Product Designer
Implus - Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27703Work at Implus
Overview
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Overview
Job LocationNC - Durham, NC
Position TypeFull-time
Job ShiftTraditional (Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm)
Description
Implus Footcare, LLC
is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in fitness, outdoor, sporting goods and footcare product categories.
Implus
is headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Sof Sole, Yaktrax, apara, airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect Fitness, Balega, Penguin, DryGuy, Spenco, Force Field, FuelBelt, Stabil, SKLZ, and Rock Tape. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 75,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.
POSITION SUMMARY:
WHO ARE WE?
We are the Sock Squad! A fast-paced, energetic product team fueled by innovation, collaboration, and creativity! The company is ambitious,growth-oriented and private-equity backed. Implus has a commitment to diversity and inclusion, led by the CEO, and welcomes applicants, dialogue, and perspectives from all backgrounds.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
The Product Designer is responsible for the strategy and creation of products through CADs and product-related materials across a broad category range. They continuously research the market to identify innovative concepts and revenue opportunities. They also work closely with cross-functional partners within Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales to grow each category. Great Product Designers have a strong trend instinct and the ability to balance the needs of the business with target consumer trends. In this role, you must be a self-starter and ready to operate successfully within a dynamic environment; the business changes often, and we rise to meet those changes and challenges positively.
Primary Responsibilities:
TREND + RESEARCH + INNOVATIONConduct regular research of trends: silhouettes, colors, yarns, patterns, etc.Translate macro trends to align with retailer base to elevate the line offering while meeting aesthetic and fiscal goals.Thoughtfully drive product strategies to create assortments with retailer adoptions and align with private label and branded DNACollaborate on color palette strategy with attention to detail and how to incorporate based on market and selling trends.Analyze sell in and sell out to optimize future directionUnderstand translation of all research into sock specific categoriesCAD AND CREATIVE DESIGN
Create all products via Adobe Illustrator and Creative Cloud ProgramsAbility to design in 1D with a vision of 3D execution in mindCreate compelling presentations, palettes, and seasonal trend concepts for each category according to buy in and emerging trends for target consumersSketch and make clear detailed construction pagesIdentify and understand all features and knitting techniques on CADsAttentively check CADs for details and accuracyTECHNICAL DESIGN
Work with Product Developers to ensure products are executed to the CADUnderstanding of hosiery and/or knit constructionsExecute construction details keeping cost targets in mindAbility to translate technical details of sock into CAD designsCollaborate with PD, and Merchandising in resolving production challengesPrepare development packages and participate in all communication and follow up related to each package in partnership with Product Development and Merchandising.Reviewing all samples for aesthetic and construction precision.COMMUNICATION/ORGANIZATION
Ability to maintain open communication with cross-functional teams while managing priorities on multiple projects and follow up as needed.Conceptualize and visually communicate with team on designs both in person and digitally in a hybrid work environment.Strong comprehension of written direction and feedbackMaintain updated digital files (roadmaps, handoff documents, and CAD files)Support all work through thoughtful reasoningChampion product design excellence in working meetings and formal presentationsDevelop strong relationships with a collaborative attitudePrimary Responsibilities continued:
PRESENTATIONS
Create compelling design presentations that clearly communicate the concept vision.Elevate the aesthetic of presentation materials for internal and external needsPrepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks.Hone confident and persuasive story telling skills to present creative vision for internal and external meetings.Present trends and design-centric materials in retailer meetings.Key Skills:
TIME MANAGEMENT
Manage numerous projects and adapt to shifting prioritiesThrives in a fast-paced environmentAbility to follow through on multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy.Proven ability to plan and meet deadlines within a product development calendarResourceful, creative, and efficient when faced with overlapping prioritiesCREATIVITY
Create, express, and apply design point of view to guide product directionExceptional taste level with a commercial fashion eye and detail in product styling/performanceBe inspired by surroundings and everyday living to form new concepts/solutions.GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Holistic understanding of all retailers and regions around worldFull immersion in current production and samples for all sock categoriesUnderstand the basics of the production process as it relates to the classification.Learn strategic process to understand goals of development and concepts.ADAPTABILITY
Flexible attitudeOperates well in feedback culture from multiple sourcesEnjoys creative and strategic problem-solvingEmbraces change with ability to pivot based on ever changing marketSelf-starter who takes initiative and incorporates new ideas quickly.Respond to challenges with innovative, and cost-effective design solutionsAdaptable to company structure, responsibilities, and core valueDesired Skills and Experience:
3+ years of experienceAdvanced Illustrator Skills with experience in relation to TextilesAbility to translate internal and external design feedbackStrong sense of fashion, style, color, and conceptual skillsEntrepreneurial Mindset with a disposition to challenge the status quo to improve processes and reduce complexityExcellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.Multi-tasking orientation - working on multiple projects at once with shifting prioritiesMust have a Portfolio.Education and Certifications:
A Bachelor's degree in a related field of study or equivalent years of experience.
Minimum Physical and Environmental Requirements:
Visual Abilities: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, read reports, create presentations and use a computer system.Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, vendors, and students.Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.Mobility: Open files and operate office machines; move between departments and attend meetings.Talking: Frequently convey detailed or important instructions and ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.Lifting, Pulling, Pushing: Exert up to 50 pounds for force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.Hybrid on site attendanceUsing a MAC computer keyboard and monitor25 pounds. with or without reasonable accommodationWork has deadlines, multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times.Work may require occasional travelStandard climate-controlled office settingOccasional exposure to open air, warehouse setting
Implus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.