Creative Design Specialist - SOL3MATES

Job description / Role

About SOL3MATES

SOL3MATES is a Manchester-based sneaker brand. We're rooted in Manchester's vibrant scene, living for sneakers, creativity, and the hustle of sneaker culture. Join our team to create visuals, content, and social media moments that make sneakerheads worldwide stop scrolling.

Mission

Own the creation of scroll-stopping visuals, content, and social media for SOL3MATES, delivering high-impact assets at the pace of our growth. Translate the Creative Director's vision into designs and content that fuel our sneaker-obsessed brand while driving engagement and community love.

What you will be doing:

Graphic Design (45%)

• Create bold, sneaker-inspired graphics for social media, website banners, sneaker drops, and streetwear campaigns using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Figma.
• Deliver the exact volume and style of assets outlined in Creative Director briefs, ensuring every design nails SOL3MATES' brand identity.
• Pitch fresh, platform-native design ideas that tap into sneaker trends and Manchester's streetwear vibe.
• Organize digital assets for seamless team access and consistent branding.

Content Creation (Photography, Videography & Editing) (30%)

• Shoot basic product photography and lifestyle shots of sneakers, streetwear, or Manchester's sneaker scene using DSLR cameras or high-quality smartphones.
• Capture and edit short-form videos (reels, TikToks, stories) for sneaker launches, events, or community vibes using CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci, or Premiere Rush.
• Produce platform-specific content (images, videos, captions) for Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and YouTube that connects with sneakerheads.
• Plan and execute campaign shoots for product launches or seasonal refreshes, handling lighting to final edits.
• Travel as needed (e.g., sneaker events, partner activations) to capture authentic, timely content.

Social Media Management (15%)

• Manage SOL3MATES' social media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X), sticking to the approved posting schedule with on-time posts and killer copy.
• Build strategies to grow our sneakerhead community and drive traffic to our Shopify store, tracking metrics like engagement and reach.
• Engage with fans, respond to comments, and keep the community hyped with SOL3MATES' energy.
• Tweak content based on real-time performance data to keep posts fresh and impactful.

Email & Campaign Support (10%)

• Build and optimize Klaviyo email campaigns and flows (e.g., welcome, abandoned cart, post-purchase) with compelling visuals and copy.
• Test subject lines, creative, and segmentation to boost email KPIs like open rates and conversions.
• Support campaign visuals for sneaker launches or brand initiatives, aligning with the Creative Director's vision.

What success looks like

• Output: Deliver all requested assets (graphics, photos, videos) at or above agreed weekly targets, meeting Creative Director standards.
• Consistency: 100% adherence to the social media posting calendar, with every post live on time.
• Engagement: Drive upward trends in social media engagement, follower growth, and email KPIs through creative iterations.
• Agility: Rapidly turn around new designs, content, and revisions based on feedback and performance data.

Required skills & qualifications

• Graphic design: Exceptional skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) with a portfolio of bold, sneaker/streetwear-inspired designs.
• Photography & videography: Basic experience with product/lifestyle photography and short-form video shooting/editing using DSLR cameras, smartphones, or tools like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci, or Premiere Rush.
• Passion for sneakers: Deep, authentic love for sneaker culture and streetwear — show us you're part of the scene!
• Willingness to learn: Hunger to master new tools, platforms, or techniques with a proactive, growth-driven mindset.
• 1-3 years of experience in graphic design, content creation, or social media (startup, agency, or freelance).
• Practical knowledge of Klaviyo for building campaigns, flows, and A/B testing.
• Strong copywriting for social captions, video hooks, and email subject lines.
• Ability to travel (sometimes on short notice) for events or lightweight location shoots.
• Organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable with high-volume content targets.
• Basic design skills in Figma or Canva for quick asset tweaks.

Nice-to-have skills

• Familiarity with Shopify for e-commerce visuals or storefront support.
• Proficiency in Figma for collaborative design or prototyping.
• Experience crafting content for paid social media campaigns.
• Connections to Manchester's sneaker or streetwear community.

Logistics

• Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid; some in-person at HQ for shoots or collaborations).
• Schedule: Full-time, with occasional evenings/weekends for launches or events.
• Travel: As needed for sneaker events, factory visits, or partner activations.
• Reporting to the Creative Director.

Why join SOL3MATES?

• Create with a Manchester-based crew that's obsessed with sneakers and design.
• Hybrid work in Manchester's buzzing streetwear scene, with flexibility to keep you inspired.
• Grow your skills in design, content, and social media with hands-on learning.
• Score exclusive sneaker drops, access to Manchester's streetwear events, and collaborations with sneaker culture icons.

About the Company

The Chalhoub Group is the leading partner for luxury across the Middle East since 1955. As an expert in retail, distribution and marketing services based in Dubai, the group has become a major player in the fashion, beauty and gift sectors regionally.

By blending its Middle East expertise and intimate knowledge of luxury, Chalhoub Group is building brands in the region, by offering service excellence to all its partners and a unique experience to its customers through its passionate teams.

With a growing workforce of more than 9,000 people, implemented in 14 countries, as well as the operating of over 470 retail outlets, the group's success is attributed to its most valued asset of highly skilled and dedicated teams. Professionalism and passion are what fuel the Chalhoub Group's competitive edge in today's market.

By being committed to implementing sustainable practices into their business, the Chalhoub Group has been awarded in 2013 the CSR Label from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.