Rapha launched in 2004 to redefine cycling apparel. Today, progressive design and storytelling has built a global movement.
We love cycling in all its forms, from the city streets to the highest peaks. And we know its power to transform lives. Led by innovation, we embody this love through a dedication to the world's greatest sport, by setting a new standard in design and pushing the cutting edge of performance and human craft.
As a Designer / Developer (Accessories) at Rapha, you will own work across the end-to-end critical path with design and development of innovative cycling and lifestyle accessories that unite style, performance, and brand identity at the highest level.
The primary focus of this role spans bags/luggage, gloves, socks, and headwear ownership of specific categories from initial concept to production-ready. In this mid-level role, you will shape products across multiple cycling disciplines as well as commuting and lifestyle ranges.
The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical design creativity and hands-on product development expertise in the accessories space, helping us grow our diverse ranges while maintaining Rapha’s global community benchmarks.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Creative Execution
Collection Strategy: Support the creative direction of seasonal collections, developing cohesive product stories, colour CADs, and selecting appropriate fabrics and trims for your designated categories.
Performance Product Design: Create innovative, performance-driven designs for diverse cycling disciplines (from endurance to racing) as well as lifestyle/commuting applications.
Fit & Testing: Ensure fit, ergonomic, and performance consistency through research, wear-testing, and rider feedback to refine designs for commercial viability.
Product Development & Technical Execution
PLM & Tech Pack Management: Own the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of comprehensive technical packages in PLM (Centric), including BOMs, design specifications, measurements, and grading rules.
Sample Evaluation: Utilise PLM to review construction, workmanship, and quality of incoming prototyping and sealer samples, driving Rapha's high-quality standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with in-house sampling, materials, sourcing, development and downstream teams to ensure successful, on-time, and on-budget product launches.
Factory & Risk Management: Collaborate directly with overseas factories to resolve manufacturing challenges. Proactively identify and elevate production or delivery risks to senior leadership, including QC follow-up.
Qualifications & Experience
Experience: 4–5 years of experience in the performance outdoor, sportswear, or cycling industries, ideally within a hybrid design/development or technical product role.
Category Expertise: Proven track record in developing technical soft and hard accessories (e.g., luggage construction, technical gloves, headwear and socks).
Software Proficiency: Highly skilled in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Familiarity with 3D visualisation tools (e.g., CLO 3D, Browzwear, or Rhino/SolidWorks for hardware/luggage) is a strong plus.
PLM Systems: Direct experience working within product lifecycle management software (Centric preferred).
Supply Chain: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and experience collaborating directly with international vendors and overseas factories.
Mindset: A creative, flexible, and proactive problem-solver with excellent communication and organisational skills, able to manage multiple timelines under pressure.
Passion: A genuine passion for cycling, activewear innovation, and sustainable product design is highly desirable.
Working at Rapha
We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer:
Flexible working hours
Support for ad-hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in the office
25 days of annual leave
2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme
An annual clothing allowance of £1,200 for testing and promotional purpose
A company bonus scheme
A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year
Mental health support with MyndUp
Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
Cycle2Work scheme
Company Pension Scheme
Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay
