Designer II - SRT

*This is a hybrid position based out of our corporate office in Portland, Oregon.*

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

The SRT (Special Request Team) Designer II is an intermediate design role responsible for designing new styles and creating technical sketches of assigned apparel and accessory products, by collaborating closely with cross-functional partners. Researches worldwide marketplace and interprets consumer and market needs as they relate to product category - Outerwear, Sportswear and Accessories - . Includes researching fabric, color, trims, and design concepts. Works closely with product development to ensure design integrity, quality, and accuracy are met/maintained and that products are developed within established timelines and may offer creative alternatives to basic design issues that have downstream impacts. In addition, this role is responsible for creating seasonal color CAD books for cross-functional partners including merchandising, catalog/marketing teams, content hub, and the photo studio. In this role, you will have the opportunity to interact with cross-functional partners involved in apparel, surface and graphics design, product merchandising, materials research, manufacturing, and marketing.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Designs and presents new apparel sketches for assigned styles that meet the needs of our consumers resulting in sales and growth for the company. Refines concepts as directed by Design Manager and Merchandising Team. Works with target prices as much as possible and coordinates efforts with Production Engineer to assure most effective results.
• Creates, maintains, and provides accurate apparel and accessory technical illustrations and construction details for more complex product throughout the development season. This includes a higher volume of technical sportswear product and/or outerwear product
• Creates original CAD artwork that is more complex, consisting of color blocking, graphic placement, print, pattern and texture fills, that is production ready for catalog as well as for visual presentations. This includes building seasonal CAD books for internal customers including Merchandising, Design, and Catalog.
• Utilizing discretion and knowledge of the design process from concept to pre-production and garment construction, independently identifies potential design issues that may impact the manufacturing process and proactively develops and presents alternative solutions.
• Accurately chooses and enters all pertinent color information into the Bill of Materials in PDM, including fabric and trim color information, ensuring brand standards are maintained.
• Owns the design lines and details in the style reviews and fit sessions for assigned category, ensures sketches are updated in a timely manner based on feedback received.
• Meets calendar deadlines, ensuring all work objectives and project milestones are met with strong work product output being completed accurately and efficiently. Guides newer team members, as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE

• knowledgeable of apparel design and development; merchandising procedures, product materials, and production techniques
• Knowledgeable of computer design software as well as the talent and ability to perform free hand drawings and an expert in MAC OS work environment with emphasis on accuracy, speed, productivity and attention to detail.
• Excellent eye for detail, including strong sense of color
• An excellent communicator with skills to establish positive working relationships across various levels and fields of expertise.

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor's degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience with course work in apparel design, textile, manufacturing, graphics or related experience.
• Typically requires 3-5 years of work experience in apparel design/development or related field OR equivalent work experience in the apparel industry. Experience with outdoor industry and apparel category preferred
• Requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Solid knowledge of fabrics and trims associated with the development process.
• Solid knowledge of general design process from concept to pre-production and garment construction methods.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, with a focus on Illustrator. Solid skillset in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proactive and resourceful work style. Able to anticipate potential problems and suggest possible solutions to manager.
• Ability to consistently prioritize multiple projects and thrive under pressure to meet strict timelines.
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills; interacts in a professional manner with various levels of management and employees within the organization, as well as vendors and employees worldwide.

#LI-JC1

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

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.