Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Company: Stio Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Management & Leadership Date Posted: 2025-10-17 Experience Level: 10+ years Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the overarching creative vision and design strategy across all Stio product categories, including outerwear, sportswear, footwear, and accessories, ensuring a cohesive and authentic brand experience.
• Drive innovation in product design by leveraging design thinking, deep customer understanding, and advanced development pipelines to create user-centered, solution-oriented products for the active mountain lifestyle.
• Manage and mentor a team of designers, color/pattern specialists, and contractors, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and executional excellence within the design department.
• Integrate design's vision into the Go-To-Market (GTM) cycle, collaborating closely with the product leadership team to manage seasonal timelines and influence business outcomes through clear communication and strategic input.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a company that emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity, suggesting that a Design Director with a strong understanding of these values and their application in product design will be highly valued. The remote nature of the role within the continental US indicates a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute long-term design strategies, including innovative trend research, and the development of compelling color palettes, prints, and patterns that align with Stio's brand identity.
• Lead concept development, trend analysis, and seasonal GTM resource creation, providing creative direction for all downstream activations such as photoshoots, styling, and overall visual product presentation.
• Champion Stio's seasonal color vision across all product categories, directing visual evidence collection and overseeing surface design execution to ensure a consistent and inspiring brand language.
• Maintain and evolve Stio's Design DNA, logo guidelines, construction standards, and color processes to guarantee cohesive execution across all product lines and channels.
• Lead the end-to-end product design creation process from initial concept to final product approval, ensuring the consistent execution of inspired, elevated, and functional design.
• Drive innovation through the advanced development pipeline, creating concepts and validating construction challenges prior to GTM commercialization to ensure successful adoption into the seasonal line plan.
• Collaborate with Materials Managers to plan and direct the selection of all fabrics and materials, ensuring alignment with seasonal merchandising goals and design intent.
• Oversee design team workload and resource planning, manage external design partners, and take responsibility for key areas of the design budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on both strategic vision and tactical execution, requiring the Design Director to be adept at both high-level creative direction and detailed product development oversight. The emphasis on "Design DNA" and "Brand Language" suggests a need for a candidate with a strong sense of brand stewardship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Creative Design or a related field.

Experience:

• 10+ years of professional design experience in apparel/product development.
• 5+ years of Creative/Design Director management experience, with a proven track record of leading and mentoring teams.
• Experience managing a team of 4+ direct reports.
• Proven experience bringing performance product to market across multiple categories.

Required Skills:

• Creative Vision & Strategy: Ability to define and champion a long-term design vision, translate market trends into actionable design strategies, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Product Design & Development: Deep understanding of the full product creation cycle from concept to commercialization, including material selection, construction, and performance attributes.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to inspire, manage, and mentor a design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for concept development, visual presentation, and technical documentation.
• Technical Skills: Strong capabilities in fashion illustration, technical drawing, pattern development, mock-up creation, and prototype development.
• Material & Construction Expertise: Advanced understanding of fabric performance, garment construction techniques, and textile properties relevant to mountain lifestyle apparel.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present creative concepts, strategies, and product proposals to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Design Experience: Proficiency in 3D design software, with a preference for Vstitcher, for advanced visualization and prototyping.
• PLM Systems Knowledge: Experience working with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for efficient product development tracking and management.
• Sustainability Focus: Familiarity with sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and ethical sourcing practices within the apparel industry.
• Mountain Lifestyle Apparel Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the specific demands and aesthetic considerations for performance apparel in outdoor and mountain environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of management experience and a team of 4+ direct reports indicates this is a senior leadership role. The preference for Vstitcher in 3D design suggests that candidates with experience in digital product creation tools will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Concept to Commercialization Showcase: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the product design lifecycle, including initial concept ideation, trend integration, material selection, technical design, and final product approval.
• Performance Product Examples: Feature case studies of performance-driven products brought to market, highlighting the problem solved, design solutions, material choices, and resulting customer benefits.
• Brand Cohesion Examples: Illustrate how design decisions have contributed to maintaining and evolving a consistent brand DNA and visual language across multiple product categories.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Showcase examples of innovative design approaches or solutions to complex construction or material challenges, demonstrating a proactive and resourceful mindset.

Process Documentation:

• Trend Research & Concept Development: Provide examples of how market trends, customer insights, and competitive analysis were leveraged to develop compelling design concepts and seasonal direction.
• Material & Construction Integration: Detail the process of collaborating with materials teams and manufacturers to select and implement appropriate fabrics and construction methods to achieve desired performance and aesthetic outcomes.
• Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Document instances of leading design teams and collaborating effectively with product management, merchandising, marketing, and sales teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Budget & Resource Management: Present examples of how design resources and budgets were managed effectively to meet project timelines and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that not only showcases aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrates a strategic, process-oriented approach to design leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration, particularly in bringing performance apparel to market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $100,000 - $130,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support services.
• 401k retirement savings plan with a company match.
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policies.
• Gear stipend for personal use of Stio products.
• Various company perks and employee discounts.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position. While specific hours are not detailed, it is assumed to align with standard professional work weeks (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility to accommodate remote work and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a base salary estimate. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and potentially performance-based incentives, as is typical for Director-level roles. The company's emphasis on outdoor lifestyle suggests that benefits like a gear stipend are particularly relevant and valued by employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Outdoor Apparel & Lifestyle. Stio operates in a competitive market, differentiating itself through a focus on high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing apparel inspired by mountain life. The company also emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity as core values. Company Size: Stio is a growing, omni-channel brand with headquarters in Jackson, Wyoming, and multiple retail "Mountain Studio®" locations. The specific team size for the design department is not detailed but is expected to be a core function within the product leadership group. Founded: The founding date is not specified, but Stio is presented as an established brand with a clear mission and values.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director is a key member of the product leadership team, working closely with other leaders in merchandising, product management, and potentially marketing.
• The role involves direct management of a team of designers, color/pattern specialists, and contractors, indicating a hierarchical structure within the design department.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with teams involved in GTM, sales, marketing, and retail operations to ensure cohesive product representation across all channels.

Methodology:

• Design Thinking: The role emphasizes using design thinking to understand customer needs and create user-centered solutions.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative vision is paramount, the role also connects to business drivers and GTM integration, suggesting an approach that balances creative innovation with commercial viability.
• Sustainability & Responsibility: Stio actively partners with environmental organizations and prioritizes sustainable materials and responsible operations, implying these principles are integrated into their product creation processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Stio's commitment to "mountain life" and sustainability suggests a culture that values outdoor enthusiasts, environmental stewardship, and a passion for high-performance, well-designed products. The "omni-channel" approach implies a need for design consistency across e-commerce, catalog, and retail environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, a Design Director, indicating a significant level of responsibility and strategic influence within the organization. It sits at the intersection of creative execution and business strategy for product development. Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a higher-level product executive (e.g., VP of Product, Chief Product Officer) and will have direct reports within the design team. This position is integral to the product leadership team. Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is profound, directly shaping the aesthetic, functionality, and perceived value of all Stio products. This influences customer perception, brand loyalty, market competitiveness, and ultimately, revenue and profitability. Effective design leadership is crucial for maintaining Stio's distinct brand identity and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to influence broader product strategy and brand direction within Stio, potentially taking on more cross-functional responsibilities or leading larger teams as the company grows.
• Specialization & Innovation: Opportunity to lead the development of new product categories, explore cutting-edge materials and technologies (like advanced 3D design), and contribute to Stio's sustainability initiatives at a strategic level.
• Industry Influence: As a director at a reputable outdoor brand, there's potential to become a thought leader in design, sustainability, and the mountain lifestyle apparel sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant leadership opportunity within a niche but growing market. Growth potential is tied to the company's expansion and the individual's ability to drive innovation while maintaining brand integrity and leading a high-performing team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is remote, Stio's headquarters in Jackson, Wyoming, and its "Mountain Studio®" retail locations suggest a company culture that values physical spaces that embody the mountain lifestyle. The remote aspect indicates a modern, flexible work approach. Office Location(s): The role can be remotely located anywhere within the continental United States. Stio's headquarters are in Jackson, Wyoming. Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Professionals in this role will need to excel in a remote work environment, requiring strong digital communication and collaboration tools to stay connected with teams and stakeholders.
• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with the necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design tools) and collaboration platforms will be essential for productivity.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Despite being remote, regular interaction with product leadership, merchandising, marketing, and potentially retail teams will be necessary to align on design vision and Go-To-Market strategies.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time with an estimated 40 hours per week. The remote nature offers flexibility, but adherence to seasonal timelines and GTM cycles will require structured work habits and potentially some overlap with core team working hours for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work arrangement necessitates a high degree of self-discipline, proactive communication, and comfort with digital collaboration tools. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they maintain team cohesion and drive results in a distributed environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with Stio's brand and design ethos.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your design leadership philosophy, experience managing teams, strategic vision, and understanding of the mountain lifestyle market.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage where you will present your portfolio, likely focusing on specific projects that demonstrate your ability to lead design strategy, drive innovation, and bring performance products to market. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from product, marketing, and potentially merchandising to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and overall cultural fit.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Strategic Impact: Beyond aesthetics, highlight how your design work has driven business objectives, improved product performance, or enhanced brand perception. Quantify results where possible.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial concept through to final product, emphasizing user-centered approaches, trend analysis, material selection, and collaboration.
• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and managed projects to successful completion.
• Brand Alignment: Tailor your presentation to showcase projects that align with Stio's brand identity, focus on mountain lifestyle, and demonstrate an understanding of performance apparel.
• 3D Design Integration: If you have 3D design experience, incorporate relevant examples to showcase your proficiency in modern design tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Case Study: Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study that requires you to outline a strategic approach to designing a new product line or addressing a specific market opportunity for Stio.
• Trend Forecasting & Innovation: Anticipate questions about your process for identifying and integrating emerging trends, materials, and technologies into product design.
• Team Management Scenarios: Consider how you would handle common team management situations, such as conflict resolution, performance feedback, and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should prepare a concise yet comprehensive presentation that tells a story about their design leadership journey and impact, directly relating it to Stio's mission and product categories.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all visual design tasks, including Illustrator (technical drawings, vector art), Photoshop (image manipulation, mock-ups, mood boards), and InDesign (presentations, concept books).
• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in 3D design tools is highly preferred, with a specific mention of Vstitcher. This indicates a forward-thinking approach to product development, enabling virtual prototyping and visualization.
• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is required, crucial for managing the complex product development process, tracking materials, specifications, and timelines efficiently.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for the Design Director role, understanding how design decisions impact sales data, customer feedback, and return rates is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics and reporting tools that provide insights into product performance would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function but understanding how CRM data informs customer segmentation and product needs could be beneficial. Automation in design processes might refer to efficient workflow management via PLM or 3D design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design (Vstitcher preferred), and PLM systems highlights the technical requirements for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these specific tools and how they leverage them to drive design innovation and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mountain Lifestyle Soul: Deep appreciation and integration of the active mountain lifestyle into product design and brand ethos.
• Innovation & Creativity: A commitment to pushing boundaries in design, materials, and functionality to create unique and high-performing products.
• Sustainability & Responsibility: A core value reflected in material choices, supply chain practices, and environmental partnerships, aiming to be caretakers of the resources that enable mountain life.
• Inclusivity: Striving for accessibility and representation for all people in their products and community engagement.
• Customer-Centricity: Designing with a deep understanding of the customer's needs and aspirations within the mountain lifestyle context.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with product leadership, merchandising, marketing, and sales to ensure a unified brand message and product offering across all channels.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Fostering an environment where designers can innovate, collaborate, and grow professionally, with the Director acting as a mentor and advocate.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: While creativity is key, decisions are expected to be informed by market trends, customer insights, and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates demonstrating a genuine passion for the outdoors and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity will likely resonate well with Stio's company culture. The ability to balance creative vision with pragmatic, data-informed decision-making is crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand DNA with Market Trends: Continuously evolving the Stio brand's unique design language while staying relevant with emerging fashion and performance trends in a dynamic outdoor market.
• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a geographically dispersed design team, fostering strong communication, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose across different locations.
• Integrating Sustainability: Deeply embedding sustainable practices and material innovation into the design process without compromising performance or aesthetic appeal.
• Product Line Complexity: Managing the design strategy and execution across a diverse range of product categories, each with its own specific performance requirements and customer expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced 3D Design Mastery: Deepening expertise in 3D design tools like Vstitcher to further optimize the product development cycle and enhance visualization capabilities.
• Sustainability Innovation: Engaging with cutting-edge sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, potentially leading Stio's initiatives in this area.
• Strategic Product Leadership: Expanding influence beyond design to contribute more broadly to the overall product strategy, market positioning, and business growth of Stio.
• Cross-Industry Trend Analysis: Keeping abreast of design and lifestyle trends in adjacent industries that could inform future product innovation for the mountain lifestyle market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to shape the design direction of a growing brand deeply connected to outdoor culture. The challenges are significant but offer substantial rewards in terms of professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining and executing a long-term design strategy for an apparel brand. How do you balance trend research with maintaining a distinct brand DNA?"
• "How would you integrate the 'soul of the mountain lifestyle' into the design of performance outerwear and casual sportswear?"
• "Walk us through how you've previously managed the product creation cycle from concept to commercialization for multiple product categories. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?"
• "How do you approach leading and mentoring a team of designers, especially in a remote work environment? Provide an example of a time you fostered innovation within your team."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Stio's mission and values, particularly our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?"
• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Stio's brand identity and target customer?"
• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a creative vision that was met with resistance. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you stay informed about trends in the outdoor industry, and how do you translate those into actionable design insights?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation as a story, starting with your overall design philosophy and then diving into specific case studies that illustrate your key strengths relevant to Stio.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs – e.g., sales figures, customer feedback, efficiency gains from 3D design, or material cost savings.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, the materials and construction techniques you chose, and why.
• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and collaborated with cross-functional partners.
• Tailor to Stio: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to Stio's product categories (outerwear, sportswear, footwear) and its brand ethos (mountain lifestyle, sustainability).

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific examples that showcase your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and your ability to translate creative vision into commercially successful, performance-driven products that align with Stio's brand values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of design experience, 5+ years of management experience with direct reports, and proficiency in key tools like Adobe Creative Suite and PLM systems. Tailor your achievements to align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your best work, focusing on performance apparel, trend research, color/pattern development, and team leadership. Include case studies that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact on product success.
• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that articulates your passion for the mountain lifestyle, your understanding of Stio's brand and values, and how your specific skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for this remote Design Director role.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Stio's website, mission, values, product lines, and recent news to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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