Apparel Designer, Global Football

Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:
The Apparel Designer will provide creative & tactical design expertise for the apparel category with a focus against In-Line, Market SMU & Athlete propositions. Will be contributing in consumer & athlete first Design, Storytelling & Creation solutions to enable delivery of an elite football apparel proposition.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Creative Vision

• Translate football specific consumer & athlete needs, preference & ambitions into a world class product proposition that is viable & credible in the highest forms of the game.
• Place the consumer experience at the center of category/concept storytelling, with an emphasis on credible, important narratives that drive consumer engagement.
• Ability to source a wide range of inspiration & influences to deliver strong curated applications of creativity.
• Develop powerful & compelling product presentations to articulate & inspire adoption.
• Consumer centric approach to ensure relevant insight is assembled & translated across concept, design & engineering to validate & inform creative decision making.
• Leverage & interpret Brand DNA, Seasonal influence, & category positioning to drive a consumer right proposition.

Design Creation

• Creative Graphic ideation & delivery, realised through impactful & insight driven narratives.
• Translate insights into relevant, important & impactful seasonal design stories & graphic executions that can be applied to a variety of products from apparel, equipment & accessories.
• Build high-quality, true-to-life 3D garments using CLO 3D based on design sketches, tech packs, & fabric properties.
• Build 3D presentations & animations for internal/external partners.
• Develop & refine digital patterns, ensuring accurate fit & construction.
• Optimize 3D workflows & contribute to improving digital asset libraries.
• Stay updated on the latest developments & industry innovations in 3D fashion.

Product Creation

• Creation of technical CAD drawings & schematics to enable Development & vendor partners to realise & complete creative ambition in-line with category objectives.
• High level coherence of seasonal product adjustments to ensure accurate, timely amends are captured, actioned & communicated.
• Partnering with Development counterparts throughout seasonal intervals & stage gates to ensure aligned focus against seasonal category objectives.
• Develop global vendor partnerships (with Development counterparts) to ensure creative outlook is understood, viable & aligns to creative, consumer & category objectives.

Content Creation

• Working closely with the Product Management team to support the creation & publication of collateral at each Global gate/touchpoint (Internal Design Reviews, VLR, GTM, KAP, Pre-Line).
• Utilising design software to develop new ways in illustrating & communicating product appearance, benefit & technologies.
• Crafting & publishing outstanding creative tools that enhance impact within vendor partnerships, internal team members & external athletes & customers.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• High level proficiency within the Adobe software suite.
• Relevant years of experience of 3D modelling & rendering tools/packages (Clo3D) or data-2-design software.
• Strong passion for football, apparel & the football industry.
• Proven industry track record within the given field.
• Strong graphic design knowledge/background.
• Hand & Digital sketching capability.
• Project management skills & comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Engaging & impactful presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail & awareness.
• Problem solving attitude.
• Domestic & International travel required.

BENEFITS:

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Life Insurance
• On Site Gym
• Employee Discount
• Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for four weeks per year
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Equal Opportunity Employer:
New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

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