Apparel Designer - Outerwear at Duluth Trading Company

With a solid understanding of the Alaskan Hardgear customer and the outdoor industry, the Senior Design Brand Manager of AKHG will both lead a team committed to success and design product. This senior-level position will manage the design and development of the AKHG woven top and bottoms categories, working closely with technical designers to ensure product construction and functionality supports end use and lead design for the brand. They will maintain and expand upon expert knowledge of market trends through travel and independent research. Leaning on macro trends, new industry innovations, and customer insights will help to guide the team and inform the design process. The Senior Design/Developer will shepherd the process from concept through completion. They will work with cross functional partners to ensure initial product vision and benefits are clearly defined and executed by go live. A key function will be to keep the team energized, organized and up to date on calendar deliverables to ensure all milestones are completed on time. This position will collaborate with creative 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. The Senior Design/Developer has a desire to drive sales through innovative and functional product development and design. This position requires a high-level autonomy and will direct the activities of critical members of the product team in order to drive division growth within the Duluth Trading Company Brand Portfolio. 

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, 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, offer support for skill development, and address any challenges or conflicts that may arise within the team
  
• 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
  
• Work with the material team to develop fabrics, trims, and textile technologies that adhere to the high performance standards of the AKHG brand
  
• Work with the sourcing team to ensure products are produced and brought to market with the specified standards, IMU goals, and innovations
  
• Provide clear direction, goals, and expectations for each designer, while also encouraging autonomy and creativity within their roles
  
• Foster open communication and collaboration among team members to ensure ideas flow freely and projects progress smoothly
  
• Research, analyze and present findings of the competitive marketplace and make recommendations for new product designs, innovations and growth opportunities
  
• Create seasonal color palettes for the AKHG brand
• Manage seasonal designs and development utilizing corporate development calendar
  
• Create key looks for seasonal assortment that are compelling, on-brand, and support merchandising’s buy plans
  
• Proofread product copy and product web pages for product accuracy, appropriateness and compliance
  
• Build all relevant seasonal information in PLM software
  
• Be a product evangelist by creating seasonal product briefs and presenting the line to cross functional teams
  
• Facilitate product demonstrations and product videos when necessary
  
• Engagement with various test and trades panels
• 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 Bachelor’s Degree in product design/development  - Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 12+ years of experience in designing and/or developing apparel
• 5+ years of experience leading a team of designers

• Proven success leading and mentoring team

• 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 woven construction and fabrications with the ability to quickly learn knits and sweaters categories

• 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

• Ability to travel several times per year, both domestically and internationally

• 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

• Ability to travel several times per year, both domestically and internationally

• 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: $90,000 - $125,000/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.

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.