Function: Design
Reports to: Head of Design & Garment Tech
Level: Exec (green)
Location: Leeds (Colton) 2mins from Junction 46 – M1, 20mins from Leeds Station (up to 3 days per week remote working will be considered)
Compensation: Dependant on experience
Background
Gym King was founded in 2015 and has grown from ‘bedroom brand’ to a leading athleisure company with £26m sales in the most recent financial period, available in 1,000 retail stores and online at thegymking.com. A highly entrepreneurial business driven as a tight, fast-moving SME.
Gym King believes that we are all fighting for something and that something can be achieved with the right mindset and self-belief. We believe that it is not just our products which set us apart, but also our people and we have an ambition to build a team of the most talented individuals in our industry.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Menswear Designer to join our team on a fixed term maternity cover contract. In this role you will collaborate with the Gym King Design team across all men’s product categories, supporting range building and managing the development of samples from concept to final product, reporting into the Head of Design. Create forward-thinking, commercially impactful collections that resonate with the Gym King customer and embody the brand’s identity.
Responsibilities
· Design across multi-product menswear categories with a strong creative vision, delivering trend-driven, commercially relevant products.
· Research and interpret global market trends, translating insights into cohesive and customer-focused seasonal ranges.
· Develop collections from initial concept through to final product, including CAD overviews, detailed technical packs and sales samples.
· Demonstrate strong knowledge of fabrics, trims, and branding techniques to ensure high-quality, innovative product execution.
· Work collaboratively with Garment Technology and Buying teams to deliver commercially successful and well-executed collections.
· Track and manage the product development process end-to-end, ensuring all timelines and key milestones are achieved.
· Attend fit sessions, providing clear feedback and maintaining accurate records to ensure product consistency and fit integrity.
· Build and maintain strong working relationships with offshore suppliers to support smooth development and production processes.
· Utilise Adobe Illustrator to a high standard for design development, technical drawings and presentation work.
· Conduct competitor analysis, including comp shopping and attending trade shows, to maintain a strong awareness of the market landscape.
· Manage multiple projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment, using strong time management and initiative to meet deadlines.
· Maintain exceptional attention to detail across all stages of the design and development process.
· Contribute positively as a collaborative team player, bringing enthusiasm and energy to the wider design team.
About You
· Proven experience (minimum of 4 years) designing across multiple menswear product categories, ideally within an athleisure or sportswear brand
· Available to start in the next 6-8 weeks
· Strong creative eye with the ability to translate trends into commercially successful product ranges
· Solid understanding of global market trends, consumer behaviour and the competitive landscape
· Demonstrated expertise in fabrics, garment construction, trims and branding techniques
· Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, with the ability to produce high-quality CADs and technical drawings
· Experience in creating detailed technical packs and managing product development from concept to sales samples
· Strong collaboration skills, with experience working closely with Buying, Garment Tech and suppliers
· Experience attending fit sessions, with a good understanding of fit and product refinement
· Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
· Strong time management, organisational skills and ability to use initiative
· Excellent attention to detail across all stages of the design process
· Experience working with offshore suppliers and understanding of product lifecycle management
· Positive, proactive attitude with the ability to thrive as part of a collaborative team
· Previous experience working within a men’s fashion or lifestyle brand environment
Gym King Values
- Fearless
- Focussed
- Driven
- Resilient
- Team Player
The successful candidate will demonstrate behaviours that are aligned to these values.
Benefits
- Salary commensurate with experience
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) option to ‘buy’ up to 2 extra days
- Free onsite parking
- Relaxed and friendly working environment
- 50% Gym King discount for staff, friends & family
- 10 days sick pay (after completion of probationary period)
- Hybrid working (1 day a week work from home, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday)
- Health Cash Plan (after completion of probationary period)
- GK profit related bonus scheme
- Flexible start (between 08:00-10:00) & finish (between 16:00 – 18:00) times
- Staff shop with heavily discounted sample Gym King products
- Cycle to Work
- Fully paid for annual staff party
Working hours: Due to the nature of this role, the hours will be full time (37.5 hours per week) Monday-Friday, although a flexible approach is required at times to meet the needs of the role.
Location: This role is based at Unit 6 Temple Point, Bullerthorpe Lane, Colton, Leeds LS15 9JL. 2 minutes off the M1 J46. 20 minutes from Leeds station. There may be a requirement to travel as part of this role.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Profit sharing
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leeds LS15 9JL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- What salary are you seeking?
Experience:
- Fashion design: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
