Designer - Product Developer - Mens Knits and Sweaters

$80,000 - $90,000/Yr

Duluth Trading Company - Middleton, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Middleton, WI

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

The Duluth Trading Company is seeking a talented individual to design and develop the men's knits and sweaters categories. This role is pivotal in utilizing macro trends, industry innovations, and customer insights to inform the design process. Reporting to the Senior Designer of Men's, the individual will manage the creative process and ensure alignment with the brand's visual language while adhering to calendar deliverables to meet all milestones on time. The position requires maintaining and expanding expert knowledge of market trends through travel and independent research, as well as the ability to present product ideas and details clearly and effectively. The primary responsibility includes visualizing product ideas with a high degree of expertise and ensuring efficient communication flow between design, sourcing, tech design, and merchandising regarding all issues related to the designed products. The designer will be responsible for submitting all relevant information needed for the development process, including sketches, detailed sketches, fabric and trim indications, and artworks. Additionally, the role involves managing the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system for styles and updates throughout each season, collaborating closely with technical designers to ensure that products are constructed and function according to end-use requirements. The designer will also work with sourcing and merchandising teams to support the brand's financial goals, creating key looks for each season that align with merchandising buy strategies and the overall creative vision. The work environment at Duluth Trading Company emphasizes face-to-face interactions that foster a culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at the company's headquarters near Madison, WI, with a structured work schedule from Monday to Thursday in the office, and the option to work remotely on Fridays.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and functionality through innovative, solution-based product design and development.
• Work with cross-functional teams to bring products into the business that adhere to DTC high standards.
• Analyze customer insights, market sales, styles, and industry trends to present opportunities for growth.
• Research and develop fabrics, trims, and textile technologies that meet the high-performance standards of the DTC brand.
• Build, manage, and maintain vendor relationships to ensure products are produced with specified quality standards and delivered on time.
• Research, analyze, and present findings of the competitive marketplace and make recommendations for new product designs and white space opportunities.
• Assist in the creation of seasonal color palettes with the Senior Designer.
• Manage seasonal designs and development utilizing the corporate development calendar.
• Build all relevant seasonal information in PLM software and update and maintain it throughout each season.
• Create product briefs and facilitate illustration/photography requests.
• Proofread catalog copy and product web pages for accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance.
• Facilitate product demonstrations to corporate teams.
• Engage with various test and trades panels.
• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Adopt organizational values in personal work behaviors, decision-making, contributions, and interpersonal interactions.
• Contribute to a positive work environment by demonstrating cultural expectations and influencing others.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in designing and developing apparel.
• Experience working closely with cross-functional partners.
• Experience communicating with overseas or remote vendors and suppliers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Mastery level Adobe Illustrator skills.
• Expertise in knit construction and fabrications.
• Expertise in creating detailed tech packs in a PLM system, including technical callouts, BOMs, and construction images.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects from concept to completion under time constraints.
• Highly organized and self-motivated with strong ability to multi-task.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills.

Benefits

• 12-week full-pay parental leave
• Paid holiday time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth
• Flexible work options including remote work on Fridays
• Competitive compensation range of $80,000 - $90,000/year