Job Description
Midweight Apparel Designer
About the Business
Our client is a fast-growing, design-led performance apparel brand based in Liverpool. The brand operates at the intersection of sport and lifestyle, creating high-performance products designed to support movement, confidence and everyday wear.
With a strong community focus and a reputation for innovation, the business continues to scale at pace while maintaining a collaborative and agile culture. The team is passionate about product, detail and delivering collections that balance performance functionality with modern design aesthetics.
Location: LiverpoolWorking Pattern: Full-time, onsite (flexible working)Salary: Up to £35,000 per annumDomain Experience: Sportswear and performance apparel design ideally
The Role
An opportunity has arisen for a mid-level Apparel Designer to join the menswear design team. This role will suit a creative and adaptable designer with a strong sportswear background and a genuine passion for performance product.
Working closely with senior design leadership, you will contribute to seasonal collections and special projects across both sports performance and lifestyle apparel. The position requires a commercially aware mindset, a sharp eye for detail and the ability to translate research and insight into innovative, brand-aligned product.
Cross-functional collaboration is central to the role, particularly with product development, materials and wholesale teams. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive seasonal menswear design direction using data, customer insight and market research to inform creative and commercial decisions.
* Lead the design and development of assigned ranges from initial concept through to final production.
* Conduct seasonal colour research and develop commercially relevant palettes.
* Translate global and market trends into brand-right product.
* Undertake functional research to understand end consumer needs, performance requirements and sport-specific considerations.
* Participate in overseas development trips, inspiration visits and competitor benchmarking.
* Produce detailed technical artwork and comprehensive tech packs for production handover.
* Collaborate with the Materials team to define seasonal fabric and trim direction.
* Partner with the Wholesale team to deliver SMU and exclusive product ranges.
Key Skills and Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
* 3 to 5 years' experience in apparel design, with a strong sportswear background.
* Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
* Strong understanding of pattern cutting, garment construction and technical fit.
* Good knowledge of the apparel production process from concept through to bulk manufacture.
* Strong research capability with the ability to translate insight into commercially viable product.
* Clear awareness of the sportswear market and current trends.
* Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Remuneration and Benefits
* Salary up to £35,000 per annum.
* Discretionary 5% bonus.
* 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays.
* 40% employee discount.
* Company pension contribution of 3%.
* Life insurance at 4x annual salary.
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
* Paid birthday leave.
* Free onsite parking.
* Free refreshments.
* Access to employee benefits platform.
As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
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