About the role
Reporting directly to the Director, this full-time Head Designer Swimwear role is an exciting opportunity to lead the design vision and product development for Engine Swim's innovative swimwear collection. You will be responsible for driving the brand's aesthetic and translating the creative direction into technically-proficient, high-quality swimwear designs that meet the needs of our customers.

Engine Swimwear builds performance gear trusted by athletes, squads, and schools. From chlorine-proof training suits to elite racing tech and teamwear, we obsess over fit, durability, and speed. If you love turning ideas into on-time, on-margin product that stands up in the pool and on the beach, this role is for you.

Own the product engine end-to-end. You’ll lead the range calendar, suppliers, costs, quality, and delivery (70% Production) while shaping future product and seasonal stories (30% Design & Development). You keep samples moving, factories honest, margins protected, and athletes delighted.

Split: 60% Production • 40% Product Design & Development
Location: Mordialloc Vic / Burleigh Heads, QLD (some interstate/overseas supplier travel)

What you'll be doing

60% Production (Lead)

Critical Path: Own T&A from concept → proto → SMS → PP → bulk; drive OTIF.

Supplier Leadership: Day-to-day with factories (primarily Asia); negotiate MOQs/lead times; track supplier scorecards.

Costing & Margin: Set target costs, build BOMs, optimise yields, engineer value without compromising performance.

Quality & Compliance: Manage lab dips/strike-offs, colour fastness/UPF testing, chlorine resistance (PBT), AQL standards, PP approvals.

Fit & Spec: Run fit sessions, approve blocks/gradings, lock specs and tolerances; minimise rounds.

Data & Systems: Maintain PLM/ERP (styles, BOMs, size specs), version control, sample logs, buy packs.

Readiness for Sale: Confirm packaging/labelling, barcodes, care, and handover to Ops/Logistics for delivery plans.

40% Product Design & Development (Lead)

Range Architecture: Seasonal line plans across training, racing, surf lifesaving, and teamwear.

Creation: Mood → CADs → tech packs; print/colour story; special capsules and collabs.

Athlete-Led Iteration: Convert feedback from squads/retail into measurable improvements.

Go-to-Market Support: Provide Content/E-com with assets, features/benefits, and fit/size guidance.

Cross-Functional

Partner with Sales on buy quantities/size curves; with E-com on launch dates; with Finance on landed cost/margin; with Ops on inbound schedules.

Drive sustainability improvements (fabric yield, packaging reduction, defect prevention).

What we're looking for

5+ years in performance swim/active/outdoor (or closely related technical apparel).

Proven leadership of multi-factory production and critical paths.

Deep knowledge of stretch fabrics (PBT, liners), chlorine resistance, prints, bonding/taping, and trims.

Fit/Spec strength: grading, tolerances, block management; sharp eye for the 2 mm details.

Tools: Adobe Illustrator, strong Excel/Sheets, and a PLM/ERP (NetSuite/DEAR/Unleashed or similar).

Negotiation, planning, and calm under pressure; you ship on time and on quality.

Exceptional technical design skills, including pattern making, draping and fit expertise

Degree or diploma in Fashion Design, Textile Design or a related field

Proven track record of developing and delivering successful swimwear collections that balance aesthetics and technical performance

Nice to have: Teamwear experience, experience with testing standards (colourfastness/UPF), sustainability projects, and basic pattern knowledge.

What we offer
At Engine Swim, we value creativity, innovation and a collaborative team culture. You'll have the opportunity to shape the direction of our swimwear range and contribute to the continued growth of our brand. We offer a competitive salary, generous employee discounts, and a range of health and wellbeing benefits to support your work-life balance.

If you're passionate about design and ready to lead the charge in swimwear innovation, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to be considered for this exciting opportunity.