Apparel Product Designer Jobs

SAXX Underwear Co. is looking for an Apparel Product Designer to join the team based at our Portland office location.

This is your opportunity to be part of a globally growing brand in a dynamic work environment. SAXX was ranked #1 men’s boxer brief brand in the USA and listed as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators 2022!

THE APPAREL PRODUCT DESIGNER WILL….

Design new product concepts – both underwear and apparel - to meet the needs of the SAXX consumer, along with developing design concepts including fabrication, style definition, color, and features for review by the Product Creation Team. This role will help guide and define the SAXX brand in the marketplace, resulting in sales and growth for the company.

Output includes product design, tech sketches, color palette development, lab dip approvals, as well as seasonal design direction development and support for review by the Product Creation Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Product Design

• Leverages SAXX's patented technology and fabric innovations to solve consumers’ problems and drive consumer brand passion and loyalty.
• Proactively seeks and interprets feedback from consumers, retailers and sales representatives to influence and inform design concepts.
• Uses creative design skills, trend insights, market research, industry experience, and knowledge of the SAXX consumer and brand positioning, to interpret market and consumer needs, bringing to market trend-right, leading-edge designs, that drive consumer brand passion.
• Working in collaboration and partnership with Product Line Manager, Materials Manager and Design team, and under the direction of the Creative Director, utilizes internal and external design resources effectively to deliver an impactful & cohesive seasonal product line.
• Continuously provides innovative, best-in-class product design solutions that position SAXX as the leader in the technical and fashion underwear and apparel categories and helps to grow the brand into an emerging active lifestyle brand.

Design, Development, and Production

• In partnership with CD, Product Development and Materials, manages seasonal in-house wear testing program, to validate material and design concepts, prior to go-to-market. Responsible for analyzing and presenting findings to the team.
• Provides best-in-class design packages, which include sketches, illustrations of construction details, and multiple product views. Partner with product development to execute effective tech packs and develop best-in-class product stories.
• Actively participates in the color process – partners with CD to build seasonal color direction and palette, as well as colorway development on a style-by-style basis. Manages all lab dip requests, submits & approvals for fabrics, waistbands, and trims, working with Design, Materials, and Development partners. Communicates directly with factory partners.
• Participates in prototype process including attending fit sessions, reviewing samples, and directing revisions as needed throughout the development cycle.

Design Review and Process

• Partners with Creative Director and Design team to execute effective and efficient seasonal meetings. Anticipates and meets all gates and dates of the product calendar.
• Prepares professional-level design review presentations (verbal and visual), presenting in an effective and persuasive manner, to garner input and approval from cross-discipline audience and upper management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to apply these skills in innovative ways that elevate brand excellence.
• Ability to effectively elevate strategic concerns to senior management in a timely and accurate manner.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to trends influencing design in general, and in fashion / active specifically.
• Proven exceptional ability to apply and perform design skills, including drawing/sketching, ideation, color theory, materials and construction knowledge, use of texture, spacing, and scale, visual presentation development, layout, multimedia, and digital.
• Mental ability to conduct complex interpersonal interactions with employees and customers.
• Bachelors' degree in Apparel Design, with minimum 4 years' progressively technically sophisticated experience in product design.
• Ability to multi-task, troubleshoot, design, coordinate and perform special tasks/projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of computer design software as well as the talent and ability to perform free hand drawings.
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment with a high level of adaptability.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Possess thorough knowledge of apparel design and development; merchandising procedures, product materials, construction, and production techniques.
• Capacity and responsibility to make decisions, operate independently and with discretion, and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, ability to author presentations and concepts.
• Must be organized, utilize clear communication and execute on follow-through.
• Proven process ownership and accountability; the candidate can lead the development of the creative through execution.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At SAXX we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace community, so if you’re excited about this role, but your past doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US

• 3 weeks paid vacation.
• Be part of a team of incredibly talented, passionate, and empowered people focused on building and innovating.
• During the COVID 19 pandemic, we learned the majority of our roles are remote-friendly. Although there may be times where it is required or more effective to be in the office for certain meetings or tasks. As the pandemic evolves, we will continue to adjust our working arrangements as necessary.
• We offer profit-sharing retirement savings programs for all employees
• Have your birthday off to celebrate in style.
• Stay fueled with healthy snacks, coffee, and tea.
• Get additional healthcare support through a virtual healthcare platform and a health spending account.
• We offer equitable salaries, a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program to support your well-being.
• Join one of the fastest-growing companies and find opportunities to grow in your own career—offering advancement opportunities for our team members is important to us!
• Make an impact with your work—each person has an equal opportunity to contribute to our goals.
• Four paid days off are dedicated for you to volunteer in your community and to support causes that matter to you most.
• Hang out with the cute and cuddly dogs in our office (Woof!)
• Free products? Yes, please! Every SAXX employee receives an annual $600 credit to treat themselves and the people in their life to our premium products.

TO APPLY…

Please forward your resume and quote Apparel Product Designer in the subject line. No phone calls, please. We appreciate your interest in the role, however; only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview. Thank you for your interest in a career with SAXX.

Please keep tabs on your junk/spam folders. Our emails may end up there and we want to make sure we have the opportunity to connect with you!