Careers at VÅGA

Full-time | On-site, based at our Milnthorpe, Cumbria HQ

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded Senior Designer to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a full-time, office-based role for a creative leader who thrives on developing innovative products, managing seasonal collections, and bringing ideas to life from concept through to production.

Reporting into the Design Director, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our product offering, leading the design and development of seasonal headwear and accessories while collaborating closely with suppliers, partners and the wider business.

The Role

As Senior Designer, you'll lead the design and development of our seasonal collections, overseeing the entire product journey from initial concept through to final production. You'll be responsible for driving product innovation, managing development timelines, and ensuring every product reflects the VÅGA brand while delivering on performance, quality and commercial objectives.

Working closely with the Design Director, Product Developer, overseas suppliers and wider business teams, you'll help shape product strategy, bring new ideas to market, and ensure collections are delivered on time and to the highest standard.

Day-to-day tasks:

• Lead the design and development of seasonal headwear and accessory collections from concept through to production.

• Create technical design specifications, artwork and tech packs for overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners.

• Develop seasonal colour palettes, graphics, trims and product concepts aligned with the VÅGA brand identity.

• Manage and mentor the Product Developer, supporting workload planning, development and progression.

• Drive collaboration projects with brand partners, athletes, ambassadors and events, ensuring products meet both creative and commercial objectives and are delivered on time.

• Manage product development timelines and critical paths, ensuring key milestones are achieved throughout the season.

• Working closely with the Product Developer review prototypes, development samples and PPS submissions, providing clear and actionable feedback to suppliers.

• Oversee colour standards and lab dip approvals throughout the development process.

• Lead print and graphic direction across collections, collaborating with the in-house graphic designer and external suppliers.

• Research market trends, competitor activity, materials and construction techniques to identify opportunities for innovation.

• Work closely with the Product Developer and overseas suppliers to resolve development, production and quality challenges.

• Own seasonal range planning, collection architecture and product line reviews in collaboration with the leadership team.

• Maintain accurate product information, specifications and development records.

• Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations and sales teams to support successful product launches.

• Support the creation of product storytelling, design rationale and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure all products meet quality, performance and commercial requirements before launch.

About You

We're looking for a highly organised and creative product professional with a passion for performance products and a strong understanding of the product development process. You'll be confident managing multiple projects simultaneously, building strong supplier relationships, and balancing innovative design with commercial objectives.

You'll ideally have:

• Proven experience in a Design or Product Development role within the fashion, sportswear, outdoor, performance or lifestyle sectors (5+ years)

• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills and confidence creating technical artwork, specifications and tech packs.

• Experience managing product development with overseas suppliers and manufacturers.

• Excellent organisation, planning and project management skills.

• Previous experience managing or mentoring junior team members.

• A strong understanding of critical path management and product lifecycle processes.

• The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to product quality and execution.

• Commercial awareness and an understanding of balancing creativity with business objectives.

• A passion for running, endurance sport or outdoor performance products is highly desirable.

At VÅGA, we design performance headwear for runners who move fast, think independently, and aren't afraid to stand out. Based in Milnthorpe, just a stone’s throw from the Lake District, our HQ is surrounded by the landscapes that inspire everything we create - tested on the fells, refined by real feedback, and built for people who love to move. We're a small but ambitious team, passionate about quality product, honest design, and doing things a little differently. If you're excited by product innovation, performance design, and being part of a growing brand with big ambitions, we'd love to hear from you.