Sporting Fashion & Goods
Lead Design CORE Apparel Men
Mid Level
Herzogenaurach, Germany
in office
Full time
Job description
About the Role
The Lead Design for CORE Apparel is responsible for evolving PUMA's highest-volume, broadest-distribution apparel collection season on season, keeping it contemporary, desirable and commercially relevant as the foundation that carries the Brand's stories across the full distribution. The role co-owns the annual CORE design plan and translates seasonal trend direction into a collection that delivers business targets and category objectives. It works closely with product and technical development, travelling to factories to finalise prototypes, and operates within the PUMA development calendar and data systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Elevate the collection through material, construction and detail, building genuine functionality into fabric choice, engineering and finishing to lift product quality and perceived value across a volume range.
- Strategically develop and steward the franchise and range set-up so CORE delivers one consistent Brand message across the full line and price architecture.
- Ensure the quality and integrity of design content to reinforce PUMA's brand position and generate consumer demand, working with a consumer-first mindset.
- Gather, interpret and apply market and trend insights to keep the team current on directions, materials and cultural shifts.
- Integrate product and technical developments into design independently, meeting functionality requirements through material and construction, and travel to factories to finalise prototypes.
- Deliver all projects in line with the PUMA development calendar and keep design information accurate and up to date in the data systems.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Design or a relevant field of study.
- At least 8 years designing apparel for one or more leading sports and lifestyle brands.
- Strong material and construction expertise, with the ability to elevate product and engineer functionality into fabric, build and detail.
- Franchise and range-architecture thinking: able to structure a line so it carries a consistent Brand message across range and price.
- Professional working experience with Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Vizcom and similar tools.
- Excellent technical background relating to fabrics and product development.
- Both strategic and creative thinking, strong initiative and a passion for product.
- Vertical mindset with the consumer at the centre.
- Attention to detail and extraordinary time-management skills.
- Strong communication, presentation and storytelling skills.
- Fluent in English.
Preferred Skills
- Experience designing high-volume or core ranges.
- Proven ability to evolve a collection through trend-right newness and keep it commercially desirable.
The Application Process
Every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency and equal opportunity. No automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions; AI-supported functions may be used for isolated organisational steps such as scheduling interviews, and these have no influence on decisions in the application process.
- Submit an application online and follow the steps to upload your application.
About the Company
PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd, operates in more than 120 countries and has around 22,000 employees worldwide. PUMA looks for SPEED & SPIRIT in its candidates, defined by values that inspire the business to be driven in performance, vibrant in its sporting legacy and together in team spirit, while letting individual talent and experience shine.
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