Reef Senior Designer Job in Carlsbad 92008, California US
The Senior Footwear Designer position is responsible for designing world-leading product that supports Reef's position as the premium global brand. This role collaborates with other designers to carry-out the department design strategy through briefs, calendars, costing, etc.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Design world-leading footwear product that supports Reef's position as a premium global brand. Build competitive product in terms of comfort, styling, and pricing while achieving target margins. Create innovative concepts on a regular basis that equate to a higher revenue stream and increased marketshare. Work closely with Director to develop product that fulfills seasonal briefs and achieves annual department strategies and goals. Develop product designs by consumer segment and distribution channel, insuring designs exude Reef DNA and fulfill each target consumer by category.
2. Design each style to include factory ready technical drawings, raw material and hardware requirements, and any required mold drawings. Provide knowledge of materials for each style and work with developers to meet material minimum requirements. Meet all design calendar deadlines outlined at the beginning of each season. Present designs at design and color reviews; clearly and concisely describe designs and readjust them based on feedback provided at those meetings.
3. Coordinate with Product Development Department to insure development of all rounds of samples. Review product specifications with development prior to sending to factories. Review samples and feedback from factory and provide corrections to ensure sample development is completed within the calendar timeline. Assure product has the correct fit, finish, and raw materials.
4. Partner with designers to create seasonal trend direction and color palette. Research trends and filter them as they relate to target consumer and the Reef DNA. Interpret trends through materials, construction, and colorways. Work with designers to create a seasonal trend packet that's distributed at product meetings.
5. Accountable for target margins set for each category. Must be actively involved in costing process during product development process to insure gross margin targets are met, allowing for reverse engineering to hit target costs. Provide suggestions after receiving factory costs to meet target margin. Designers are accountable for delivering compelling product while also achieving fiscal performance outlined in the financial plan.
Education/Experience: Years of Related Professional Experience: 6+ years experience in the footwear industry, preferable Action Sports.
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from a four-year college - or 6 years related experience and/or training - or equivalent combination of education and experiencePersonal knowledge of trends, competition, pricing and model strategies of the company's main competitors.Extensive experience designing product, preferably for the action sports market, either directly or in working with a design team.Experience managing various sources, including elements of design, development and manufacturing.Proven team member with strong record of leading and growing a business unit.
Skills: Strong interpersonal skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Detail oriented and able to multi task
Leadership skills
Proficient Computer skills, Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Photoshop and
ability to create concepts through freehand
Ability to work independently and acquire new knowledge as necessary for tasks
or projects
Ability to manage multiple projects, set goals, and prioritize tasks
Special Requirements: Travel required - approximately 10-15% - international and domestic
Willing and able to work additional hours when needed
Bend, lift, open and move product and related office items varying in weight
from 1 to 25lbs, depending on need
Additional Information:
- Travel Percentage: 5%