SMU / Athletes Junior Product Designer (6 month FTC)

Founded in 2004, Rapha exists to inspire the world to live life by bike. We believe that cycling has the power to improve people’s lives but as well as enjoying it for what it is today, we are determined to change cycling and open it up to more people so that they too can discover the joys of riding a bike.

Rapha combines performance, quality and style at the highest level to produce the finest cycling apparel and accessories.

The Product Engineering team is key to the product creation process, combining expertise with passion to bring product to life. We are a Dynamic team with a great work ethic, together with a strong team spirit that makes working at Rapha as a Product Engineer a unique experience.

We are seeking an individual who is starting out in their Product Engineering / Development career and is keen to develop and progress their technical and professional skills to create the finest cycling clothing in the World.

Please note this is a 6 month fixed term contract. 

The Role: 

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• A key role that supports the Product Engineering team, particularly Athletes and SMU teams in all phases of our critical path to ensure the business hits key stage dates.

  
  

• Working cross-functionally with Designers, Atelier and Supply Chain on a daily basis to ensure products are risk assessed in a timely manner.

  
  

• Supporting Mid and Senior members of staff to manage a range or category of products and update alongside the critical path.

  
  

• Working collaboratively to deliver products within set out cost targets.

  
  

• Create, maintain and update product tech packs and BOMs on our PLM and Ai filing system.

  
  

• Working closely with partners on evaluation and approval of print lay plans and print colour development.

  
  

• Work independently on some lower complexity products, prints and projects.

  
  

• Coordinate all fittings from first proto through to final pre-production sample.

  
  

• Measure and review prototype samples and size sets before fitting to ensure they conform to size and construction specifications.

  
  

• Create measurement specifications, inputting grading and sizing rules

  
  

• Sample receipt and tracking both internally and from external sources, to ensure that there is complete visibility to all samples received into the business.

  
  

• Actively participate in team meetings; responsible for preparing meeting spaces, attending weekly cross functionals, fit sessions and documenting meeting minutes.

  
  

• Supporting Mid and Senior members of staff to ensure that Rapha quality and performance standards are met through the sampling process.

  
  

• Have an awareness of competitor’s product, participating in inspiration days.

  
  

• Travel to suppliers, trade shows and events as required.

  
  

The Candidate: 

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• At least 2-3 years’ experience working for a lifestyle or sportswear brand.

  
  

• Highly organised and inquisitive personality and a solutions based mind-set.

  
  

• Excellent time management. The desire to ‘ride for each other’ and participate in team and independent tasks with a positive attitude.

  
  

• An understanding and passion for delivering faultless product quality

  
  

• Has a fundamental understanding of costing templates variables within manufacture.

  
  

• Proficiency in using a Mac and the Adobe suite.

  
  

• Welcomes challenges with an open mind and takes pride in delivering a high quality standard of work.

  
  

• Be able to work to tight and challenging deadlines.

  
  

• Excellent attention to detail and good knowledge of construction suitability, manufacturing sewing operations.

  
  

• The ability to communicate effectively with suppliers overseas and internal stakeholders.

  
  

• An appreciation or an interest in cycling and/or active sports, who are keen to develop their riding skills and use their passion for sport to improve our product range.

  
  

Working at Rapha 

We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer.

• Flexible working hours
• Support ad-hoc remote working during the week - Minimum 3 days in office
• Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
• Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
• We offer a flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle to cycling through our Getting Started Scheme.
• We offer all our employees a 50% apparel discount and a discount for family and friends
• An annual clothing allowance
• Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
• Company Pension Scheme