About the Role
We are seeking a visionary Head of Design to lead our outdoor apparel and gear design team. This role requires deep expertise in outdoor performance products, a strong background in merchandising & product strategy, and a robust network of technical fabric suppliers. The ideal candidate will drive innovation in design while ensuring commercial viability, aligning with brand ethos and market trends.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design Leadership & Creative Direction
- Lead the end-to-end design process for outdoor apparel and accessories, ensuring performance, functionality, and aesthetic excellence.
- Define and execute seasonal design concepts, mood boards, color palettes, and material strategies aligned with brand DNA and market trends.
- Oversee prototyping, fittings, and tech packs, ensuring designs meet technical and durability standards for outdoor use.
2. Product Strategy
- Manager the product development teams to build a balanced, market-driven product assortment.
- Develop SKU plans, pricing strategies, and margin optimization to meet business objectives.
- Analyze sell-through data, competitor products, and consumer insights to refine future collections.
3. Technical Expertise & Fabric Innovation
- Deep knowledge of high-performance outdoor fabrics (e.g., Gore-Tex, Polartec, Pertex, Dyneema, Cordura) and their applications.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships for cutting-edge materials, trims, and manufacturing techniques.
- Drive sustainability initiatives (e.g., recycled fabrics, PFC-free treatments, circular design).
4. Team & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Manage and mentor a design & product development team, fostering creativity and efficiency.
- Partner with marketing, sourcing, and sales to ensure cohesive product storytelling and go-to-market execution.
- Represent design in key business decisions, including brand collaborations and outdoor industry partnerships.
Qualifications & Experience
- 8+ years in outdoor/performance apparel design, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Proven track record in designing technical outerwear, hiking gear, or mountaineering apparel.
- Strong merchandising & product planning experience, with a commercial mindset.
- Extensive fabric knowledge and relationships with specialty mills & suppliers.
- Experience with sustainable design practices in outdoor wear is a plus.
- Portfolio required showcasing outdoor/performance-focused designs.
