Designer - Product Developer - Mens Knits and Sweaters

$80,000 - $90,000/Yr

Duluth Trading Company - Madison, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Madison, WI

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

About the position

The Designer - Product Developer for Men's Knits and Sweaters at Duluth Trading Company is a pivotal role focused on the design and development of the men's knits and sweaters categories. This position requires a deep understanding of macro trends, industry innovations, and customer insights to inform the design process effectively. 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 the calendar deliverables to meet all milestones on time. The role demands 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 Designer will visualize product ideas with a high degree of expertise and ensure efficient communication and process flow between design, sourcing, tech design, and merchandising teams regarding all issues related to the designed products. A key responsibility is to submit all relevant information necessary for the development process, including sketches, detail sketches, fabric and trim indications, and artworks. The role also 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 appropriately for their intended use. Additionally, the Designer will work with sourcing and merchandising teams to support the brand's financial goals, creating key looks for each season while factoring in 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 position 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 follow DTC high standards.
• Analyze customer insights, market sales, styles, and industry trends and present opportunities for growth.
• Research and develop fabrics, trims, and textile technologies that adhere to 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.
• Help with 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 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 to reward performance and value accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, flexibility, continuous improvement, collaboration, creativity, and fun.

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 a 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
• Comprehensive benefits package