Design Director, Women's Active

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Women's Active

Company: Vuori, Inc

Location: Carlsbad, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Development (Apparel)

Date Posted: 2026-03-27T22:52:13.605

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design direction and product creation for Vuori's Women's Active and Technical apparel lines, encompassing categories like activewear, run, court sports, and swim.

• Lead and mentor a team of designers, fostering innovation and ensuring the seamless integration of functional performance with Vuori's signature casual aesthetic.

• Drive the development of technically advanced and commercially viable collections, from initial concept and material innovation through to garment production and overseas vendor execution.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Merchandising, Product Development, Materials, Sourcing, and Fit, to ensure product excellence and market alignment.

• Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, consumer needs, and business performance to inform design strategies and product assortments for high-volume sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Design Director, Women's Active," this role is not directly within the typical Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM functions. However, its strategic focus on product development, market alignment, and cross-functional collaboration has significant indirect impact on Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies by defining the products that sales and marketing teams will champion. The enhancement focuses on translating design leadership into GTM context and operational considerations relevant to a well-rounded operations professional's understanding of business drivers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive seasonal design strategies for women's active, swim, and technical apparel, aligning with Vuori's brand ethos and market positioning.

• Lead the creation of detailed tech packs, construction diagrams, and innovative fabric/trim concepts for overseas vendor execution, ensuring high standards of design, function, fit, and quality.

• Conduct rigorous fit sessions and construction reviews, collaborating closely with technical design to optimize garment aesthetics, performance, and margin.

• Ideate and introduce innovative materials and constructions, demonstrating expertise in knits, wovens, seamless, and warp knits for performance-oriented apparel.

• Partner with merchandising and sales teams to translate market insights, sell-through data, and consumer trends into commercially successful and innovative product offerings.

• Oversee the design and development of special projects, including collaborations and custom kits for Vuori athletes and ambassadors, ensuring brand representation and product excellence.

• Foster a collaborative and innovative design environment, mentoring designers and encouraging creative problem-solving to drive long-term team growth and product evolution.

• Ensure seamless communication and alignment across all cross-functional departments, including PD, Fit, Merchandising, Materials, Sourcing, Color & Textures, Planning, and Product Education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been framed to emphasize the operational aspects of design leadership. This includes the meticulous process of tech pack creation for overseas vendors, the critical role of fit and construction reviews in achieving product quality and margin targets, and the strategic collaboration needed to ensure product-market fit, which directly influences sales and marketing efforts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design (BA, BFA, or BS) or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: 12+ years of industry experience in apparel design, with a significant focus on Women's Activewear and Swimwear, is mandatory. Proven experience in leadership and team management within a fast-paced, dynamic environment is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level understanding of women's activewear and swimwear design, including market trends, consumer needs, and commercial viability.

• Extensive experience in technical design, including the creation of detailed tech packs and construction diagrams for overseas manufacturing.

• Proficient in fabric and trim innovation, with a deep understanding of technical materials, including knits, wovens, seamless, and warp knits.

• Strong grasp of pattern making, garment construction, and fit principles, with the ability to conduct effective fittings and provide constructive feedback.

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with a track record of mentoring and developing design talent.

• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage complex projects from concept through production.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, and Excel.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in specialized technical product categories such as Tennis, Run, Hike, or Intimates.

• Familiarity with working with ambassadors and athletes to gather product feedback and inform design direction.

• Experience in high-volume business environments, with a keen eye for analyzing sell-through data and reacting to market shifts.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with materials, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to optimize product cost and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to highlight the operational rigor required for a Director-level role. Emphasis is placed on "proven track record of leadership and team management," "expert understanding in fabric, trims, and materials," and "extremely organized and able to multitask manage complicated projects from start to finish." These are critical for operational efficiency and project success. The preferred skills also touch upon market responsiveness, a key GTM consideration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong portfolio of successful Women's Activewear and Swimwear collections, demonstrating design vision, technical execution, and commercial success.

• Case studies detailing the product development lifecycle for key designs, from initial concept and material sourcing to final production, highlighting problem-solving and innovation.

• Examples of tech packs and detailed construction diagrams that illustrate clarity, precision, and thoroughness in communicating design intent to overseas vendors.

• Evidence of experience in fabric and trim innovation, showcasing how new materials were sourced, tested, and integrated into final products.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for seasonal design calendars, detailing how projects are prioritized, managed, and tracked to ensure on-time delivery.

• Documentation illustrating collaboration processes with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, PD, Fit, Sourcing), showcasing communication strategies and problem-solving methodologies.

• Case studies on how design feedback was incorporated through fit sessions and construction reviews, leading to product improvements and optimized garment performance.

• Evidence of experience in developing and implementing design briefs for team members, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and commercial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been tailored to reflect the highly visual and process-driven nature of a Design Director role, framing portfolio requirements in terms of "process documentation" and "workflow management," which are core operations concepts. The emphasis on tech packs and collaboration processes directly relates to operational execution and cross-functional alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $181,200 - $242,550 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Savings and Retirement Plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• Generous Vuori Employee Discount

• Industry Perks

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Wellness & Fitness benefits

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically aligned with a standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours during peak design and production cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is taken directly from the provided information. The benefits are listed as provided. The working hours are inferred to be standard for a full-time, on-site role, with an acknowledgment of potential overtime, which is a common operational consideration in creative leadership roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Apparel & Retail, with a strong emphasis on a sustainable and active coastal California lifestyle.

Company Size: Vuori is a rapidly growing, established apparel company, contributing to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

Founded: Founded with a vision to redefine athletic apparel, Vuori has built a reputation for blending performance with a casual, everyday aesthetic, inspired by the California lifestyle.

Team Structure:

• The Design team operates within a HQ - Design department, likely comprising specialized roles in apparel design, technical design, and material development.

• This role reports to senior design leadership, such as the VP, Design, and collaborates closely with Merchandising, Product Development, and other key GTM functions.

Methodology:

• Data-driven product creation, leveraging market trends, sell-through performance, and consumer insights to inform design decisions.

• A blend of intuitive innovation and commercial acumen, ensuring products are both cutting-edge and market-ready.

• Emphasis on meticulous process execution, from concept ideation and technical development to overseas vendor management and quality control.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving, encouraging input from all relevant departments to achieve optimal product outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and industry context have been expanded to reflect Vuori's brand positioning and its implications for a design leadership role. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on standard apparel industry practices and the Director-level responsibilities, highlighting the operational interdependencies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, a Design Director role, requiring extensive experience and strategic oversight. It sits at a level where individuals are responsible for shaping product strategy, leading teams, and significantly impacting the company's product portfolio and market presence.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to senior design leadership (e.g., VP, Design) and will directly manage a team of designers. This position requires close alignment with merchandising and product development leadership to ensure a cohesive go-to-market strategy.

Operations Impact: The designs and collections developed by this role directly influence sales revenue, market share, and brand perception. Successful product lines drive demand, support marketing campaigns, and contribute to the overall profitability of the company. The quality and innovative nature of the products designed also impact customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a VP of Design role, with broader strategic responsibilities across multiple product categories or global design initiatives.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence broader product strategy, brand direction, and innovation pipeline beyond the immediate product lines managed.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop emerging design talent, shaping the future of the design team and fostering a strong design culture.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to take on leadership roles in cross-functional initiatives, such as sustainability, innovation labs, or new market entry strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career and growth analysis frames the Design Director role within a broader operational context, emphasizing its impact on revenue, market share, and brand strategy – key metrics for operations professionals. Growth opportunities are presented in terms of increased strategic influence and leadership scope, aligning with career progression in operations-focused environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an On-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 5600 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, California, 92008.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation, typical of a fast-paced apparel company HQ.

• Access to design studios, material libraries, and potentially 3D design labs equipped with necessary software and hardware.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams, facilitating seamless communication and problem-solving in real-time.

• A vibrant office culture inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle, likely promoting health, wellness, and a dynamic team atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the demands of product development cycles in the apparel industry may require flexibility and extended hours during critical periods, such as sample reviews, line reviews, and production deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on how the on-site nature and office setup can support operational efficiency for a design team, emphasizing collaboration and access to resources. The mention of potential extended hours acknowledges the practical realities of operational demands in creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: An HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the VP, Design, or other senior design leadership to evaluate design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic thinking. This stage will likely involve a review of the candidate's portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Product Development, and potentially Marketing or Sales to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader GTM process.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a design concept, a collection strategy, or a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their problem-solving abilities, design process, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A potential final interview with higher-level leadership to confirm fit and discuss overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase expertise in women's activewear, swim, and technical apparel. Ensure diversity in product types and complexity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the design brief, your process (ideation, material selection, fit, technical execution), challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the ultimate commercial outcome or impact.

• Highlight Innovation: Showcase examples of fabric or construction innovation, unique design elements, and how you translated market trends into successful products.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include clear examples of tech packs and construction diagrams that highlight your attention to detail and ability to communicate effectively with overseas vendors.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include data on sell-through rates, revenue generated, or positive customer feedback related to your designs to demonstrate commercial success.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, leadership approach, how you manage teams, and your understanding of Vuori's brand and market position.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Vuori's brand aesthetic, target customer, and current product offerings.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing a new collection or improving an existing product line, considering market trends, sustainability, and performance.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a diverse group of stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and portfolio review process has been detailed with a focus on what an operations-minded candidate would need to prepare. The portfolio review tips emphasize demonstrating process, technical execution, and quantifiable impact, which are critical for operational roles. The interview preparation also includes strategic thinking and cross-functional understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating detailed vector graphics, patterns, and technical drawings (tech packs).

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for mood boards, color palettes, fabric manipulation, and visual concept development.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting on product metrics, and PowerPoint for presentations.

• Microsoft Teams: For daily communication, collaboration, and project management within a remote or hybrid team structure.

• 3D Design Software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear): Increasingly important for creating realistic 3D garment prototypes, reducing physical sampling, and streamlining the design and fit process.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly managing sales operations, a Design Director must understand and utilize:
  • Sales Data & Sell-Through Reports: To analyze product performance and inform future design decisions.
  • Market Trend Analysis Tools: For competitive research and identifying emerging opportunities.
  • ERP/PLM Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, specific PLM software): Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management systems is beneficial for understanding the end-to-end product development process.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to core design responsibilities, but an understanding of how CRM data informs customer preferences and how marketing automation supports product launches can be beneficial for strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are focused on design software and related operational tools. The inclusion of Excel, PLM systems, and the understanding of sales data highlights the operational relevance of these tools for a design leader aiming to drive business impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A core value driving the development of unique, high-performance apparel that stands out in the market.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to excellence in design, materials, fit, and construction, ensuring products meet high standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional partnerships thrive to achieve common goals.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing with a deep understanding of the target customer's needs, lifestyle, and aspirations, ensuring products resonate and perform.

• Efficiency & Agility: Embracing processes that allow for quick adaptation to market changes and efficient product development cycles.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Encouraging close working relationships with Merchandising, Product Development, and Sales to ensure alignment from concept to market.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing market data, performance metrics, and customer feedback to guide design decisions and validate creative concepts.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and consistent communication channels to share insights, address challenges, and celebrate successes across teams.

• Feedback-Driven: Creating a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs, processes, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are framed to align with operational excellence and GTM success. Values like "Innovation & Creativity," "Efficiency & Agility," and "Collaboration & Teamwork" are critical for driving business outcomes, and the collaboration style emphasizes the operational need for data-informed and feedback-driven decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Commerciality: The constant challenge of pushing creative boundaries while ensuring designs are commercially viable, meet margin targets, and align with market demand.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating the complexities of working with overseas vendors, ensuring quality control, timely production, and ethical sourcing practices.

• Rapid Market Evolution: Staying ahead of fast-changing fashion trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements in materials and design.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and buy-in from diverse departments, each with its own priorities and objectives.

• Team Development in a Growth Environment: Mentoring and developing a design team while scaling processes and maintaining high standards in a rapidly growing company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge design software (e.g., advanced 3D design) and innovative material technologies.

• Strategic Business Acumen: Deepening understanding of merchandising, sales forecasting, and financial planning to inform design strategy with greater business impact.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training and mentorship focused on executive leadership, strategic planning, and talent management.

• Industry Immersion: Participation in trade shows, conferences, and trend forecasting seminars to stay at the forefront of the apparel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are presented through an operational lens, focusing on process management, supply chain complexities, cross-functional alignment, and strategic business acumen. This helps candidates understand the operational demands and the potential for professional development within the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a seasonal product line strategy for women's activewear, from trend research to final sample approval." (Focus on process, market analysis, and cross-functional integration.)

• "How do you balance creative innovation with the commercial demands of a high-volume apparel business? Provide an example." (Highlight commercial acumen, data utilization, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Vuori's brand and product philosophy, and how would your design approach contribute to our vision?" (Showcase brand understanding and strategic alignment.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a design team, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Demonstrate leadership and team-building skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (design concept, materials, construction), the process you followed, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the specifics of your tech packs, construction methods, and fabric choices, demonstrating your technical expertise.

• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use data (e.g., sales figures, sell-through rates, customer feedback) to illustrate the success of your designs.

• Showcase Collaboration: Be ready to explain how you worked with other teams (PD, Fit, Merch) and how their input shaped the final product.

• Tailor to Vuori: Emphasize projects that best align with Vuori's aesthetic, performance focus, and target market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation section is designed to prompt strategic thinking about operational aspects of design leadership. Questions focus on process, collaboration, business impact, and data utilization, which are crucial for operations professionals. Portfolio presentation advice also emphasizes quantifiable results and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your 12+ years of experience, leadership in apparel design, expertise in women's active and swim categories, and proficiency with design software. Use keywords from the job description to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing your most relevant work, including detailed tech packs, case studies of successful product launches, and evidence of fabric innovation. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your design process, technical skills, and commercial impact.

• Research Vuori: Thoroughly understand Vuori's brand ethos, target audience, product lines, and recent market activities. Prepare to articulate how your vision and experience align with the company's goals and culture.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clear communication, strategic thinking, and demonstrating your ability to lead a team and drive product success.

⚠️ 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.