Sportswear & Performance Apparel & Accessories Designer

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 with in motorcycle, outdoor, cycling, or protective apparel sectors would be highly advantageous.

• Freelance role with opportunity to transition into a permanent position for the right candidate.
• Healthcare package available for PAYE employees.