Innovation Designer - Equine and Therapies Products

Overview

Horseware Ireland, a global leader in equestrian products with over 40 years of experience, is inspired by a deep passion for horses. Known for creating the iconic Rambo Original horse rug in 1985, the company continues to innovate within the equine industry, selling to more than 70 countries worldwide with a workforce of over 400 employees. The core mission is to continually reinvent and enhance equestrian life.

Role Summary

We are currently looking for an Innovation Designer focused on Equine and Therapies products to join our Innovation and Product team. The successful candidate will convert consumer insights, brand vision, and innovation opportunities into design outputs that can advance through development, prototyping, and commercialization stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop product concepts for equine and therapeutic lines, including initial sketches, design guidelines, choice of materials, color palettes, trims, graphics, and detailed product attributes.
• Interpret consumer insights, market demands, material innovations, and technological inputs to generate product design proposals for the innovation pipeline.
• Implement brand and category design standards in all product elements, such as shape, color, materials, trims, graphics, labeling, and packaging.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers, technicians, quality managers, and suppliers to progress concepts through development stages to market launch.
• Engage closely with technical teams to prepare tech packs, specifications, conduct fit assessments, review samples, and refine product details.
• Ensure product concepts align with equine fit requirements, movement dynamics, comfort standards, product placement, and intended usage.
• Incorporate feedback from riders, customers, internal stakeholders, suppliers, and equine experts throughout the design and development phases.
• Prioritize durable construction, sustainability considerations, and adherence to safety, welfare, and quality protocols in product designs.
• Monitor competitor trends, customer feedback, and category innovations to inform design and product strategy.
• Maintain effective collaboration across Product, Technical, Sourcing, Quality, Packaging, PLM/PIM, and supplier teams to meet project objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years in product, textile, technical, or industrial design with a strong portfolio demonstrating both concept and finished items.
• Comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle from ideation through to commercialization.
• Ability to synthesize consumer, market, brand, and material information into clear product design proposals.
• Familiarity with Equine and Therapies customer profiles, product application, fit, movement, and category-specific standards.
• Proficient use of Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong organizational skills to balance priorities and facilitate effective communication within multifunctional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within equine, animal health, therapeutic, sporting goods, or related performance product domains.
• Proficiency in tools supporting concept design such as trend forecasting, color/material finishes, graphics, CAD, 3D design, and visualization software.
• Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Product Information Management (PIM) systems.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rated).
• Sick leave entitlement.
• Free onsite parking.
• Company pension scheme.
• Healthcare and health screening services.
• Life assurance coverage.
• Learning and development programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Parental leave support including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Discounts on Horseware products.

Diversity and Inclusion

Horseware is dedicated to equal employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, neurodiversity, or any other protected local legal classifications.