Job Description

Overview The Softgoods Designer is responsible to concept, create and refine compelling designs for hike, backpack and camp and collections that are inspired, meaningful and brand right. This includes research of trend at macro, industry and competitive levels, combined with knowledge gained from consumer insights to inform design process. The Designer will actively ideate and refine ideas to form a design point of view and reach creative solutions for seasonal product designs for packs, travel, sleeping bags and tents. Through the process they will have greater product responsibility and work closely with design partners, materials and development to define all aspects of product design direction. They will be a key partner within the overall design team, with expectation to advance peer and overall team achievements. They will collaborate with partners across REI and overall supply chain to ensure design vision and intent is delivered to REI’s members. Responsibilities and Qualifications Discover, share and apply insights from trend, market, field use, and consumer behavior. Possess understanding of activities and consumers. Seeks to gain understanding of future consumers Collaborate with Brand Management team to influence line plan and product brief direction Design seasonal and longer range product lines targeting goals and criteria defined in planning process Partner with Materials Team to identify specific fabric direction for each product including performance, sustainability, and aesthetic characteristics Ideate to explore, create, and stretch direction for form, function, materials and color for assigned styles Partner with Design Insights and Testing teams to understand consumer and product end use performance Refine concept direction and document design direction in form of specifications to inform prototype process Work closely with Development and Factory partners through an iterative prototyping process to reach proof of concept and design hand-off Collaborate with creative, operations and merchant teams to support the goals of the brand Champion product design excellence in working meetings and formal presentations Qualifications 1+ years prior experience in product design/development, BFA in Industrial Design, related degree and relevant industry experience may be considered Proven ability to create, express, and apply design point of view to guide product direction and deliver compelling products Demonstrated behavior to be curious, challenge the status quo, and create continuous design advancement for product and the team overall Ability to gather, express, and apply market trends to guide design direction Skills to express and develop design thinking with prolific and proficient ideation sketching process Skills to advance ideation process using physical prototypes to explore and prove out concepts Computer proficiency: Adobe Design Standard, 3D CAD (Rhino, or Solid works) and rendering desired, All office tools Compelling presentation skills across visual, written, and verbal forms to express design thought Affinity to leading within a team environment to inspire and critique each other to deliver better results Working knowledge of broad materials and manufacturing process-with ability to research and apply new learnings as required, specialized knowledge in relevant category preferred Proven ability to plan and meet deadlines within a product development calendar Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve positive results Closing At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn. Pay Transparency We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors. REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here ( for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile. Pay Range $72,900.00 - $95,000.00 per year

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