About the Role
As Head of Graphics, Materials & Colour at Speedo, you will define and lead the global visual and material expression of the brand across performance swim and lifestyle product. This role ensures that Speedo’s products are visually distinctive, technically credible and commercially relevant, balancing creative ambition with performance functionality.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of seasonal colour architecture aligned to Speedo’s brand DNA and consumer insight
- Translate macro trends into commercially viable, performance-ready colour stories
- Oversee colour approvals, lab dips and execution standards globally
- Establish colour governance to ensure global consistency with regional nuance
- Define and evolve Speedo’s global graphic language across all categories
- Lead seasonal print concepts, placement graphics, repeat patterns and brand graphics
- Ensure graphics enhance product performance while strengthening brand storytelling
- Drive innovation in print techniques, finishes and applications
- Partner with Materials, Innovation and Technical teams to influence fabric direction and visual/material expression
- Understand and leverage performance material constraints (chlorine resistance, stretch recovery, sublimation behaviour, durability, etc.)
- Align material aesthetics with sustainability commitments and performance standards
- Support testing and validation of colour and print performance (e.g. colour fastness, durability, print clarity)
- Work closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising and Brand teams to embed cohesive colour and graphic narratives
- Collaborate with sourcing and supplier partners to ensure excellence in execution
- Present seasonal direction and strategy to senior stakeholders
- Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Graphics, Materials & Colour team
- Foster experimentation, innovation and commercial awareness
- Build long-term creative capability within Speedo’s global design function
Requirements
- Significant experience (8–12+ years) in graphics, colour and materials leadership within performance sport, swimwear or technical apparel
- Deep understanding of textile behaviour, printing methods, dye processes and material innovation
- Strong strategic capability in building seasonal colour and graphic direction at global scale
- Proven ability to balance creative vision with technical and commercial realities
- Experience operating in a matrix, cross-functional global organisation
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder influence skills
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Experience with 3D design tools (e.g. CLO) and PLM systems advantageous
- A strong eye for detail combined with strategic thinking
Skills
- Graphics
- Colour strategy
- Materials aesthetic
- Print direction
- Adobe Creative Suite
- 3D design tools
- PLM systems
Location
- Global
Work Type
- Hybrid working
- Flexible start and finish times
Experience Level
- 8-12+ years
Salary/Compensations
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance
- Product discounts
- Sample sales
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Healthcare support
- Gym and fitness discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric car scheme
About the Company
- Pentland Brands is a global family business behind some of the world’s most iconic active and lifestyle brands.
- 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.
