Designer - Product Developer - Mens Knits and Sweaters

$80,000 - $90,000/Yr

Duluth Holdings - Mount Horeb, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Mount Horeb, WI

Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers

About the position

The Designer - Product Developer for Men's Knits and Sweaters at Duluth Trading Company is a pivotal role focused on designing and developing 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 that the visual language of the brand is adhered to while meeting calendar deliverables. This includes maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of market trends through travel and independent research, as well as presenting product ideas and details clearly and effectively. The role involves visualizing product ideas with a high degree of expertise and ensuring efficient communication 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 designer will also manage 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 align with the brand's financial goals, creating key looks for each season that incorporate merchandising buy strategies and the overall creative vision. This role is essential in driving sales and functionality through innovative, solution-based product design and development, while also analyzing customer insights and market trends to identify opportunities for growth.

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 meet 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 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.

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
• Flexible work options including remote work on Fridays
• Comprehensive benefits package