Senior Designer Product Developer - AKHG Woven Top and Bottoms

$90,000 - $125,000/Yr

Duluth Trading Company - Blue Mounds, WI

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Blue Mounds, WI

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

About the position

The Senior Design Brand Manager of AKHG at Duluth Trading Company is a pivotal role that combines leadership, creativity, and a deep understanding of the outdoor industry and the Alaskan Hardgear customer. This senior-level position is responsible for managing the design and development of the AKHG woven top and bottoms categories. The individual will work closely with technical designers to ensure that product construction and functionality align with end-use requirements. The role requires maintaining and expanding expert knowledge of market trends through travel and independent research, leveraging macro trends, industry innovations, and customer insights to guide the design process. The Senior Design/Developer will oversee the entire process from concept to completion, collaborating with cross-functional partners to ensure that the initial product vision and benefits are clearly defined and executed by the go-live date. In addition to driving sales through innovative product design, the Senior Design/Developer will manage and inspire a small team of designers, providing constructive feedback and support for skill development. The role involves analyzing customer insights, market sales, styles, and industry trends to identify growth opportunities. The individual will work with the material team to develop high-performance fabrics and trims, ensuring that products meet specified standards and goals. Clear direction and expectations will be provided to each designer, fostering an environment of autonomy and creativity. The Senior Design/Developer will also be responsible for creating seasonal color palettes, managing seasonal designs, and ensuring that all product information is accurate and compliant. The work environment at Duluth Trading Company emphasizes face-to-face interactions that promote learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at the company headquarters near Madison, WI, with a hybrid work model that allows for remote work on Fridays. The Senior Design/Developer will play a crucial role in contributing to a positive work environment by embodying the company's values and influencing others to prioritize performance, accountability, diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales and functionality through innovative, outdoor-specific product design and development.
• Manage and inspire a small team of designers to deliver a cohesive product message to the AKHG customer.
• Regularly review and provide constructive feedback on designs, offering support for skill development and addressing challenges within the team.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the material team to develop fabrics, trims, and textile technologies that meet AKHG's high-performance standards.
• Coordinate with the sourcing team to ensure products are produced and brought to market with specified standards and innovations.
• Provide clear direction, goals, and expectations for each designer while encouraging autonomy and creativity.
• Foster open communication and collaboration among team members to ensure smooth project progress.
• Research, analyze, and present findings on the competitive marketplace, making recommendations for new product designs and growth opportunities.
• Create seasonal color palettes for the AKHG brand and manage seasonal designs utilizing the corporate development calendar.
• Develop key looks for seasonal assortments that are compelling and support merchandising's buy plans.
• Proofread product copy and web pages for accuracy and compliance.
• Build all relevant seasonal information in PLM software and create seasonal product briefs for cross-functional teams.
• Facilitate product demonstrations and videos as necessary.
• Engage with various test and trades panels and participate in team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in product design/development or equivalent work experience.
• 12+ years of experience in designing and/or developing apparel.
• 5+ years of experience leading a team of designers.
• Proven success in leading and mentoring a team.
• Experience working closely with cross-functional partners.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Mastery level skills in Adobe Illustrator.
• Expertise in woven construction and fabrications, with the ability to learn knits and sweaters categories quickly.
• 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 multitasking abilities.
• Ability to travel several times per year, both domestically and internationally.
• 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 including health insurance and retirement plans.