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.
The Role
We are now recruiting for an Apparel Graphic Designer in our Team sports division. You will be responsible for building out seasonal stories and identifying graphic packs that will inspire fans by tapping into the culture and rich histories of our sports partners across Football, Motorsport Rugby and Cricket.
Creating core ranges and celebrating key sporting moments in the sporting calendar.
Reporting to the Design Manager this role will employ innovative new ways to deliver commercial graphic lifestyle products to our partners, whilst fulfilling the company’s strategic aims.
Responsibilities
- Be the graphic point person for your team, responsible for driving and new innovative techniques to further develop our current offering.
- Delivering the graphic framework for the fanwear collection for each season, ensuring it is a powerful translation of our partners DNA.
- Translate the strategic creative direction into your collection, deliver meaningful growth and profitability for the brand.
- Identify key marketplace trends and opportunities that are consistent with brand values and design aesthetic.
- Inspire innovation and creative growth in your team, collaborate in a highly creative culture that is agile and efficient.
- Use your knowledge of graphic design, typography and mark making to ensure designs are targeted with the end consumer in mind.
- Produce product specifications in detail and communicate to realise the garment successfully, within cost, whilst working closely with Development Teams.
- Regularly liaise with Design Managers and provide updates regarding designs, critical paths, workload, approvals and product trackers.
- Review product ranges with Design SLT and cross functional teams, ensuring alignment and full product floor buy in.
- Work in close collaboration with the Development and Category management teams, leading development of design from pencil to pitch, ensuring the critical path deadlines are met.
Skills & Qualities
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to work across multiple projects at once.
- Have an approachable attitude to ensure a good working relationship with the team and work side by side with other design and department leads.
- Must be detail-oriented, able to prioritize tasks, and to successfully meet deadlines
- Team orientated, good negotiator and inspiring communicator, cooperative and inquisitive
- Excellent design & creative research skills
- Develop and execute clear and detail rich designs.
- Solid understanding of construction and materials; preferably well-versed in manufacturing techniques.
- Excellent presentation skills and comfortable working with a group as well as independently.
Proficient in Adobe creative Suite
What We Offer
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- 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