[Hiring] Apparel and Color Designer I @Stio

Role Description

The Apparel Designer I supports Design team initiatives across Product, Color, and Merchandising Design for outerwear and sportswear apparel and accessories, adult and kids. This role keeps the design process efficient and organized, working cross-functionally from concept through execution. The Designer I conducts inspiration research and trend analysis to inform seasonal creative direction and color R&D. They support early-season ideation through sketch and tech pack execution, partnering with stakeholders to align with line planning and merchandising needs. This role also manages design documentation and files to ensure accuracy across teams. Clear communication is key: the Designer I shares concepts, themes, and aesthetics with Product Development and cross-functional partners throughout the product lifecycle. Ultimately, they help bring the brand's design philosophy to life — creating products with high-quality fit, function, form, and fabric rooted in an authentic mountain lifestyle.

Responsibilities

• Utilize trend services and participate in industry trade shows and outdoor activities to stay current and protect the brand aesthetic.
• Research emerging trends to inform early-season color and concept work.
• Support seasonal color R&D through market research and brand knowledge.
• Manage color and design documentation, keeping merchandising and PLM partners informed of key updates.
• Partner with fabric, product development, production teams, and overseas vendors on seasonal color work and sampling.
• Gather visual references (photos, reports, samples) to support creative direction.
• Manage workload and deliverables against seasonal timeline and key go-to-market (GTM) dates.
• Identify new findings, trims, and accessories to support product end use and retail detail.
• Support seasonal print layout direction for clear merchandising and storytelling.
• Manage print assets and artwork setup.
• Partner with the Materials Manager to align prints and yarn dyes with seasonal color direction.
• Assist Senior Color Designer and Design management with seasonal logo/graphics inspiration and artwork contractor follow-up.
• Design accessories/logowear through the full product lifecycle.
• Manage multiple projects at once, prioritizing by stakeholder and importance.
• Push design vision forward with proactive input, staying true to brand mission and values.
• Understanding of AI and 3D Design tools a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in creative design.
• Portfolio recommended.
• 3+ years professional design experience.
• Participated in the complete product lifecycle.
• Execution of merchandising strategy.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

Requirements

• Must be able to work in a stationary position 75% of the work day.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental Vision plans.
• Company Paid Long Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Programs.
• 401k with Match.
• Generous paid time off policies.
• Gear test, perks and more.