Associate Product Designer

Implus Footcare, LLC is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement 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 Balega, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect, Sport-Brella, DryGuy, SKLZ, RockTape, Sof Sole, Stabil, Spenco, Yaktrax, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Forcefield. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 80,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.

At Implus we are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking an Associate Product Designer who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Great Associate Product Designers are actively developing a strong trend instinct and learning to balance business needs with target consumer preferences. In this role, you must be a proactive team player ready to operate successfully within a fast-paced, dynamic environment—embracing change and responding to challenges with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset. This position is hybrid, with fluctuating in-office days based on business needs.

Essential Job Function:

TREND + RESEARCH + INNOVATION

Conduct regular research of trends: silhouettes, colors, yarns, patterns, etc.

Maintain inspirational tears and utilize creative formats to explain vision for range direction

Continuously provides SWOT analysis of market

Assist in building of strategic thinking for product strategies to create assortments with retailer adoptions and align with private label and branded DNA

Execute color palette strategy based on guidance from senior designers with attention to detail and collaborate with cross functional team on how to incorporate based on market and selling trends.

Review sell in and sell out data to understand market performance and support future design ideation

Understand translation of all research into sock specific categories

CAD AND CREATIVE DESIGN

Create all products via Adobe Illustrator and Creative Cloud Programs

Executes accurate CAD creation and development

Executes Design requests to reinforce business strategies and creative principles

Assists in chasing new rapid business opportunities

Assist in the creation of compelling presentations, palettes, and seasonal trend concepts

Sketch and make clear detailed construction pages

Identify and understand all features and knitting techniques on CADs

Attentively check CADs for details and accuracy

TECHNICAL DESIGN

Work with Product Developers to ensure products are executed to the CAD

Understanding of hosiery and/or knit constructions

Checks sock samples to CAD for accuracy

Execute construction details while learning and executing cost targets

Constructing socks to the reflect relevant features for the category

Ability to translate technical details of sock into CAD designs

Collaborate with Design, PD, and Merchandising in resolving product issues

Prepare 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

Assist in day-to-day projects and help maintain organization for the design team

Effectively communicate with design team and occasionally external partners

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.

Maintain updated digital files (roadmaps, handoff documents, and CAD files)

Support all work through thoughtful reasoning

Maintain active role in meetings with detailed notes and following up on issues

Maintain Color and Yarn Standard Library

Organize Market Samples and Lab Dips

Advocate for accurate design execution and participate actively in working meetings

Develop strong relationships with a collaborative attitude

Actively participates in and supports collaborative efforts amongst the design team and cross-functional partners

PRESENTATIONS

Collaborate on compelling design presentations that clearly communicate concept vision

Assist in preparation of seasonal presentation materials.

Prepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks

Develop presentation skills

Present trends and design-centric materials internally, while observing and supporting external presentations to develop skills

Other Functions:

Prepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks.

Develop presentation skills

Present trends and design centric materials for internal & external community

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

TIME MANAGEMENT

Manage numerous projects and adapt to shifting priorities

Thrives in a fast-paced environment

Ability to follow through on multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy.

Proven ability to plan and meet deadlines within a product development calendar

Resourceful, creative, and efficient when faced with overlapping priorities

CREATIVITY

Express a strong design point of view and apply it to execute the overarching product direction

Exceptional taste level with a commercial fashion eye and detail in product styling/performance

Be inspired by surroundings and everyday living to form new concepts/solutions

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Holistic understanding of all retailers and regions around world

Full immersion in current production and samples for all sock categories

Understand the basics of the production process as it relates to the classification.

Learn strategic process to understand goals of development and concepts.

ADAPTABILITY

Flexible attitude

Operates well in feedback culture

Enjoys creative and strategic problem solving

Embraces change with ability to pivot based on ever changing market

Self-starter who takes initiative and incorporates new ideas quickly.

Respond to challenges with innovative, and cost-effective design solutions

Adaptable to company structure, responsibilities, and core values

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum 3 years work experience, preferably in the fashion and/or consumer soft-goods accessories space in either a corporate or consultancy environment

Extraordinary Adobe Illustrator and visual communication skills

Exceptional sense of color, “on-trend” patterns, typography, form, scale and proportion

Outstanding Photo editing & retouching skills

Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign & Creative Suite to document product & graphic designs, create tech-packs and/or sales related visuals as required

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Problem solver and is detail oriented

Familiar with Microsoft Office

MAC and/or PC system knowledge required

Education & Experience:

A bachelor's degree in a related field of study OR a combination of education & experience will be considered.

Relevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

Observe/Identify: The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and vendors.

Operate: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.

Stationary position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50- 75% of the time.

Mobility: Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.

Predictable attendance on site

Communicate: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Move/Transport: Ability to occasionally move boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. across office for various needs with or without accommodations

Exposed: Standard climate-controlled office setting

Occasional exposure to open air, warehouse setting

Predictable attendance on site

Using MAC computer, Keyboard, and monitor

Work has deadlines, multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times