Product Designer H/F

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer H/F

Company: Salomon

Location: Annecy, France

Job Type: Temps complet (Full-time)

Category: Product Design / Sports Equipment

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the aesthetic and functional design of new Snowboard and Alpine products, from ideation through to market launch.

• Translate market trends, user insights, and technical constraints into innovative product concepts and tangible prototypes.

• Ensure design coherence with Salomon's overarching brand strategy and design language.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with marketing, technical, industrial, and international teams.

• Champion and articulate design choices effectively to internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the Snowboard and Alpine product lines within the winter sports equipment sector, demanding a blend of creative design, technical understanding, and market awareness. The emphasis on "The Mountain Sport Company" highlights a deep connection to outdoor performance and innovation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design of new Snowboard and Alpine products, including their aesthetic renewal, throughout the entire creation process.

• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of market trends, user behaviors, and technical limitations to inform design decisions.

• Develop design concepts from initial sketches to final prototypes and samples, ensuring feasibility and market appeal.

• Maintain strict adherence to the brand's design strategy, ensuring consistency across all product lines.

• Present and defend design proposals persuasively to internal teams, including marketing and technical departments.

• Collaborate closely with industrial partners, both domestically and internationally, to ensure manufacturing quality and efficiency.

• Oversee the product lifecycle from the initial idea generation phase to successful market introduction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle product design ownership, from strategic market analysis and conceptualization to the practicalities of prototyping and international collaboration. The role requires not just creative output but also strong communication and project management skills to navigate the product development pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree (Bac+5) in Product Design or a related field.

Experience: Proven experience in product design, preferably within an agency or corporate environment, with a focus on consumer goods or sports equipment.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in the product design process, from concept generation to final product development.

• Advanced proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design visualization and asset creation.

• Strong command of 3D creation tools for modeling and visualization (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Keyshot, Blender).

• Fluent in English for effective international communication and collaboration with global teams and partners.

• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and translate market trends and user insights into actionable design solutions.

• Experience in developing prototypes and samples, understanding material properties and manufacturing constraints.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills to articulate design concepts and defend choices to diverse stakeholders.

• High degree of autonomy, creativity, and curiosity for visual culture and design innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in Snowboard or Alpine ski equipment design.

• Familiarity with the specific technical requirements and performance considerations for winter sports gear.

• Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in sports equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Suite and 3D tools indicates a need for both conceptual and technically proficient design execution. Fluency in English is critical due to Salomon's international operations. The preferred experience in Snowboard/Alpine design suggests a strong preference for candidates with direct industry relevance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from initial concept ideation to finalized product.

• Demonstrated ability to translate market trends and user needs into innovative and commercially viable product designs.

• Examples of aesthetic development and technical problem-solving in product design.

• Clear documentation of the design process, including research, sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and final rendering stages.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase a structured approach to design research, including market analysis, trend forecasting, and user empathy mapping.

• Illustrate a systematic method for concept development, including brainstorming, sketching, digital rendering, and prototyping.

• Detail the process for integrating technical feedback and manufacturing constraints into the design, ensuring manufacturability.

• Demonstrate how design decisions are documented and communicated to cross-functional teams for alignment and approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for a Product Designer role. It should not only display creative output but also the candidate's systematic approach to design problem-solving, their understanding of the product development pipeline, and their ability to collaborate effectively. The inclusion of 3D renders and prototype photos is highly recommended.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the experience level (2-5 years) and location in Annecy, France, a competitive salary within the range of €40,000 to €55,000 per year is estimated. This figure accounts for the cost of living in Annecy, the specialized nature of sports equipment design, and industry benchmarks for product designers with this experience.

Benefits:

• Contrat CDI (Permanent Contract): Offers job security and long-term career prospects within Salomon.

• Full-time Employment: Standard 40-hour work week.

• International Exposure: Opportunity to work within a global brand with international teams and partners.

• Product Development: Involvement in the creation of innovative sports equipment for a leading brand.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on Salomon products.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement in design and the sports industry.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on French labor market data for product designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, considering the specialized nature of the sports equipment industry and Salomon's standing as a premium brand. Specific benefits would need to be confirmed directly with Salomon.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Equipment Manufacturing, Outdoor Recreation, Winter Sports.

Company Size: Part of Amer Sports (a large global conglomerate), with Salomon itself being a significant brand with a substantial workforce. This provides both the stability of a large organization and the focused environment of a dedicated sports brand.

Founded: Salomon was founded in 1947, bringing a rich heritage and deep expertise in mountain sports to its product development and brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will report to the Design Manager, forming part of the broader Design department.

• This department likely works in close conjunction with Product Marketing, R&D/Technical teams, and Industrialization departments.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on innovation, pushing boundaries, and converting new ideas into groundbreaking products.

• A strong focus on user-centric design, translating insights from athletes and outdoor enthusiasts into functional and aesthetically pleasing gear.

• Commitment to sustainable development and responsible practices within the outdoor industry.

• A culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and the shared passion for mountain sports.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Salomon's heritage in the Alps and its current position as a leading "Mountain Sport Company" are central to its identity. The culture is likely driven by a passion for sports, innovation, and performance, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. The diverse portfolio of brands under Amer Sports suggests a robust corporate structure supporting specialized brand operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an intermediate-level Product Designer position. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and processes, coupled with practical experience in bringing products to market. The scope involves independent design work on specific product lines (Snowboard/Alpine) with oversight from a Design Manager.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report directly to the Design Manager, who likely oversees multiple product categories or aspects of the design process. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while fostering individual contribution.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts Salomon's product innovation, market competitiveness, and brand perception within the Snowboard and Alpine segments. Successful designs contribute to sales revenue, customer satisfaction, and the brand's reputation for performance and quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Snowboard or Alpine equipment design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Senior Product Designer: Progress to leading design efforts for more complex projects or multiple product lines.

• Design Management: Move into leadership roles, managing a team of designers and shaping the design strategy.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into Product Management or Marketing roles, leveraging design expertise.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in new design technologies, materials, and sustainable practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a clear stepping stone within a product design career. The growth path is well-defined within design, but also offers avenues into broader product development and brand strategy roles, leveraging the specific insights gained from designing for a performance-oriented sports brand.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Salomon's headquarters in Annecy, France, a location renowned for its alpine setting and strong connection to outdoor sports. This environment is likely to be dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring for individuals passionate about mountain activities.

Office Location(s): Annecy, France. This location offers access to the Alps, providing a unique environment for product testing and inspiration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studios: Expect access to modern design studios equipped with tools for sketching, CAD, and potentially prototyping.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with marketing, R&D, and industrialization teams, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Inspiration Hub: Proximity to the mountains provides direct inspiration and opportunities for product testing, aligning with Salomon's brand ethos.

• International Hub: Annecy serves as a key international hub for Salomon, meaning exposure to a diverse and global workforce.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical for a full-time position. While core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and meetings, there may be some flexibility for personal commitments, provided project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at Salomon's Annecy headquarters offers a unique blend of professional design work and an active lifestyle, directly supported by the company's heritage and location. The environment is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, particularly for roles deeply embedded in product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio, focusing on problem-solving, design process, and execution relevant to Snowboard/Alpine products.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with the Design Manager and potentially other designers or engineers to evaluate technical skills (CAD, Adobe Suite, 3D) and understanding of materials/manufacturing.

• Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with representatives from Marketing or R&D to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and alignment with brand strategy.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to gauge enthusiasm for the brand, passion for sports, and alignment with Salomon's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in Snowboard/Alpine design, your design process, and your ability to solve specific problems.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your role, the tools used, and the final outcome, emphasizing the impact of your design.

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, mood boards, CAD renderings, and prototyping stages to illustrate your design journey.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Suite and 3D modeling tools through your project examples.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or feedback that show the success of your designs (e.g., market reception, performance improvements).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research Salomon's current product lines, design language, and brand positioning in the Snowboard and Alpine markets.

• Analyze Trends: Be prepared to discuss current trends in sports equipment design, materials, and user needs.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design challenges, rather than just the final aesthetic.

• Think User-Centric: Frame your solutions around user needs and performance benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. It needs to clearly communicate not just creative talent but also a structured, problem-solving approach relevant to the specific demands of designing sports equipment. Expect to defend your design decisions and process rigorously.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for 2D design, illustration, and presentation (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in tools like SolidWorks, Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar for creating product geometry and technical drawings.

• 3D Visualization Software: Expertise in tools such as Keyshot, Blender, or V-Ray for creating realistic product renderings and animations.

• CAD Software: For detailed product design, engineering drawings, and data exchange with manufacturing teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Generally less relevant for a direct Product Designer role, but understanding how product information flows into PIM (Product Information Management) systems or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems used by the company is a plus.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for tracking design tasks and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are centered around visual design and 3D modeling/rendering. The ability to create high-fidelity mockups and realistic visualizations is crucial for presenting concepts internally and to external partners. Experience with PLM/PIM systems would indicate a deeper understanding of the product development pipeline.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Sport: A genuine enthusiasm for mountain sports and outdoor activities is likely a core driver.

• Innovation & Performance: A commitment to pushing boundaries and creating high-performance products that enhance the user experience.

• Quality & Durability: A focus on designing products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and reliable for demanding conditions.

• Sustainability: An increasing emphasis on responsible design practices, material sourcing, and reducing environmental impact.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach, valuing input from diverse perspectives to achieve the best outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with marketing, R&D, and industrial teams, requiring open communication and a willingness to integrate feedback.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture where design ideas are shared openly and receive constructive critique to refine concepts.

• Project-Based Teams: Likely to work within project teams focused on specific product lines or launches, fostering close working relationships.

• Global Mindset: Comfortable collaborating with colleagues and partners from various cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salomon's values are deeply rooted in its mountain sports heritage. Expect a culture that celebrates achievement, innovation, and a shared love for the outdoors. Collaboration is key, as product success relies on the synergy between design, engineering, and marketing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Performance: Creating designs that are visually appealing while meeting stringent technical performance requirements for extreme sports.

• International Collaboration: Navigating different time zones, communication styles, and market expectations across global teams and manufacturing partners.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Keeping pace with evolving market trends, user preferences, and technological advancements in a competitive industry.

• Sustainability Integration: Incorporating sustainable materials and manufacturing processes without compromising product quality or cost-effectiveness.

• Innovation Pressure: Consistently delivering novel and impactful design concepts that differentiate Salomon in a crowded market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in specialized CAD, rendering, or visualization software.

• Material Science Workshops: Learning about new materials and their application in sports equipment design.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Attending events like ISPO to stay abreast of industry trends, competitor innovations, and new technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for guidance from senior designers or design leaders within Salomon or Amer Sports.

• Product Testing & Field Research: Opportunities to participate in product testing in real-world conditions, providing invaluable design insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a high-performance sports equipment design role: the constant need for innovation, the technical demands, and the global operational complexities. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized design expertise and understanding the broader product lifecycle.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new snowboard binding, from initial concept to a manufacturable prototype." (Focus on systematic approach, market analysis, user needs, and technical considerations.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with the technical constraints and manufacturing realities of sports equipment design?" (Highlight problem-solving skills and collaboration with R&D.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Salomon as a brand, and why are you passionate about designing for winter sports?" (Show genuine interest and cultural fit.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and innovations in the outdoor and winter sports industry?" (Demonstrate proactivity and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, typically project by project.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images, renderings, and videos to showcase your work.

• Explain Your 'Why': Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design rationale, and how your solution met the objectives.

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions, especially in team projects.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Show your proficiency with the tools you list on your resume.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; prepare a presentation that can be delivered within the allotted interview slot.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss not just your design skills but also your understanding of the sports industry, your ability to collaborate, and your passion for Salomon. The interview will likely assess both your creative output and your process-driven approach to product development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in product design, specific software proficiency (Adobe Suite, 3D modeling), and any relevant experience in the sports or outdoor industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that align with Snowboard/Alpine design, showcasing your process, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio projects, focusing on the story, your role, and the outcomes. Be ready to articulate your design process and rationale clearly.

• Research Salomon: Familiarize yourself with Salomon's brand, its product lines (especially Snowboard and Alpine), its values, and recent innovations. Understand their market position and target audience.

⚠️ 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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