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Advanced Concept Designer
Athleta
San Francisco, CA, United States
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We are looking for an individual with a background in technical performance apparel design and an entrepreneurial spirit to own ideation, product development and initial management of advanced concept performance products. This position will also be responsible for developing new product categories, managing them through the product-testing phase.
The Advanced Concept Designer will report into the VP, Innovation, and will interface with Fabric R&D, Gap International Sourcing (GIS), cross brand design communities, chemical and fiber textile engineers, external vendors and mills and other outside research institutes to actively advance the development of new product ideas or categories.
Essential Job Functions
What you will do!
• Develop and launch products to pass to Brand Design Teams for finalization and commercialization
• Lead concept and brainstorming sessions with cross-functional and Brand teams
• Design and create prototypes as needed for ideation
• Work collaboratively with the VP, Innovation and GM, Innovation to create concepts and briefs for projects that develop category growth opportunities for Brands, while solving needs of athletes.
• Own sketch, tech-pack & fit of initial product
• Own BoM updates until passed to core team at in-season pipeline: sketch alignment or adoption as needed
• Manage relationship with the Art department to develop special trims, art or novelty needed
• Ensure advanced product can be scaled across Gap Inc.’s portfolio of brands
• Support costing goals for all Brands
How you will do it!
• Provide research and benchmarking for relevant market innovation
• Facilitate brainstorms and develop project ideas based on Brand needs
• Develop Concept Briefs and project outline for development with external partners
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to prioritize projects
• Develop a unique calendar for each project
• Liaise with stores, brand ambassadors and customers to create "innovation champions"
• Partner with Marketing and Consumer Insights teams to gain an intimate understanding of our core consumer
• Capture relative product development notes for design and marketing
• Possess a working knowledge of design and utility intellectual patents and trademarks
• Leverage technology, material and product exclusivity by partnering with legal experts to ensure that we have the proper patent agreements in place
• BA/BS degree; MBA or advanced degree is preferred
• 10+ years' total experience in apparel design, pattern making, textile science, product development, R&D/Innovation, management consulting or related fields
• 4+ years of management experience preferred
• Advanced knowledge of the apparel development process from inception through production
• Prior experience in Performance innovation, design or product creation a strong plus
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and own multiple projects at once
• Proven success in ambiguous and fast paced environments
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong problem solving skills