Sr Designer - Sportswear

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia, we're as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we're proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: "It's perfect. Now make it better." As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are looking for a Men's Senior Apparel Designer to be an influential team member in the design efforts to create original, function-led, innovative designs reflecting Columbia Sportswear's design ethos. Our products aid in connecting the consumer to their outdoor passions. You should be proficient in your area of design, researching the needs and requirements of the outdoor consumer through trends in the market (color, style, retail), and any other end-use relevant activities. The Design role in this product category requires demonstration of a strong creative point of view through concept, design, development (including style reviews, fit sessions and partnership w/ Tech Design and Development Teams) as well as contribution to Materials, Color, Surface Design and Graphics processes. This role also partners very closely with our Men's Sportswear Merchandising Team.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• SKETCHING / DESIGNING: Provides sketches and line art to communicate full category design concepts, including multiple views and detail sketches as necessary. Sketches are created with the consumer needs in mind. Sketches exceed product brief expectations around pricing, function, and Columbia DNA design aesthetic.
• CONCEPTING / PRESENTATIONS: Helps to facilitate and sometimes lead design concept processes in order to provide design direction and communicate seasonal concepts. Represents design at in-person or online presentations to articulate seasonal concepts.
• COMMUNICATION: Proactively develops and maintains open lines of communication with Merchandising, Materials Research, Product Development, Fit Engineering and Costing partners within the company. Proactively initiates conversation and takes responsibility for ensuring positive and productive working relationships.
• PROTOTYPE PROCESS: Leads in prototype process for assigned category(s), which includes initiating early concept styles to drive seasonal concepts, initiating sample requests by working closely with Technical Designer and Product Developer(s), reviewing samples and directing revisions as needed throughout the development cycle. Actively participates in fit sessions and categorical team meetings as needed to facilitate process, revisions, and finalization of products.
• MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT: Maintains high level of knowledge in materials, textile, components and technologies in marketplace and ability to create new models for enhancing product category. Works closely with Materials Research to define new material areas to research and ways to apply trend.
• MARKET RESEARCH: Firmly comprehends market and competitive landscape. Possesses strong understanding of industry trends in order to gain inspiration and commercially translate to product category. Leads discussion of preseason design regarding seasonal trend application and cross functional collaboration. Presents trends both in and outside of department for cross-functional alignment. Possesses a comprehensive understanding of our target consumer.
• CATEGORY VISION: Leads development of the creative vision for a specified product category.
• INNOVATION: Consistently creates innovative solutions and ensures innovation is a key consideration in majority of designs. Possesses a strong level of risk taking and creativity which translates to brand driving designs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE

• Able to solve complex problems and develop independent, creative solutions based on the evolution of multiple options
• Skilled in explaining complex design problems and can guide the coordination of information to ensure ongoing collaboration and program execution
• Able to work effectively under pressure and maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Excellent in time-management and prioritization while working on multiple projects simultaneously

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor's degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience
• 5-8 years garment design experience in the apparel industry
• Experience with outdoor industry is a plus
• In-depth knowledge of apparel design principles, concepts and theories
• Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator. Adobe CC and Microsoft Office suite knowledge is a plus.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of how the design function integrates within the larger company along with high-level knowledge of the product creation process.

To learn more about our hiring process during COVID-19, click here .

#LI-HS1

Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

At Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. CSC believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.