Design Assistant - Sports Apparel
Key Skills
Job Description
Who are we?
Zelus is Nike Inc.’s exclusive global licensee for teamwear apparel and equipment, serving athletes and teams from grassroots to elite level across football, rugby, basketball, athletics, hockey, and more. Based in Hilversum, we bring together creative, passionate people to deliver high‑quality product for teams around the world — with a Swoosh on every kit.
The role
As a Design Assistant, you will combine creativity and passion for sports to craft innovative designs that define the look of team sports from grassroots to the professional level. You will play a key role in creating seasonal collections, supporting graphic/product design, and bringing category creative narratives to life. From concept to realization, your work will shape the identity of Zelus’ products and inspire athletes worldwide.
What you’ll do
- Define and own Production Art process (schematics/visuals/CLO3D).
- Support designers where needed with graphic design, schematics, line-art, etc.
- (AOP (All Over Print), crests, pride elements, trims, colour options)
- Provide training/instructions for Design team
- Creating and maintaining seasonal product illustrations
- Create and maintain seasonal and generic graphic libraries
- Develop templates to support the design team
- Update product overviews/line-art according to team/asset feedback
- Execute projects in line with the seasonal calendar and team/asset feedback
- Update design files and share them across relevant Zelus functions
What you’ll bring
- Degree in a related field or 3-5 years of industry experience in sportswear or outdoor brands (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Awareness of current trends, colours, technology, and sports-related products
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
- Highly organized with an inquisitive personality and a strong solutions-based mindset
- Strong communication skills and ability to convey stories visually
- A passion for sports and knowledge of the industry
Why join Zelus?
At Zelus, you’ll have the opportunity to lead with impact, work closely with a globally recognised sports brand partner, and help shape how teamwear product comes to life for athletes worldwide. We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture, strong benefits, and real opportunities for professional growth.
Zelus is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the Netherlands at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Core Responsibilities
The Design Assistant will define and manage the production art process while supporting designers with graphic and product design tasks. They are responsible for creating seasonal collections, maintaining graphic libraries, and ensuring design files are updated and shared across functions.
Requirements
Candidates should possess a degree in a related field or 3-5 years of industry experience in sportswear or outdoor brands. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong understanding of current design trends and sports-related products are required.
Benefits
- Collaborative culture
- Inclusive culture
- Professional growth opportunities
About Zelus Sport
Industry: Sporting Goods
Company size: 51-200 employees
Zelus is Nike Inc.’s exclusive strategic partner and dedicated product engine focused on creating innovative apparel, accessories and equipment product and services for federations, clubs, teams, athletes and events globally. As Nike’s licensee, we design, develop and create these Nike dual branded products for both grassroot clubs and elite professional teams. Whether its team inspired fanwear or innovative on-field kits unveiled under floodlights, our mission is to inspire, connect, and serve every team athlete in the world. Our European HQ sits in Hilversum, Netherlands and Zelus’ UK HQ is based in Altrincham, just outside Manchester. Alongside these hubs, our team stretches across all key global markets. Whether office based or remote, we work as one team at Zelus.