Head of Materials, Graphics and Colour

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.

With over 1,500 team members worldwide, we’re proud of our diverse, inclusive culture where everyone is encouraged to speak up, challenge thinking, create breakthroughs and collaborate openly. Our people are what set us apart, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Reports to: SVP / Brand Director Speedo

Location: Farringdon, London

Hours: 36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (4.30pm finish on a Friday)

The Head of Graphics, Materials and Colour Mission:

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.

You will own:

• Global colour strategy and seasonal palettes
• Graphic language, print direction and placement execution

This role ensures that Speedo’s products are visually distinctive, technically credible and commercially relevant, balancing creative ambition with performance functionality.

How you'll drive success:

Colour Strategy & Direction

• 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

Graphics & Print Leadership

• 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

Materials Aesthetic & Innovation Partnership

• 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)

Cross-Functional Leadership

• 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

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• 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

What you'll need to thrive:

• 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

Alongside a competitive salary and discretionary bonus, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, flexibility, and life outside work. This includes generous holiday allowance with the option to buy more, hybrid and flexible working, enhanced family leave, pension and financial protection, wellbeing support, travel schemes, and generous discounts across Pentland Brands and selected retail partners. You can find full details of our benefits and perks on our UK Benefits page

The Interview Process

We want our interview process to feel clear, straightforward, and supportive. If your experience and expectations look like a strong match for the role, here’s what you can expect next:

1. Talent Team Intro Call - A 30-minute video call with our Talent Team to get to know each other, talk through the role and your experience, and answer any questions you have.
2. Experience Interview - A more in-depth interview (usually online) with the hiring manager to explore your skills, experience and approach, and how these align with the role, our principles, and our ways of working.
3. Final Interview - A final in-person interview at our office, focused on deeper discussion and practical application, giving you the chance to meet more of the team and see Pentland Brands in action.