At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape seasonal colour direction and create sophisticated palettes for cycling apparel.
- Company: Join Rapha, a leader in innovative cycling apparel with a global movement.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous leave, health cash plan, and discounts on cycling gear.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the cycling world with your exceptional colour design skills.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in design, strong colour sensitivity, and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Rapha launched in 2004 to redefine cycling apparel. Today progressive design and storytelling has built a global movement. We love cycling in all its forms, from the city streets to the highest peaks. And we know its power to transform lives. Led by innovation, we embody this love through a dedication to the world's greatest sport, by setting a new standard in design and pushing the cutting edge of performance and human craft.
Colour is fundamental to Rapha's design language. As Colour Designer, you'll shape the seasonal colour direction across our product range, creating sophisticated palettes that define collections, elevate performance products and strengthen our premium design identity. Working closely with the Creative Director, Design Director and cross-functional product teams, you'll translate creative vision into considered colour stories across apparel and accessories. From seasonal collections and special projects to collaborations and print direction, you'll play a key role in bringing Rapha's products to life. You'll champion colour throughout the product creation process, ensuring every palette is thoughtfully developed and beautifully realised. This is an opportunity for a highly visual designer with exceptional colour sensitivity, strong technical expertise and a passion for creating products that stand apart in the performance cycling market.
Responsibilities
- Develop seasonal colour palettes and refined colourways across apparel, accessories and special projects, including seasonal collections, team kits, collaborations and limited editions.
- Collaborate with the Creative Director and Design Director to evolve Rapha's colour language, bringing a strong understanding of materiality and how colour interacts with fabrics, finishes and construction.
- Create colour stories that balance creative ambition with commercial and technical considerations.
- Partner with Colour & Trim Development, Product Engineering, Merchandising and Product Design to realise colour intent throughout development. This includes reviewing lab dips, strike-offs and prototypes, and finding thoughtful solutions that preserve the original design vision.
- Produce and maintain technical CADs, collection overviews and visual design documentation using Adobe Illustrator.
- Utilise trim and specialist finishes as key design elements to elevate products.
- Regularly visit trade shows to identify innovative materials and finishing techniques that bring colour and design concepts to life.
- Lead colour reviews throughout development, ensuring consistency across collections while meeting key seasonal milestones.
- Research emerging influences across fashion, performance sport, industrial design, architecture, art and culture to inform future seasonal direction.
What You'll Bring
- 4+ years' experience in colour, apparel, product or graphic design within performance sport, fashion or a related creative industry.
- A degree in Design or a related discipline. Backgrounds in Apparel, Product, Industrial or Graphic Design are all welcome.
- Exceptional colour sensitivity with a deep understanding of colour theory, materiality and product application.
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator.
- Confident in presenting creative ideas through refined presentations and compelling visual storytelling.
- A naturally curious and ambitious design approach, drawing inspiration from fashion, performance sport, design, art, architecture and contemporary culture.
- A collaborative mindset, enjoying the development of ideas alongside fellow designers and cross-functional partners while embracing feedback as an essential part of the creative process.
- A meticulous eye for detail, from garment colour balance to trim finishes, stitching and branding.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects and seasonal deadlines while consistently delivering to a high standard.
Working at Rapha
We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer:
- Flexible working hours
- Support for ad-hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in office
- 25 days annual leave
- 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
- A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme
- An annual clothing allowance of £1,200 for testing and promotional purpose
- A company bonus scheme
- A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year
- Mental health support with MyndUp
- Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
- Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
- Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
- A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
- Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
- Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Company Pension Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay
Colour Designer (12-Month Maternity Cover) Service Course, London employer: Rapha
Rapha is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant cycling culture, offering flexible working hours and an annual clothing allowance to support your passion for cycling. With a strong focus on employee engagement and growth, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your career while being part of a community that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Colour Designer (12-Month Maternity Cover) Service Course, London
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like Rapha. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Colour Designer (12-Month Maternity Cover) Service Course, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into Rapha's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit Rapha during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at Rapha.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at Rapha.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapha
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand Rapha. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
