Senior Sportswear/Lifestyle Fashion Designer

Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.

The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement.

The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass-market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.

What’s the Job?

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Sportswear / Lifestyle Fashion Designer to join our Teamwear / Retail Design division. Reporting to your Design Manager, this role will be working on designing and developing innovative ranges with an attention to detail and a focus on delivering commercial products to our partners and retail offerings. We are looking for a self-motivated proactive individual with extensive knowledge in multi-product and graphic design with a history in teamwear and sportswear. This is a great opportunity for an experienced designer to join a leading British sports brand to grow and further their career.

What will I do?

• Assisting the design team and Design manager with trend research, creative direction, colour palettes and team research.
• Designing innovative, functional, attractive, and commercial products
• Fully engaged in the complete design process, from designing concepts, including working on briefs, working towards range plans and pricing structures, through to GTM catalogues and supporting the junior members of the team.
• Inputting a wide knowledge of targeted trend research into the market via media, retail visits, and athlete liaison.
• Assisting and steer the junior members of the team with a knowledge of fabric, construction and practical applications.
• Managing your own collections within the retail offerings and manage other members of the team from time to time and make sure collections meet partner brand guidelines inline with internal critical paths.
• Working closely with the development team to make sure product specifications are adhered to and products are delivered within costs.
• Attending regular meetings regarding designs, critical paths, workload, range changes and product trackers.
• Reviewing all product ranges/samples regularly with design manager, highlighting any problems/changes that need to be addressed.
• Presenting collections in internal meetings with the design director before they are ready to be presented to club/partner.
• Presenting ranges to club / partner expressing and extensive knowledge or the product, ranges and club history.

What skills and qualities will I need?

• An inspiring proactive team player
• Possess excellent time management skills with the ability to work across multiple projects at a time.
• Have an approachable attitude to ensure a good working relationship with the team and work side by side with other designers and product developers.
• Attention to detail to ensure all product details are correct and that all aspects from a brand, partner and regulations are followed.
• Competent in MS Office programmes
• Versatility to work on a broad range of product categories
• Commercial understanding of colour merchandising and range building
• Detailed understanding of fit requirements and garment construction
• Time management to ensure all ranges and key dates are hit that are within the critical paths.
• Knowledge and experience of performance fabrics and technologies

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Modern city centre offices in Manchester
• An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
• Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
• A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand
• Generous staff discount