Job Description

Are you an experienced and creative Designer with a passion for performance sportswear? We are looking for a Designer to join SBD Apparel and play a key role in the creation and development of market-leading performance products for strength sports.

At SBD Apparel, we are proud to champion British manufacturing - with our design studio and factory working side by side in our state-of-the-art facility in Sheffield. This unique setup means ideas move seamlessly from concept through prototyping to production, allowing our team to innovate, refine and deliver high quality performance products worn by world-class strength athletes on global stages.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The role will involve responsibility for advancing both the technical and creative development of products, ensuring the highest standards of innovation, fit, and quality from initial brief and market research, through to sampling, fittings, and full-scale production.

As a Designer at SBD, you will work across a range of projects including:

Garment design and technical development Refinement of garment fit, pattern drafting, and construction Seasonal colour ranges and aesthetic design of performance products
(Please note: while our priority is to appoint an experienced Designer, we are open to considering strong Junior-level candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential)

Designer roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead garment fit sessions and refine product patterns to deliver world-class performance, comfort, and durability Drive innovation in design and construction, pushing boundaries with new materials, techniques, and performance solutions Collaborate daily with our on-site factory team, ensuring seamless translation of design intent into production through hands-on problem solving Own and maintain detailed tech packs and development logs, providing clear, accurate documentation that enables efficient communication with suppliers and partners Produce advanced CADs and flat sketches in Illustrator to visualize and evolve design concepts with precision Research and analyse trends, competitor products, and athlete needs to shape seasonal concepts and inform long-term product direction Support the design archive, sample library, and internal reporting processes to ensure clear records and efficient workflow across the team Manage supplier communications on design development, sample approvals, and technical clarifications, representing SBD's high standards for quality and innovation.

THE SKILLS

We encourage you to apply if you are someone who can demonstrate the following:

Essential

Proven experience in sportswear or performance apparel design Strong knowledge of garment fit, pattern drafting and construction Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Ability to manage tech packs and supplier communication Self-motivation and comfort working independently Excellent communication skills across teams and levels Attention to detail in both physical and digital tasks Ability to balance creative and technical demands in a fast-paced environment Initiative to identify and suggest areas for improvement Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines

Desirable

Experience working with elite athletes or performance-driven products Experience in performance testing and garment fit trials Strong commercial awareness of current sportswear trends and competitor products Experience with pattern software such as Optitex Qualifications such as a degree or HND in Fashion Design, Sportswear Design or a related discipline.

THE COMPANY

SBD is a global sportswear brand, designing and manufacturing market-leading performance products for strength sports. Our team is proud to craft all our products in the United Kingdom, with the majority fully manufactured at our headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Rotherham. Our commitment to quality has seen our products become the standard among strength athletes in gyms across the world, including those competing in the World's Strongest Man and the IPF World Powerlifting Championships.

2022 Business of the Year for the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce2022 Business of the Year for the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce2023 Winner Outstanding Contribution to Employee Health & Wellbeing for the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce2024 Manufacturer of the Year (under 25m) Made in Sheffield Awards2024 Kings Award for Enterprise2024 'Be Well at Work' Gold THE BENEFITS

New SBD Headquarters

- Join us in our state-of-the-art building. A dynamic space designed for innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth

Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch

- Enjoy a delicious selection of food served fresh daily so you can save time & money and focus on your best work

Casual Dress Code

- Allowing you to work comfortably and be yourself!

Free Onsite Parking

- Priority spaces go to those who car share too

Performance Related Bonus

- Directly linking the success of SBD to your earnings

33 Days' Holiday including Bank Holidays

- Providing flexibility for your personal life and well - deserved breaks

Employee Assistance Programme

- Your wellbeing matters to us, so our EAP provides a wealth of resources and professional support for any of life's challenges

40% Staff Discount

- Letting you experience our quality firsthand for less

Strength Sports Event Tickets

- Help us to celebrate the power and dedication we admire across the disciplines, live!

Employee Referral Scheme

- Get rewarded handsomely through our generous employee referral scheme when you help us find more great talent

SALARY:

Up to 33,100 dependent on experience

HOURS

: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION:

Unit 2b Lanchester Way, Advanced Manufacturing Park, Waverley, S60 5FX

APPLICATIONS CLOSE:

12pm Monday 3rd November 2025

We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates.

If you want to know more or wish to discuss anything in more detail, please contact hr@sbdapparel.com to arrange a phone call with one of our team.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. We are also dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or any other protected characteristic.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 33,100.00 per year

Work Location: In person