Director of Design

Description

As Director, Design for PEARL iZUMi, you'll lead a talented design team to create products that combines aesthetic appeal with performance innovation.  You'll collaborate with the VP of Product and your fellow Directors to set strategic direction and establish a clear design vision for the brand including performance and lifestyle, within both apparel and footwear.  Understanding the latest trends in performance apparel, street wear, sportswear and consumer insights will be critical in the success of this role.  You'll understand the importance of PEARL iZUMi brand values and the relationship between different product categories within the brand including lifestyle and performance product. 

The Director, Design is responsible for aligning and instituting aesthetic and technical design positioning, direction, and execution for all segments of PEARL iZUMi globally, aligned with the brand, consumer needs and business priorities.  In addition, you'll influence key strategic (internal and external) partners to understand the importance of exceptional design.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the design direction for the brand across categories and ensure collaboration and effective/consistent execution.
• Responsible for leading the aesthetic and garment engineering direction.
• Responsible for managing multi-level (or overlapping/multi-seasonal) timelines.
• Provide Designers with the training, tools, and spaces to be creative while executing to the brand vision.
• Provide direction for Design Team members regarding design, development, and production.
• Guidance and oversight of the Custom Graphic design team.
• Oversee Advanced Development and Custom group integration into the Design process and product ranges.
• Establish standardized procedures, processes, templates, and requirements for each stage of product creation: research and planning, design, and prototyping.
• Lead, coach, develop, and manage direct reports.  Set standards for expectations and execution.  Create individual development plans and accountability process. 
• Research globally to be inspired and remain relevant.
• Work closely with the merchandising team to better understand what customers are purchasing so that designs remain current and relevant while meeting the needs of the customer.
• Responsible for guiding the graphic direction for all in-line projects.
• Lead internal and external designer(s) for assigned category(s) in creating new products while facilitating the design and development process for apparel projects including in-line, SMU’s (Special Make-up) and advanced projects. 
• Lead the integration of Pattern/Prototype from concept inception into the design process.
• Continuously identify opportunities of improvement in the Design process.  
• Maintain departmental relationships within PEARL iZUMi to ensure that all information required from Design is provided in a timely manner.
• Actively research design industry related journals, seminars, and trade shows to be informed of emerging trends, concepts, ideation, technologies, materials, and construction methods, etc.
• Continually lead in integrating product concept, design, evolution, storytelling, technology, consumer experience, etc. into a larger communication process and vision in the support of other departments.
• Responsible for leading, defining, cohesively communicating, and presenting seasonal Design Language and Trend reporting with design team members.
• Receive seasonal design briefs from PLMs and helped to clarify outstanding questions from design team.
• Define allocation of Briefed Styles to be designed seasonally.
• Responsible for outlining and leading concept meetings and Design Reviews.
• Ensure all new designs are commercially viable in regard to prototyping and construction, bulk production, and cost.

POSITION SPECIFICS:

• This is a full-time position.
• Typical work hours and days are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This position is based out of the Broomfield, CO office but eligible to work remote from time to time. 
• This position is expected to travel approximately 15%

Pay Transparency

• The Company is committed to fair, equitable, and transparent compensation. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as your relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.
• The salary range for this role in Broomfield, CO is $150,000 – $200,000.
• In addition, you may be eligible for additional compensation, such as a bonus. Employees may also be eligible for a wide range of other benefits, including health & wellness benefits, retirement, time off, employee discounts, and others.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design and Production or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years of experience in apparel design, industrial design, innovation and strategy.  Experience in the cycling/outdoor apparel and/or footwear industry preferred.
• 5 years of demonstrated leadership and people management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, streamline processes, foster cohesion and provide motivation and inspiration among designers.
• Strong fashion sense with the ability to interpret trends in the outdoor, cycling, and fashion industries. 
• Must be 100% proficient in design programs such as, Adobe Illustrator, In-Design, Photoshop with the use of a Macintosh and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to design on a 3D model.  Strong knowledge in garment techniques, material development, and production life cycle.
• Proven understanding of cost engineering. 
• Engineering experience with lycra or garments made fit to a body in motion preferred.
• Experience working with multiple high-end materials.
• Performs detail design/product modeling/product development information.
• Honest, dependable team player with strong communication skills and the ability to work under extremely tight deadlines.  Full understanding of sublimation design and execution process.
• PLM experience desired.
• Overseas factory experience preferred.
• International travel is required.