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with the Design Director, pattern makers, and production team to design and develop new products from initial concept through to production and market launch.
- Manage multiple technical development projects simultaneously across apparel and accessories categories.
- Research and develop new concepts, performance materials, trims, technologies and finishes appropriate to each product category bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the table.
- Create detailed technical drawings, specifications, and technical files for product development and factory communication, ensuring these are kept up to date throughout development.
- Design with consideration for target price, manufacturing feasibility and commercial requirements, while maintaining the intended design and performance objectives.
- Strong knowledge of performance fabrics, materials, trims and their applications, with the ability to select appropriate solutions according to function, performance and intended use.
- Work directly with suppliers and factories through development.
- Maintain clear communication with overseas factories via meetings, email, Teams, and telephone.
- Review samples critically throughout development and actively participate in fittings, assessing design, construction, fit, functionality and finish, and communicate clear and technically informed amendments to factories.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of relevant CE and safety standards, ensuring products are designed and developed with compliance, protection and intended use in mind.
- Work alongside development partners to support technically compliant product development.
- Present concepts and developments clearly to the wider team while responding constructively to feedback.
- Attend regular design, development, and production meetings.
- Maintain organised archives of samples, trims, fabrics, accessories, and development materials.
Skills and experience required
- Ideally 7+ years’ relevant industry experience within performance, technical or protective apparel/product development. However, we will consider candidates with 5+ years’ experience who can demonstrate exceptional technical ability, strong product instincts and substantial hands-on experience taking products from concept through to production.
- Strong technical understanding of apparel construction, manufacturing processes, and product development workflows. Experience of working with overseas factories is essential.
- Excellent Adobe Illustrator and InDesign skills.
- Competency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Experience with 3D design software is highly desirable.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and manage workload independently.
- Comfortable working within a small, collaborative team environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- An understanding of functional product design, technical construction, and performance-led development is essential.
- Experience within motorcycle, outdoor, cycling, or protective apparel sectors would be highly advantageous.
Package and benefits
- Freelance role with opportunity to transition into a permanent position for the right candidate.
- Healthcare package available for PAYE employees.
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