Apparel & Accessories Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Apparel & Accessories Product Designer Company: Mons Royale Location: Wānaka, Otago Region, New Zealand Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Apparel Design Date Posted: 2025-10-21 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design and development for apparel and accessories collections that embody the Mons Royale brand identity and meet rigorous consumer needs.
• Conduct comprehensive trend forecasting, identifying opportunities in outdoor, fashion, cultural, and consumer landscapes to inform seasonal collections.
• Translate creative concepts into tangible designs through sketches, CADs, and detailed technical drawings, ensuring alignment with performance, durability, and brand positioning.
• Spearhead the creation and delivery of accurate technical packs (tech packs) to international factories, ensuring precise replication of design intent for sampling and production.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, product development, sourcing, and marketing, to ensure cohesive and successful product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply rooted in the operational execution of product creation within a specific niche (merino-based technical apparel for action sports). The emphasis on "end-to-end," "technical execution," and "collaboration with cross-functional partners" highlights its operational importance in bringing new products to market efficiently and effectively.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Research and analyze global trends in outdoor sports, fashion, culture, and consumer behavior to identify emerging design opportunities and inform seasonal collection strategies.
• Develop original design concepts, creating detailed sketches, CADs (Computer-Aided Designs), and technical drawings for a range of apparel and accessories.
• Select and brief appropriate materials, trims, hardware, and finishes, considering performance requirements, durability, sustainability, and brand positioning.
• Prepare comprehensive technical packs (tech packs) that clearly communicate design specifications, construction details, and material requirements to sampling and production teams.
• Collaborate closely with product development specialists, patternmakers, and international suppliers to ensure prototypes accurately reflect design intent, meet established fit standards, and adhere to cost targets.
• Conduct fittings and product reviews, providing constructive feedback and making iterative design adjustments to optimize aesthetics, functionality, and wearer comfort.
• Present seasonal collections and design rationale to internal stakeholders, effectively articulating the creative vision and commercial viability of proposed products.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of sustainability initiatives, fabric innovations, and advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance product quality and minimize environmental impact.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant safety, performance, and regulatory requirements for apparel and accessories in the outdoor sports sector.
• Integrate 3D prototyping software into the design workflow to visualize and refine designs before physical sampling.
• Lead and facilitate insight-gathering sessions with sponsored athletes and target consumers to capture authentic feedback and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on product development lifecycle. The inclusion of "brief materials," "prepare tech packs," "collaborate with suppliers," and "conduct fittings" points to a strong operational component, requiring meticulous attention to detail and execution. The emphasis on sustainability and athlete feedback also adds a strategic dimension to operational product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent diploma) in Fashion Design, Apparel Product Development, Industrial Design, or Product Design with a specialization in soft goods.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing technical apparel, specifically within global outdoor or sportswear brands.
• Proven experience working effectively with international factories and complex global supply chains.

Required Skills:

• Apparel & Accessories Design: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and design innovative apparel and accessories collections from inception to completion.
• Technical Execution: Strong understanding of technical apparel construction, performance requirements, and manufacturing processes.
• Material Sourcing & Selection: Expertise in evaluating, selecting, and briefing fabrics, trims, and hardware based on performance, sustainability, and brand criteria.
• Tech Pack Creation: Proficiency in developing accurate and detailed technical packs (tech packs) for global suppliers.
• 3D Prototyping Software: Proficiency with design and development software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CLO3D (or equivalent), including the ability to design 3D CADs for sampling.
• Garment Construction & Fit: Deep knowledge of garment construction, fit principles, grading, and manufacturing processes.
• Consumer Insights & Trend Analysis: Ability to research and integrate global trends, cultural shifts, and consumer insights into design direction.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Product Development, Sourcing, Marketing).
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on detail in design, specifications, and quality control.
• Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainability Expertise: In-depth knowledge of sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and eco-friendly product development practices.
• Athletic/End User Engagement: Experience in leading insight sessions with athletes or target consumers to gather product feedback.
• Physical Prototyping: Ability to construct physical prototypes or mock-ups to hand over to the development team.
• Cost Management: Understanding of product costing and ability to design within target price points.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "technical apparel," "global outdoor or sportswear brands," and "international factories" strongly indicates a need for operational understanding within the apparel supply chain. The requirement for specific software like CLO3D also points to a modern, digitally-enabled product development process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of completed apparel and accessories products, demonstrating both creative vision and exceptional technical execution.
• Evidence of end-to-end product development lifecycle management within the portfolio, from concept ideation through to finalized production-ready designs.
• Case studies within the portfolio that highlight specific design challenges, the problem-solving approach taken, and the resultant product innovations or improvements.
• Examples of detailed technical packs (tech packs) and CAD work included in the portfolio, illustrating clarity, accuracy, and completeness for supplier communication.
• Demonstrations of proficiency in 3D prototyping software (e.g., CLO3D) through visual representations or interactive elements within the portfolio.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio should include examples of how design processes are documented, particularly regarding material specifications, construction methods, and fit guidelines.
• Ability to articulate and demonstrate a structured approach to design briefs, trend research integration, and concept development within the portfolio.
• Evidence of iterative design processes, including how feedback from fittings, athletes, or consumers was incorporated to optimize product performance and aesthetics.
• Showcase of how sustainability considerations are integrated into the design process and documented for product lifecycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role with significant technical and developmental components, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just aesthetic capability but also the operational rigor required to bring technically sound products to market through detailed documentation and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD $80,000 - $100,000 per year (USD $48,000 - $60,000 approx. at current exchange rates)

Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration: A salary package reflecting experience and industry standards.
• Discounted Mons Royale Product: Significant discounts on Mons Royale apparel and accessories.
• Outdoor Industry Discounts: Access to exclusive discounts across a range of outdoor and sporting goods brands.
• Mountain Town Lifestyle: Opportunity to live and work in a desirable mountain town environment, encouraging a strong work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for career growth within a fast-growing global brand.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, with an expectation of hard work and putting in the hours, balanced by a company culture that values life outside of work and encourages work-life balance. A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often available given the mountain town lifestyle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is $80-100k. Based on the provided location (Wānaka, New Zealand) and the role's experience level (5-10 years), this range appears competitive for New Zealand's apparel design market. The conversion to USD is approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. The specific benefits are tailored to the company's brand ethos and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Action & Adventure Sports Apparel (Specializing in Merino Wool) Company Size: Growing Brand with Offices in Multiple Locations (Known to have bases in Squamish, Innsbruck, and Wānaka) Founded: Mons Royale was founded with a mission to shift riders from synthetics to natural fibers, offering high-performance merino apparel designed for sustainability and the environments where adventure sports take place.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be an individual contributor within the design team, working closely with cross-functional partners in merchandising, product development, and sourcing.
• The role requires strong collaboration with global teams, indicating a decentralized yet interconnected operational structure.
• There's an emphasis on an entrepreneurial spirit, suggesting a flatter hierarchy where team members can take initiative and contribute beyond their core responsibilities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizes global trends, consumer insights, and athlete feedback to inform design decisions.
• Sustainability Focused: Integrates environmental performance and ethical manufacturing as core tenets of the product development process.
• Agile Development: Implies iterative design adjustments based on fittings, prototypes, and feedback to optimize product.
• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasizes cross-functional teamwork to ensure alignment and efficiency from concept to production.

Company Website: https://www.monsroyale.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mons Royale's mission-driven approach to sustainable merino apparel for action sports is a key differentiator. The company culture values both high performance in product and in lifestyle, fostering an environment that supports outdoor pursuits. The "entrepreneurial spirit" note suggests an operational environment that encourages proactivity and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a specialist, individual-contributor role focused on deep product design expertise. It represents a mid-to-senior level position within the product development function, requiring significant independent contribution and technical acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Head of Product, working in close collaboration with Product Developers, Merchandisers, and Sourcing specialists. This structure facilitates efficient product lifecycle management.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's ability to offer innovative, high-performance, and sustainable products. Successful designs contribute to brand differentiation, market share growth, and customer loyalty, all of which are critical operational outcomes for a growing brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in technical apparel design, merino wool applications, or sustainable product development.
• Leadership: Potential to move into a Senior Product Designer role, leading specific product categories or taking on mentorship responsibilities for junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into roles within Product Management, Merchandising, or even Sustainability Strategy, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle.
• Global Exposure: Involvement in international projects and collaboration with global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight how operational excellence in design can lead to broader career paths within a growing company. The emphasis is on deepening specialized knowledge or expanding into related operational functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Wānaka, New Zealand, a renowned mountain town, reflecting the company's commitment to a lifestyle that balances work with outdoor adventure. The environment is likely to be collaborative and dynamic.

Office Location(s): Wānaka, Otago Region, New Zealand. This location offers direct access to outdoor activities and a community aligned with the brand's ethos.

Workspace Context:

• Outdoor-Centric: The workspace is designed to support and encourage a work-life balance, with proximity to natural environments being a key feature.
• Technologically Equipped: Expected to have access to industry-standard design software and potentially 3D prototyping tools.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: Team members are encouraged to connect, potentially through informal activities or shared workspace areas, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: While full-time, the company emphasizes flexibility and work-life balance, particularly for those embracing the mountain town lifestyle. This suggests an operational approach that prioritizes results and well-being over strict adherence to traditional office hours, while still requiring dedication to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Wānaka location is a significant draw for candidates who value outdoor pursuits. The operational aspect here is the company's deliberate choice to foster a culture and environment that supports this lifestyle, which can impact team morale, retention, and overall productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, technical execution, material knowledge, and problem-solving skills. This stage will likely involve a technical assessment or a discussion of past projects in detail.
• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from Product Development, Merchandising, and potentially Marketing to evaluate collaboration style and understanding of the broader product lifecycle.
• Cultural Fit & Lifestyle Discussion: Conversation focusing on alignment with Mons Royale's values, entrepreneurial spirit, and the mountain town lifestyle.
• Final Interview: Potential interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial concept and research to technical execution and final product. Use flowcharts or step-by-step narratives.
• Highlight Technicality: Emphasize your understanding of garment construction, materials, and manufacturing. Include detailed tech pack examples and CADs.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved fit, reduced waste, positive consumer feedback).
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcome. Make it engaging.
• Demonstrate 3D Proficiency: Include visual examples of your 3D prototyping work, showcasing how it informed your design decisions.
• Tailor to Mons Royale: Research Mons Royale's brand, aesthetic, and commitment to sustainability. Highlight projects that align with these values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a new merino wool base layer or an accessory for a specific outdoor activity.
• Anticipate questions about material innovation, sustainable sourcing, and working with international suppliers.
• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a team.
• Familiarize yourself with Mons Royale's current product line and brand positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential technical challenges underscores the operational rigor required for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative flair but also the structured, technically sound approach to product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating sketches, technical drawings, and vector-based graphics.
• Adobe Photoshop: Used for mood boards, color palettes, texture creation, and visual presentations.
• 3D Prototyping Software (e.g., CLO3D): Critical for creating 3D CADs, virtual prototyping, fit visualization, and reducing physical sampling needs. Proficiency here is a key differentiator.

Product Development & Collaboration Tools:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with PLM systems for managing product data, specifications, and workflows is beneficial.
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello): For managing design tasks, timelines, and cross-functional workflows.
• Cloud Storage & Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox): For sharing design files and collaborating with remote or international teams.

Analytics & Reporting (Indirectly Relevant):

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Familiarity with services that provide global fashion and consumer trend insights.
• E-commerce Platforms: Understanding how designs translate to online product presentation and consumer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific design software, particularly 3D prototyping tools like CLO3D, is a direct operational requirement. The ability to use these tools efficiently streamlines the product development process, reduces costs associated with physical samples, and improves design accuracy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value reflected in material choices, manufacturing processes, and the company's overall mission to protect the environments where outdoor activities take place.
• Performance & Quality: Commitment to designing high-performance, durable apparel that meets the rigorous demands of action sports.
• Innovation: Embracing new materials, manufacturing techniques, and design approaches to continuously improve products.
• Passion for the Outdoors: A shared appreciation for adventure sports and the lifestyle associated with them, which drives product design and company culture.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouragement of proactivity, initiative, and a willingness to contribute to various aspects of the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively with merchandising, product development, and sourcing teams to ensure seamless product creation and launch.
• Athlete & Consumer Centricity: Valuing direct input from athletes and end-users to inform design decisions and product improvements.
• Global Teamwork: Effective communication and collaboration across different international offices and time zones.
• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and idea exchange to foster continuous improvement in design and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are deeply intertwined with the company's operational strategy: sustainability drives material sourcing, performance drives technical execution, and the outdoor lifestyle influences design aesthetic and team motivation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance, Sustainability, and Cost: Designing high-performance merino apparel that is also sustainable and commercially viable requires sophisticated material knowledge and creative problem-solving.
• Global Supply Chain Management: Working with international factories necessitates navigating complex logistics, quality control, and communication across different cultures and time zones.
• Rapid Trend Adaptation: Staying ahead of global trends in both outdoor sports and fashion while maintaining brand integrity and a focus on merino wool.
• Integrating 3D Prototyping: Effectively incorporating new technologies like 3D design into established workflows to maximize efficiency and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Skills: Deepen expertise in merino fiber properties, technical garment construction, and sustainable textile innovations.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Gain comprehensive experience across the entire product development cycle, from concept to market.
• Sustainability Best Practices: Become an expert in eco-friendly design and manufacturing within the apparel industry.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Enhance skills in working with diverse global teams and suppliers.
• Brand Building: Contribute directly to the growth and reputation of a respected brand in the action sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges often stem from the operational complexities of apparel manufacturing and supply chains, particularly within a niche market focused on sustainability. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized operational knowledge or expanding into broader product strategy roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new technical base layer using merino wool. What factors would you prioritize?" (Focus on material selection, construction, fit, and sustainability.)
• "How do you integrate consumer and athlete feedback into your design process? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your approach to user-centric design and iterative improvements.)
• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to balance design aesthetics, technical requirements, and cost targets. What was your solution?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills and operational trade-offs.)
• "Explain your experience with technical packs. What makes a tech pack effective for international suppliers?" (Showcase attention to detail and clear communication for manufacturing.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Mons Royale? What excites you about our mission and products?" (Research the brand, its sustainability efforts, and its connection to merino wool.)
• "How do you envision embracing the Wānaka lifestyle while meeting the demands of this role?" (Reflect on work-life balance and your motivation for this location.)
• "Describe your experience working in an entrepreneurial environment. How do you handle ambiguity or take initiative?" (Align with the company's culture of proactivity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by product category or by showcasing the end-to-end process of a few key projects.
• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the brief, your role, the challenges, your design process, the technical details, and the outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images of sketches, CADs, 3D renders, and final products. Include close-ups of technical details.
• Tech Packs: If possible, include redacted examples of tech packs to demonstrate your technical documentation skills.
• Sustainability Focus: Highlight any projects where sustainability was a key consideration and explain your approach.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative vision and operational execution. Candidates need to articulate their understanding of the apparel product lifecycle, technical specifications, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the sustainable merino wool market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Apparel & Accessories Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in technical apparel design, especially with natural fibers like merino wool, and your proficiency in 3D design software.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience with global brands, focusing on responsibilities related to technical execution, tech pack creation, and supplier collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, technical knowledge, and how you approach sustainability and collaboration. Be ready to present your portfolio and answer scenario-based questions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mons Royale's brand mission, product lines, sustainability initiatives, and company culture. Understand their position in the market and their commitment to the mountain town lifestyle.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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