Assistant Color and Materials Designer, Footwear - US Sports

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

To assist in designing industry leading executions of footwear and/or apparel through color and materials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

CREATIVE DIRECTION

Continuously aware and directs a team(s) on information needed to design a consumer and brand relevant BU collection. Should include all possible sources to gain this information:

• Trade fairs, cultural events, and sporting events, athlete insights

• Trade publications, general interest press, trend services, fashion and sportswear magazines and websites

• Store checks, market visits, and team travel as provided

• Relevant forecast and sell-through numbers from our Marketing counterparts

Assists a team in seasonal and long-term design direction for their category within the following topics:

• Footwear and/or Apparel Color

• Footwear and/or Apparel Materials

Contributes to design direction by, but not limited to:

• Assisting in trend forecasting content relevant to our consumers and brand

Works closely with members of the category’s design team. This includes but is not limited to:

• Providing color and material content and direction
• Collaboration and critiquing

PRODUCT EXECUTION

Assists in designing footwear/apparel color and materials executions for inline and/or key account ranges with input from Design, Marketing, and Development. This includes but is not limited to:

• Seasonal prep and research stated above
• Assists in creating color design presentations; both physical and digital.
• Exploratory process to reach final solution
• Creates color CADs and Material Maps & Graphic Maps
• Works closely with Development to assist in development process & costing; meet development timelines and calendar deadlines per seasonal milestone.
• Assists in communication inspiration and storytelling to Marketing

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Design, Product Marketing, Brand Comms, Development, Creative Direction, and Creation Center Portland, other Sport Categories

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Computer Skills
  • Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
  • Power Point/Key Note
  • Apple Mac operating systems
  • 3D systems beneficial, but not required
• Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually
• Ability to creative designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities
• Ability to operate in a fast pace, ever changing work environment 
• Works well in a team environment. This position requires employee to engage with many stakeholders, as well as manage various information and relationships
• Ability and desire to push themselves, others, and the brand forward.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with key business partners
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four year college or university degree in industrial, graphic, apparel, or footwear design
• Thorough knowledge of art and design with clear understanding of visual design or any design related environment
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree

PREFERRED TRAITS

• Passion for movement, sport, and culture
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach