Apparel Design |amp| Merchandising Director

Job highlights
Identified by Google from the original job post
Qualifications
10+ years’ experience in Apparel Design
Strong merchandising background especially for the Southeastern US market
A longstanding passion for fishing
Strong knowledge of costing, fitting, grading, construction and technologies relevant to performance apparel is necessary
Advanced knowledge of technical outerwear a huge plus
Strong understanding of design, development and merchandising process from inception through production
Strong organizational skills are a must
Self-starter, team player, strong follow up skills, and sense of urgency
Must be deadline oriented
Strong computer skills in Adobe Creative Suite
Benefits
Generous 401(K) Profit-Sharing Plan
Health, Dental, Vision, Accident, FSA and Dependent FSA plans
Company-Covered Life Insurance
Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time Paid Holidays
Casual dress year-round
Employee Discount on Products
Holiday Gift Giveaways
Responsibilities
The role of Design Director will be responsible for creative and color direction portion of the AFTCO and Marsh Wear product lines, as well as designing of all soft goods categories, along with the design team
This position will work closely with the President of AFTCO and VP of Marsh Wear Clothing to create brand appropriate apparel
The ideal candidate will be an angler who works well in a collaborative atmosphere, while being driven to innovate
This position reports to the VP of Product
Drive the seasonal merchandising plans for AFTCO and Marsh Wear
Create seasonal mood and vibe briefs as well as color stories for each brand
Work with and direct the design team in creating styles to fill line plan needs through a combination of market research, sales history, team feedback, and individual inspiration, in order to continually elevate product form, function, and viability
Be a leading force in the advancement of the AFTCO apparel brand both visually and technically
Direct Product Development team in the sourcing of all fabric, materials, and embellishments for each specific product design, being mindful of price points and product tiering
Work as the leading contributor of the product design team to manage and meet apparel design deadlines
Work with the Development team to ensure achievement of intended design
This includes approval of colors dips and strike offs, fabrics, and proto fit and construction through the PPS stage
Work with Marketing Team members to help drive brand storytelling
Create technical packages for all new styles
Communicate and direct packaging needs through the Marketing department
Lead development progress meetings on a bi-monthly basis
Attend and present product for sales meetings and sales calls with major customers
Attend tradeshows and meet with vendors and customers for market research and to identify viable trends
Conduct seasonal product analysis against competitive brands to ensure AFTCO continues to offer product that utilizes world class material, construction, fit and performance
Job description
The role of Design Director will be responsible for creative and color direction portion of the AFTCO and Marsh Wear product lines, as well as designing of all soft goods categories, along with the design team. This position will work closely with the President of AFTCO and VP of Marsh Wear Clothing to create brand appropriate apparel. The ideal candidate will be an angler who works well in a collaborative atmosphere, while being driven to innovate. This position reports to the VP of Product.

Responsibilities:
• Drive the seasonal merchandising plans for AFTCO and Marsh Wear.
• Create seasonal mood and vibe briefs as well as color stories for each brand.
• Work with and direct the design team in creating styles to fill line plan needs through a combination of market research, sales history, team feedback, and individual inspiration, in order to continually elevate product form, function, and viability.
• Be a leading force in the advancement of the AFTCO apparel brand both visually and technically.
• Direct Product Development team in the sourcing of all fabric, materials, and embellishments for each specific product design, being mindful of price points and product tiering.
• Work as the leading contributor of the product design team to manage and meet apparel design deadlines. Work with the Development team to ensure achievement of intended design. This includes approval of colors dips and strike offs, fabrics, and proto fit and construction through the PPS stage.
• Work with Marketing Team members to help drive brand storytelling.
• Create technical packages for all new styles.
• Communicate and direct packaging needs through the Marketing department.
• Lead development progress meetings on a bi-monthly basis.
• Attend and present product for sales meetings and sales calls with major customers.
• Attend tradeshows and meet with vendors and customers for market research and to identify viable trends.
• Conduct seasonal product analysis against competitive brands to ensure AFTCO continues to offer product that utilizes world class material, construction, fit and performance.

Job Requirements:
• 10+ years’ experience in Apparel Design.
• Strong merchandising background especially for the Southeastern US market.
• A longstanding passion for fishing.
• Strong knowledge of costing, fitting, grading, construction and technologies relevant to performance apparel is necessary.
• Advanced knowledge of technical outerwear a huge plus.
• Strong understanding of design, development and merchandising process from inception through production.
• Strong organizational skills are a must.
• Self-starter, team player, strong follow up skills, and sense of urgency. Must be deadline oriented.
• Strong computer skills in Adobe Creative Suite.

Our Family Community-friendly work environment includes:
• Generous 401(K) Profit-Sharing Plan
• Health, Dental, Vision, Accident, FSA and Dependent FSA plans
• Company-Covered Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time Paid Holidays
• Casual dress year-round
• Employee Discount on Products
• Holiday Gift Giveaways

About AFTCO MFG CO, INC:

AFTCO is a constantly growing apparel company in the fishing and outdoor industry with a legacy of USA-made hardgoods. From the freezing temperatures in Michigan’s upper peninsula, to the blazing humidity of summer in Costa Rica, our products are built to handle the extreme. We believe in producing products that are built to last, balanced against the preferences of a primarily Southeast and Midwest customer. AFTCO stresses fabric selection for optimal performance, lasting construction, and subtle design cues over fashion preferences. We are not a fashion company.

We have been in business 61 years. We are a third generation, family-owned and operated business that believes deeply in the long-term. We do not focus on big box retail, but instead on organic long-lasting growth through key independent retailers and our direct-to-consumer efforts. In a world where private equity gobbles up brands to mass produce cheaply built goods, we are the exception to the rule. We are looking for an individual who shares our long-term thought process. Read more