Senior Graphic Design Manager, Rapha
3+ days a week in office (Rapha Works, London)
Cycling apparel brand
Be an early applicant
Cycling apparel brand
201-500 employees
Be an early applicant
3+ days a week in office (Rapha Works, London)
201-500 employees
Company mission
To inspire the world to live life by bike.
Role
Who you are
- We are looking for an experienced professional with deep expertise in graphic and print design and proven leadership abilities
- Strong storytelling skills, coupled with the ability to translate 2D concepts into physical products, are essential
- Success in this role also requires expertise in printing and dye techniques, along with a keen eye for integrating graphics, trims, and finishes into cohesive collections
- 7+ years of experience as a Graphic Designer in a related role within the design, fashion, or performance sports industry
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop; knowledge of 3D visualization software is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to translate 2D CAD designs into 3D products effectively, with extensive industry experience
- Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring work aligns with the highest standards and brand identity
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work seamlessly across diverse teams
- Proven leadership experience, including managing designers and fostering their development and career growth
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proactive approach to prioritizing and adapting to changing demands
- Ability to thrive under tight deadlines while delivering consistently high-quality work
- If you’re passionate about design, graphics, and print, this is your opportunity to influence the future of Rapha’s Graphic design
What the job involves
- Rapha is seeking a Senior Graphic Designer to lead and elevate its Graphic Design function
- This pivotal role involves close collaboration with Head Designers to shape and define Rapha's graphic design language across various product categories
- Projects range from special edition releases and seasonal prints to graphic packs and professional cycling team kits
- This is a unique opportunity to drive the graphic direction for both on-bike and off-bike products
- The ideal candidate will naturally inspire and motivate the design team to produce outstanding work with efficiency
- Serve as the primary representative of the graphic design team within the broader business, acting as the main point of contact for cross-functional teams
- Allocate projects to graphic designers based on their strengths and suitability, ensuring high-quality, on-brief, and timely delivery
- Lead and drive the design creation process for the graphic design team, from integrating briefs and conducting research to ideation, conceptualization, and final design, ensuring a seamless handover to the development teams
- Collaborate closely with the Head Designers to establish the graphic identity and language for Rapha's collections, special projects, and Pro Teams, with support from the graphic designers
- Develop graphic identities that evolve over time, incorporating storytelling, visual innovation, and brand recognizability
- Collaborate closely with the Head Designers to support key milestones, such as Seasonal Kick-offs, by contributing to the development of concepts and narratives for the season through visualizations and presentations
- Actively engage with the Design Team in weekly collaborations by sharing and critiquing work, contributing fresh ideas, and fostering a culture of creative synergy and teamwork
- Participate in weekly meetings with cross-functional development teams to ensure the successful progression of designs through engineering. Update tech packs as needed and provide creative solutions to address challenges that arise during the development process
- This role offers the chance to join a dynamic, forward-thinking team and shape the graphic design strategy for Rapha's high-performance products
Salary benchmarks
Our take
Rapha is a cycling apparel brand that aspires to create items of the highest possible quality by using advanced manufacturing techniques. Having been the clothing supplier to Team Sky, as well as the women’s UCI WorldTour team CANYON//SRAM, Rapha has worked to align itself with the best names in sport.
The company has seen a series of ups and downs as UK consumer interest in cycling rises and falls. For example, it was able to capitalise on peaks in the market generated first in the wake of the 2012 Olympics, as well as during the pandemic - though it has also faced lulls. Despite this, the company remains positive, and says it has made moves that put it in position to unlock its next phase of growth.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Company benefits
- Access to a Global Employee Assistance Programme
- A variety of resources to support your mental health and wellbeing
- Monthly social events
- Quarterly team away days
- Regular talks and events organised by our Culture Club
- Generous annual leave rising with length of service
- Enhanced parental leave options
- Enhanced pension schemes
- Healthcare
- Lessons to build confidence, inspire and support those at the beginning of their cycling journey (you don't need your own bike to take part)
- Annual testing allowance so you can put our products through their paces
- Significant staff discount
- Flexible working - we just have core hours for collaboration and time with out teams
Company values
- LOVE THE SPORT - The relationships we build mean everything
- SUFFER - Your wildest ambitions are achievable
- INSPIRE OTHERS - Lead by example
- THINK FOR YOURSELF - Work on your weaknesses, share your strengths
Company HQ
Archway, London, UK
Articles
Leadership
Simon Mottram
(Founder & Director)Previously Brand Marketing Consultant at various companies, including Interbrand, Sapient, Circus and Fourth Room.
Fran Millar
(CEO)Previously CEO at Belstaff, INEOS Hygienics and INEOS Grenadiers Cycling Team.
Share this job
View 2 more jobs at Rapha