At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge performance sportswear for elite athletes.
- Company: Join SBD Apparel, a leading British sportswear brand with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, 33 days holiday, and a casual dress code.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating world-class products that empower athletes globally.
- Qualifications: Experience in sportswear design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite required.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 39000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and creative Designer with a passion for performance sportswear? We are looking for a Designer to join SBD Apparel and play a key role in the creation and development of market‑leading performance products for strength sports.
At SBD Apparel, we are proud to champion British manufacturing – with our design studio and factory working side by side in our state‑of‑the‑art facility in Sheffield. This unique setup means ideas move seamlessly from concept through prototyping to production, allowing our team to innovate, refine and deliver high quality performance products worn by world‑class strength athletes on global stages.
The Opportunity
The role will involve responsibility for advancing both the technical and creative development of products, ensuring the highest standards of innovation, fit, and quality from initial brief and market research, through to sampling, fittings, and full‑scale production.
As a Designer at SBD, you will work across a range of projects including:
- Garment design and technical development
- Refinement of garment fit, pattern drafting, and construction
- Seasonal colour ranges and aesthetic design of performance products (Please note: while our priority is to appoint an experienced Designer, we are open to considering strong Junior‑level candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential)
Designer Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead garment fit sessions and refine product patterns to deliver world‑class performance, comfort, and durability
- Drive innovation in design and construction, pushing boundaries with new materials, techniques, and performance solutions
- Collaborate daily with our on‑site factory team, ensuring seamless translation of design intent into production through hands‑on problem solving
- Own and maintain detailed tech packs and development logs, providing clear, accurate documentation that enables efficient communication with suppliers and partners
- Produce advanced CADs and flat sketches in Illustrator to visualize and evolve design concepts with precision
- Research and analyse trends, competitor products, and athlete needs to shape seasonal concepts and inform long‑term product direction
- Support the design archive, sample library, and internal reporting processes to ensure clear records and efficient workflow across the team
- Manage supplier communications on design development, sample approvals, and technical clarifications, representing SBD’s high standards for quality and innovation.
The Skills
We encourage you to apply if you are someone who can demonstrate the following:
Essential
- Proven experience in sportswear or performance apparel design
- Strong knowledge of garment fit, pattern drafting and construction
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
- Ability to manage tech packs and supplier communication
- Self‑motivation and comfort working independently
- Excellent communication skills across teams and levels
- Attention to detail in both physical and digital tasks
- Ability to balance creative and technical demands in a fast‑paced environment
- Initiative to identify and suggest areas for improvement
- Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
Desirable
- Experience working with elite athletes or performance‑driven products
- Experience in performance testing and garment fit trials
- Strong commercial awareness of current sportswear trends and competitor products
- Experience with pattern software such as Optitex
- Qualifications such as a degree or HND in Fashion Design, Sportswear Design or a related discipline.
The Company
SBD is a global sportswear brand, designing and manufacturing market‑leading performance products for strength sports. Our team is proud to craft all our products in the United Kingdom, with the majority fully manufactured at our headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Rotherham. Our commitment to quality has seen our products become the standard among strength athletes in gyms across the world, including those competing in the World’s Strongest Man and the IPF World Powerlifting Championships.
2022 Business of the Year for the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
2022 Business of the Year for the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce
2023 Winner Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health & Wellbeing for the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
2024 Manufacturer of the Year (under £25m) Made in Sheffield Awards 2024 Kings Award for Enterprise 2024 ‘Be Well at Work’ Gold
The Benefits
- New SBD Headquarters – Join us in our state‑of‑the‑art building. A dynamic space designed for innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth
- Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch – Enjoy a delicious selection of food served fresh daily so you can save time & money and focus on your best work
- Casual Dress Code – Allowing you to work comfortably and be yourself!
- Free Onsite Parking – Priority spaces go to those who car share too
- Performance Related Bonus – Directly linking the success of SBD to your earnings
- 33 Days’ Holiday including Bank Holidays – Providing flexibility for your personal life and well – deserved breaks
- Employee Assistance Programme – Your wellbeing matters to us, so our EAP provides a wealth of resources and professional support for any of life\'s challenges
- 40% Staff Discount – Letting you experience our quality firsthand for less
- Strength Sports Event Tickets – Help us to celebrate the power and dedication we admire across the disciplines, live!
- Employee Referral Scheme – Get rewarded handsomely through our generous employee referral scheme when you help us find more great talent
Salary
Up to £33,100 dependent on experience
Hours
37.5 hours per week
Location
Unit 2b Lanchester Way, Advanced Manufacturing Park, Waverley, S60 5FX
Application Closing
12pm Monday 3rd November 2025
We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates.
If you want to know more or wish to discuss anything in more detail, please contact hr@sbdapparel.com to arrange a phone call with one of our team.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. We are also dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or any other protected characteristic.
Designer in Rotherham employer: SBD Apparel Limited
At SBD Apparel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in our state-of-the-art Sheffield facility. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including complimentary meals, a performance-related bonus, and 33 days of holiday, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic world of performance sportswear design. Join us to be part of a team that champions British manufacturing and supports your career development while crafting products for elite athletes worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer in Rotherham
✨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 SBD Apparel Limited!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
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✨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 SBD Apparel Limited.
✨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 SBD Apparel Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Designer in Rotherham
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 SBD Apparel Limited.
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 SBD Apparel Limited!
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 SBD Apparel Limited. 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 SBD Apparel Limited
✨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!
