Designer - Product Developer - Men's Knits and Sweaters

Company: Duluth Trading Company
Location: Madison
Posted on: September 2, 2024

Job Description:

Position Overview:

To design and develop the Duluth men's knits and sweaters categories. This position will utilize macro trends, new industry innovations, and customer insights to inform the design process. Reporting into the Senior Designer of Men's, you will manage creative process and execute towards the visual language of the brand while sticking to calendar deliverables to ensure all milestones are completed on time. This position will maintain and expand upon expert knowledge of market trends through travel and independent research. Verbally present product ideas and details with clarity. Visualize ideas for products with a high degree of expertise. Ensure efficient process and communication flow between design, sourcing, tech design, and merchandising for all issues regarding the designed products. Ensure proper handover of sketches into development. Main duty is to submit all relevant information needed for the development process such as sketches, detail sketches, fabric and trim indication, artworks, etc. Manage PLM for styles and updates in PLM system through each season. Works closely with technical designers to ensure the product is constructed and functions in way that supports end use. This position will collaborate with sourcing and merchandising teams to support the brand's financial goals. They will create key looks for each season, ensuring the merchandising buy strategies and the creative vision are all factored into total look.

Position Details: Work Environment:

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely from home on Fridays if you prefer.

What You'll Do:

• Drive sales and functionality through innovative, solution based product design and development
• Work with cross functional teams to bring those 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, textile technologies thought the development team that adhere to the high performance standards of the DTC brand
• Build, manage and maintain vendor relationships to ensure products are produced with the 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 creation of seasonal color palettes with Senior Designer
• Manage seasonal designs and development utilizing 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
• Engagement with various test and trades panel
• Participates in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals
• Adopt organizations 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 "can do" people, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, flexibility, continuous improvement, collaboration, creativity and fun What We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design - Equivalent work experience will be considered
  • 5+ years of experience
  • 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, BOM's, and construction images)
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects from concept to completion with time constraints
  • Highly organized and self-motivated with strong ability to multi-task
  • Intermediate Microsoft Office Skills Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks
    
    As we continue to grow Duluth Trading Company and its house of brands, the perks have perked up, too. We've boosted an already impressive benefits package to include: 12-week full-pay parental leave, paid holiday time for the important observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, and more! Why'd we go all out? Because our pursuit of a better way means that when it comes to great talent, better perks are a given.
    
    Compensation Range: $80,000 - $90,000/year
    
    Compensation is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.
    
    The responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all duties inherent in the job. Duluth Trading Company is an equal opportunity employer.
    
    About Duluth Trading Company: Started in 1989, Duluth Trading Company exists to enable hard-working individuals to take on life with their own two hands. Folks that revel in doing it the hard way and celebrate finding a better way. We seek talented individuals who share these beliefs and are excited to further the Duluth Trading legacy with a digital-first mindset, always moving forward and always innovating.
    
    From ingenious Duluth workwear, to comfortably capable Buck Naked Underwear, to outside-embracing AKHG, it's all about the innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a more hands-on way of life.
    
    Top-notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and the shared belief that the go-all-in-and-dig-deep spirit exists with everyone are what sets Duluth Trading Co. apart. We seek talented folks looking to be part of a can-do team that's hellbent on helping the world to gear up, get its hands dirty, and do.
    
    

Keywords: Duluth Trading Company, Madison , Designer - Product Developer - Men's Knits and Sweaters, IT / Software / Systems , Madison, Wisconsin