Director, Product Design (Footwear)

Vessi is a category-defining footwear and apparel brand with roots in Vancouver, Canada. At Vessi we know that water is a magical ingredient for happiness and peace, and since 2018, we've been on a mission to welcome the water and share it with the world. That’s why we create 100% waterproof products that make experiencing the magic of water easier and more fun. We also believe in protecting water supply and replenishing fresh water for people who need it most through exciting charity partnerships.

Our community and team are out in the world spreading kindness, cold plunging, cleaning up coasts, and #makingwaves. And more recently with our expansion into omni-channel, we're enabling even more people to experience the magic of water through our products and brand experiences. We've got big plans ahead with more innovative products and expansion into the US market, and we're on the lookout for passionate and driven individuals to join us on this journey.

If you want to be part of a growing brand, and you're the type to walk through a puddle rather than around it, we'll get along just fine!

For more information, visit www.ca.vessi.com. 

Overview 

We are looking for an accomplished Director of Product Design -Footwear, to join us on our growth journey and lead our product design team to bring innovative concepts and designs to life. We are looking for an experienced footwear design expert with an entrepreneurial spirit to work with us and evolve our designs to where we aspire to be. This individual ideally has strong waterproof and technical footwear background with experience and/or appreciation for the casual and athleisure category. This leader will be instrumental in working closely with our design, merchandising, and development teams to deliver world class designs rooted in our functional and casual product DNA.\

Salary Range: $145,000-$165,000

What You’ll Do:

• Work with members of the leadership team to create and execute the vision of footwear, apparel, bag, and accessory design; responsible for leading seasonal and long-term vision for all product categories
• Lead the conceptualization, development, and execution of product design; execute seasonal design concepts with the intent to promote additional designs beyond what is briefed
• Take ownership of the entire design process with an emphasis on functional product design and timely completion of milestones
• Create and present design concepts and documentation for all product categories and business channels (fully DTC currently, wholesale channel needs will develop) 
• Lead and manage our Design team to focus on seasonal concept, silhouette, material, and technology by giving clear directions and empowering the team to be creative and innovative; when needed to, personally sketch, render, and tech pack throughout the design process
• Oversee execution of all product details, including last, construction detail, color, form, style, logo treatment, and trim
• Partner with merchandising, development, supply, brand, and more to build a product strategy to grow our business, categories, and innovations
• Co-create our product creative guideline and oversee the implementation of it in our day-to-day work to ensure the Vessi design DNA is met
• Responsible for ensuring design integrity is met throughout the entire development process from concept to manufacturing
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with leaders from other departments to ensure alignment on objectives and timeline on the GTM calendar
• Set and manage KPIs of the Design team to ensure design timeline, quality, consistency, output, speed to market, and product sell-through once launched
  
  

What We’re Looking For:

• 10 years of experience in footwear design
• Ability to sketch both technical drawings and renderings
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams
• Experience in developing product directly with factories; understanding development from concept through manufacturing
• Technical understanding of waterproof constructions and materialization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Adobe Suite
• Proficiency in PLM and PM tools
• An inspiring and empowering leader and manager who will roll up their sleeves to support the team
  
• Excellent project management and communication skills
  
• Strong understanding of product cycles and factory processes
  
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
  
• An entrepreneurial spirit with a strong sense of innovation and continuous improvement
  
  

It’s a Bonus If You:

• Are fluent in Mandarin
  
  

Assignment:

• Present design portfolio
  
  

Employment Type:

• Full-time
• Permanent
• Located at our Head office - 1085 Homer St #500, Vancouver, BC V6B 1J4. Canada
• Language of Work - English

What You’ll Get: 

• Opportunity to help build an ever-evolving brand 
• Competitive salary
• 3 weeks paid vacation
• Professional development opportunities 
• Extended health benefits package including an EAP and a $500 annual Health & Wellness Spending Account
• $250 WFH Reimbursement
• $1000 per year Education Reimbursement 
• 40% Family & Friends Discount
• Free Vessi product and 50% Employee Discount 
• Flexibility to WFH and from our beautiful office two days/week 
• Dog-friendly office
  
  

At Vessi, we are committed to creating an environment where all team members feel welcome and have the opportunity to succeed. We believe that a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion allows us to truly fulfill our mission and live out our core values.  We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives and skillsets to apply.

Salary : $145,000 - $165,000