Technical Sportwear Product Developer in London

Knox is a design-led British motorcycle brand creating premium apparel, protection, gloves and accessories with a focus on performance, innovation and purposeful design.

The company operates between its Lake District head office and East London design studio, where product development and technical design sit at the heart of the business.

Knox are seeking an experienced and versatile Designer to join our East London team.

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
• Outdoor apparel
• Motorcycle apparel
• Cycling
• Workwear / PPE
• Technical product development studios

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 & 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 & Benefits

• Freelance or permanent position depending on the candidate.
• Healthcare package available for PAYE employees.
• Progressive holiday allowance.
• Staff discount.
• Salary £45,000 - £55,000 depending on experience

Application Process

To be considered, applicants must submit:

• A CV
• Cover letter
• A concise portfolio showcasing relevant design work

A practical pre-hire task may form part of the interview process.