Reports To: Director, Product Innovation and Learning

Direct Reports: None

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview: The primary focus and function of the Manager of Product Design is to collaborate with the Product & Innovation Teams and contribute to the development and lifecycle of innovative safety apparel products. The Manager of Product Design is responsible for the conceptual design, pattern work, and tech packs, as well as collaborating with the Technical Design & Operations Team to ensure manufacturability.

Essential Job Functions:

1) Product Research & Design

• Research and stay up to date on industry trends and provide recommendations.
• Research and analyze competitive products for design, spec, and fit comparisons.
• Engage with the Sales Team to gather feedback on products, customer needs, and competitive intel.
• Create new design/product concepts based on industry trends and requirements outlined by Product & Innovation Teams.
• Translate design concepts into clear, concise tech packs including sketches, construction details, design features and key measurements.
• Pattern creation: should maximize material utilization, fit, function and the ease of assembly (e.g. drill holes for pocket locations, notches for trim, etc.)
• Assist in evaluation of new materials including comfort, functionality, and manufacturability.
• Provide recommendations for on-garment branding to increase brand awareness and design aesthetic.
• Create & maintain sizing specs through grading and size chart creation.
• Take ownership for final fit and styling based on target customer and industry norms.

2) Product Development & Review

• Evaluate design and fit of existing product line up and recommend improvements.
• Evaluate new & existing products to determine compliance of specs, balance, construction, quality, and fit intent.
• Employ design concepts into functional prototypes.
• Evaluate prototypes/samples for form, fit, functionality, construction, and quality.
• Provide feedback and identify potential risks with cross functional team members.
• Work with Operations to ensure cost targets are met while maintaining product design/vision.
• Work with Product Team to establish appropriate garment labeling requirements (specs, laundering, brandings etc)
• Work with the Product Content Coordinator on entering new product data into various systems and ensure the integrity of the information.

Non-Essential Job Functions: Other duties as assigned

Training: Provided on the job and supplemented with external seminars/classes as needed

Qualifications:

• Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in apparel design or related field.
• Experience: Gerber Accumark (or related CAD system), Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office

Key Competencies:

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high energy and demanding environment required.
• Ability to work and execute within deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledgeable in pattern making and garment construction.
• Strong skills in Adobe Illustrator producing technical sketches.
• Highly self-motivated with a desire to learn and a sense of urgency.
• Robust communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong skills in organization, prioritization, time management and project management.
• Teamwork and customer centric mindset.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve positive results.

Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting or standing at an individual work station, heavy computer work

Working Conditions: Temperature-regulated office environment

EEO Statement: National Safety Apparel provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, ancestry, age, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected group status as defined by law.