Temporary Designer Softgoods

We’re Pentland Brands: a global family business behind some of the world’s most iconic active and lifestyle brands. We bring integrity, energy and ambition to our work, setting high standards and striving to deliver great outcomes without ego.

Design sport-inspired apparel built for style, movement and confidence.

At Speedo, product has to do more than look good. It has to move with the swimmer, feel comfortable in the water and support performance, confidence and freedom of movement, whether someone is training, competing, learning or simply enjoying the swim.

KEY PURPOSE:

The Softgoods Designer is responsible for supporting Senior Designers in conceptualizing, designing, and developing high‑quality softgoods products—from early ideation through production, and ensuring that all timelines are met, and proper cross-functional communication is facilitated. This role also will deliver innovative designs against brand seasonal creative direction and product briefs, whilst maintaining Brand DNA, VBL and guidelines. This role blends creativity, technical expertise, and an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes to bring softgoods concepts to life. The ideal candidate has experience working with textiles, patterns, construction methods, and 3D development tools, along with a strong eye for detail and user‑centered design.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Concept & Design Development

• Create innovative softgoods concepts through sketches, digital renderings, and prototypes.

• Develop user‑centered solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, durability, and cost considerations.

• Produce detailed design documentation including spec sheets, tech packs, and construction notes.

Materials & Construction Expertise

• Research and select appropriate fabrics, foams, webbings, trims, and hardware.

• Understand and apply advanced softgoods construction methods (sewing, lamination, patterning, padding, etc.).

• Source new materials and work with vendors to evaluate samples and ensure performance requirements are met.

Prototyping & Technical Execution

• Build or direct the creation of softgoods prototypes; iterate based on testing and feedback.

• Develop accurate patterns using 2D CAD tools, pattern‑making software, or manual drafting.

• Collaborate closely with sample rooms, factories, and manufacturing partners to refine designs for mass production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with industrial designers, engineers, product managers, and supply chain teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• Communicate clearly with vendors and manufacturing teams to resolve production issues and ensure quality standards.

• Support testing, validation, and quality assurance activities throughout the development cycle.

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects with shifting priorities and deadlines.

• Maintain accurate version control, documentation, and record‑keeping throughout the design process.

• Participate in milestone reviews and present design solutions to stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or related field.

• 3–5+ years of experience designing softgoods.

• Strong understanding of sewing construction, pattern making, and materials.

• Excellent sketching, rendering, and visual communication skills.

• Ability to interpret technical requirements and apply them to manufacturable designs.

• Exceptional knowledge of applied technologies and product construction, including ‘state of the art’ technologies and production methods within new product developments.

• Experience working within a product design environment, using computer aided engineering (CAE) tools and computational techniques to design and test product solutions.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (or similar) and 3D CAD design tools (SolidWorks, Rhino or similar) and a high-level familiarity with KeyShot for product renders & ideation.

• Experience working with advanced product manufacturers and external global experts.

• Experience in understanding and translating consumer needs into product opportunities.

• Proven ability to work well within among cross functional teams.

• Experience in tailoring communication style and content dependent to the audience as well as understanding cultural differences.

• Curious and driven to look externally and laterally for inspiration that drives ideas.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions.

• Thrives in a fast‑paced, team‑first, high‑energy environment, with a positive, can‑do, customer‑focused attitude.

Why Speedo?

Speedo is one of the world’s most iconic swimwear brands, built on a heritage of innovation, performance and a lifelong love of swimming.

From elite competition to everyday fitness, leisure and learning, Speedo creates product for every type of swimmer. It is a brand trusted in the water because it understands what matters: fit, movement, comfort, durability, confidence and performance.

Joining Speedo means becoming part of a team that cares deeply about helping people feel at home in the water, whether they are chasing a personal best, building confidence, training regularly or discovering the joy of swimming for the first time.

Perks & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, hybrid working, flexible start and finish times, generous paid time off, product discounts, sample sales, medical and healthcare support plus additional benefits designed to support you at work and beyond.

You can find full details of our benefits and perks on our US Benefits page.

Pentland Brands and Speedo are equal opportunity employers and considers all applicants for employment on the basis of their individual capabilities and qualifications, consistent with applicable law and without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. In addition to complying with all applicable laws, we have a strong corporate commitment to inclusion, diversity and to ensuring that all current and future associates are compensated solely on job-related factors such as skill, ability, educational background, work quality, experience and potential. To achieve these goals, applicants are asked not to disclose salary history information.