Director of Apparel Design & Development - Duluth Trading Company

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for crafting exceptional products that truly resonate with customers? We are seeking an experienced Director to join our team, where you will inspire and guide a talented group of designers and developers in creating innovative, solution-driven products across our diverse family of brands. In this dynamic and fast-paced environment, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our company’s vision, rolling out seasonal products that embody our strategic goals and captivate our customers. Step into this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and drive excellence with us! 

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: 

• Assist with production positioning in all Duluth Trading Company channels. 
• Oversee the design process from concept through production, ensuring that each collection meets high standards of quality, creativity, and market relevance.  
• Develop a profound understanding of our customers to pinpoint and address product gaps. Innovate and generate ideas that enhance market share, elevate customer experience, and drive substantial growth. 
• Collaborate closely with sourcing, merchandising, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive and successful product launches.  
• Manage and motivate a diverse team of designers, guiding their growth and development.  
• Oversee hiring, provide constructive feedback, and make strategic decisions to ensure a high-performing and cohesive team. 
• Develop and support seasonal initiatives through strategic category design and development, ensuring they align with relevant market trends and customer needs. 
• In collaboration with the materials team, research and develop Innovative fabrics, trims, and textile technologies that enhance our customers' daily lives while upholding the high standards of the DTC brand. 
• Cultivate strong vendor relationships to guarantee that products meet specified quality and performance standards while being delivered on schedule. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams by delivering product information in a clear, engaging, and strategic manner, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed. 
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of the competitive marketplace, presenting insights and recommendations to drive new product lines, foster innovation, and fuel growth. 
• Proactively anticipate and address potential issues, develop contingency plans, and drive resolutions while ensuring clear and timely communication 
• Create new item tech packs and manage the development calendar in PLM. 
• Act as a product evangelist to build awareness and understanding. 
• Ensuring the department/staff is adhering to company policies and procedures as well as executing any required controls under the company’s SOX 404 and PCI programs.  
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Engagement with various test and trades panels. 
• Develop comprehensive product briefs and coordinate illustration, photography requests, and outfitting needs.
• Lead a team to elevate sales and functionality by spearheading innovative, solution-oriented product design and development. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in apparel, retail, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 10+ years’ experience in apparel design and development. 
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in manager and supervisory roles.
• Prior supervisory experience managing a team. 
• Knowledge of all types of apparel fabrics, trims and performance finishes.
• Proven track record of managing aspects of a successful product through its lifecycle. 
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Detail oriented with the ability to understand and present the big picture. 
• Mastery with the Adobe Suite, PLM, and Excel. 
• Ability to travel several times a year both domestically and internationally. 

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: $125,000 - $145,000/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.