Sr Product Designer Wholesale

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer (Outerwear)

Company: Catalyst Brands

Location: [Location - Note: Specific location not provided in raw data. Will assume a general US presence for salary estimation.]

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development (Apparel)

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle for assigned outerwear categories, ensuring timely delivery, cost adherence, and quality standards.

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including tech packs, Bills of Materials (BOMs), sketches, construction details, and fabric/trim specifications within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize product cost, enhance quality, and accelerate speed-to-market for both Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Wholesale channels.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, and Sourcing teams to ensure cohesive product execution from concept through to final production.

• Maintain and manage an organized library of fabrics, trims, artwork, graphics, and CADs, ensuring accurate and accessible product information.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Product Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into product development and lifecycle management within the apparel sector, specifically outerwear. The emphasis on tech packs, BOMs, PLM, and cross-functional collaboration with production and sourcing indicates a role that bridges design intent with manufacturing feasibility. The mention of both DTC and Wholesale channels highlights the need for a designer who can adapt to different market demands and go-to-market strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete product development process for assigned outerwear categories, from initial concept ideation through to production readiness.

• Develop and meticulously maintain detailed tech packs, including sketches, construction notes, fabric and trim specifications, and other critical product details, utilizing PLM and CAD software.

• Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all assigned products, ensuring accuracy and completeness of material and component information.

• Collaborate closely with Merchandising teams to align product development with market trends, seasonal assortments, and business objectives.

• Partner with Production teams to ensure manufacturing feasibility, quality control, and adherence to production schedules.

• Liaise with Technical Design to translate design concepts into manufacturable specifications and resolve any construction challenges.

• Work with Sourcing teams to identify and select appropriate materials and trims, negotiating with suppliers to achieve target cost and margin goals.

• Track and manage development timelines rigorously, proactively identifying and mitigating potential delays.

• Lead and implement value engineering efforts to find cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality or brand integrity.

• Maintain and organize a comprehensive library of fabrics, trims, artwork, graphics, and CAD assets.

• Support ad-hoc projects and strategic initiatives to enhance the design team's overall objectives and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description focuses heavily on the "how" of product creation, emphasizing technical documentation and cross-functional execution. This enhancement clarifies the strategic intent behind these tasks, linking them to broader business goals like cost optimization, speed-to-market, and channel-specific strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Industrial Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in apparel product development. Experience:

• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in apparel product development and design, with a significant focus on outerwear.

• Proven track record of managing the entire product lifecycle from concept to production. Required Skills:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM/PDM): Proficient in utilizing PLM systems for managing product data, tech packs, BOMs, and development workflows. (ATS Keyword: PLM, PDM, Product Lifecycle Management)

• Technical Design Software: Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating detailed sketches, technical flats, and graphic applications. (ATS Keyword: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, CAD)

• 3D Design Software: Understanding and practical experience with 3D design software, specifically 3D Clo, for product visualization and prototyping. (ATS Keyword: 3D Clo, 3D Design)

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, BOM management, cost tracking, and reporting. (ATS Keyword: Excel, Microsoft Excel)

• Garment Construction & Materials: Deep knowledge of apparel construction techniques, seam types, finishing methods, and a comprehensive understanding of various fabric properties, performance characteristics, and trim applications relevant to outerwear.

• Technical Pack Development: Ability to create clear, detailed, and accurate technical packs that effectively communicate design intent and construction requirements to manufacturers.

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Expertise in creating and managing comprehensive BOMs, ensuring all components, materials, and costs are accurately documented.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams including Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, and Sourcing.

• Project & Timeline Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-Solving & Solution Orientation: Proactive, detailed, and solution-oriented approach to identifying and resolving product development challenges.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and concise interaction with internal teams and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with wholesale and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel strategies and product assortment nuances.

• Familiarity with fabric sourcing and trim vendor management.

• Understanding of value engineering principles in apparel manufacturing.

• Experience in the lifestyle apparel market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw requirements list specific software proficiencies. This enhancement expands on these by contextualizing their importance within the product development workflow and integrating relevant ATS keywords. The distinction between required and preferred skills is also made clearer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Design Showcase: Include detailed examples of tech packs created for outerwear, demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and completeness of construction details, measurements, and material specifications.

• 3D Design Renderings: Showcase a selection of 3D product renderings (e.g., from 3D Clo) that illustrate realistic material drape, construction details, and colorways, highlighting visual communication capabilities.

• BOM & Costing Examples: Present examples of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and associated costing breakdowns, demonstrating proficiency in tracking materials, components, and cost targets.

• Product Development Case Studies: Feature 1-2 detailed case studies of outerwear products developed from concept to production, outlining the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final product outcome, emphasizing efficiency and quality.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization Examples: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you have streamlined or improved product development workflows, emphasizing efficiency gains or error reduction.

• PLM Implementation/Usage: Describe your experience with PLM systems, focusing on how you leveraged them to manage complex product data, facilitate collaboration, and ensure data integrity throughout the development cycle.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Illustrate how you have established or improved communication and collaboration processes between design, merchandising, production, and sourcing teams to ensure seamless product execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design and development role, a portfolio is crucial. This section outlines specific types of content that would be most relevant and impactful for a candidate applying for this Sr. Product Designer position, focusing on tangible outputs and process demonstrations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $89,100.00 - USD $162,000.00 / Year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Life Insurance: Term life insurance coverage providing financial security for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation days and paid holidays, offering work-life balance and opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Employee Discount: Significant associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise, allowing employees to enjoy the company's products.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak development cycles. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the designated office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range from the raw data is used. The benefits are detailed based on the provided list, with added context for operations professionals. The "working hours" are inferred to be standard full-time, on-site. The upper end of the provided salary range ($234,900) was not used as it significantly exceeded the stated max of $162,000. This discrepancy suggests a potential error in the source data or a misunderstanding of the range's intent. I've used the more consistent range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Retail Manufacturing, with a focus on outerwear and lifestyle brands. Catalyst Brands operates across multiple brands within this sector, suggesting a dynamic and potentially diverse product portfolio.

Company Size: [Company Size - Note: Not provided in raw data. Assuming a mid-to-large size company given the range of benefits and specific roles.] A mid-to-large size company typically offers more structured processes and opportunities for specialization, while also potentially having more layers of management. For operations roles, this can mean established systems but also a need to navigate larger organizational structures.

Founded: [Company Founded - Note: Not provided in raw data.] The founding year provides insight into the company's history, stability, and evolution. Older companies may have more established processes, while newer ones might be more agile and innovative.

Team Structure:

• Product Design & Development Unit: This role sits within a dedicated product design and development team, likely comprising other designers, technical designers, and potentially product managers.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires significant interaction with Merchandising, Production, Sourcing, and potentially Sales teams, indicating a matrixed or collaborative reporting structure for project execution.

• Reporting Line: Likely reports to a Director or VP of Product Design & Development, with direct responsibility for specific product categories.

Methodology:

• Seasonal Development Cycles: The core of the work revolves around seasonal product development calendars, requiring meticulous planning and execution within defined timelines.

• Data-Informed Design: While design-led, decisions are likely influenced by market analysis, sales data, and performance metrics from both DTC and Wholesale channels.

• Process Standardization: With a focus on PLM and tech packs, there's an emphasis on standardized processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across product lines.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Since specific company details like size and founding year were missing, inferences are made based on the job description's context (multiple brands, structured benefits) and common industry practices. The focus is on how these company characteristics would impact an operations-focused role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant autonomy in managing product lifecycles, technical expertise, and the ability to mentor junior team members implicitly through collaboration and best practice demonstration. The scope includes end-to-end responsibility for product categories, impacting both strategic (cost, quality) and tactical (timeline, execution) aspects.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or VP of Product Design & Development. It involves extensive collaboration with peers and managers across Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, and Sourcing departments. This structure necessitates strong stakeholder management and communication skills to ensure alignment and drive projects forward.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer directly influences the company's product offering, impacting:

• Revenue: Through the creation of desirable, market-relevant products that drive sales in both DTC and Wholesale channels.

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Via value engineering and material/trim selection, directly affecting profit margins.

• Brand Reputation: By ensuring product quality, fit, and aesthetic align with brand standards.

• Operational Efficiency: Through well-defined tech packs and efficient development processes, reducing errors and rework for production and manufacturing teams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Director roles, overseeing larger teams and product portfolios.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., technical outerwear, sustainable materials) or functional areas (e.g., advanced 3D design, PLM system management).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Merchandising, Production Management, or Technical Design roles, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of internal design and development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the career trajectory and impact of the role from an operations perspective, highlighting how product design decisions translate into business outcomes and operational efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, suggesting a traditional office environment within Catalyst Brands' facilities. It likely includes design studios, sample rooms, and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): [Specific office locations - Note: Not provided in raw data.] The location will be crucial for understanding commute times, local talent pools, and potential for in-person collaboration with manufacturing or sourcing partners if they are geographically proximate.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studios: Expect a workspace designed to foster creativity and collaboration, likely equipped with large tables for layout work, sketchpads, material swatches, and digital display tools.

• Technology Integration: Access to high-performance computers for CAD and 3D design software, PLM systems, and potentially digital sample review tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face interaction with design peers, technical designers, merchandisers, and production liaisons, facilitating rapid feedback and problem-solving.

• Material Library Access: Proximity to a physical library of fabrics, trims, and color standards is likely essential for hands-on material selection and review.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, the nature of seasonal product development can involve periods of intense work and extended hours to meet critical deadlines, particularly leading up to line reviews or production cutoffs. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to project demands are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature of the role is emphasized, with considerations for the typical workspace and collaborative dynamics found in apparel design environments, linking them to operational efficiency and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focused on your product development process, technical skills (PLM, Adobe Suite, 3D Clo), garment construction knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Meeting with representatives from Merchandising, Production, and Technical Design to evaluate your collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and understanding of their respective functions.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: Potentially a hands-on exercise or presentation where you are asked to develop a concept, create a tech pack outline, or solve a specific product development challenge within a given timeframe.

• Final Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or a senior leader to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Catalyst Brands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Outerwear: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant outerwear projects, showcasing your understanding of technical fabrics, construction, and functional design specific to this category.

• Detail is Key: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the specific challenges you addressed (e.g., cost targets, material sourcing, fit issues), the processes you followed (PLM, tech packs, collaboration), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, improved quality, successful launch).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include clear examples of your tech packs, BOMs, and any 3D renderings. Highlight your ability to translate design intent into actionable manufacturing specifications.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, include examples that show how you worked with other departments to achieve product goals.

• Tailor to Catalyst Brands: Research Catalyst Brands' current product lines and market positioning. If you can, subtly align your portfolio examples or case study narratives to demonstrate an understanding of their aesthetic and business needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Outerwear Market: Be prepared to discuss current trends, fabric innovations, and consumer demands in the outerwear segment.

• Review PLM & Tech Pack Best Practices: Refresh your knowledge on creating efficient and effective tech packs and leveraging PLM systems for optimal workflow management.

• Practice Value Engineering Scenarios: Think about how you would approach cost reduction for a specific outerwear garment while maintaining or improving quality and performance.

• Prepare to Discuss DTC vs. Wholesale: Be ready to articulate the differences in product development considerations for DTC versus wholesale channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and prepare for the specific interview stages relevant to a product design and development role within an apparel company.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Proficiency with systems like Centric PLM, Propel PLM, or similar platforms is critical for managing product data, tech packs, BOMs, and development workflows. (ATS Keyword: PLM, PDM, Product Data Management)

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator (for technical flats, patterns, graphics) and Adobe Photoshop (for colorways, print development, mood boards) are essential. (ATS Keyword: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Creative Suite)

• 3D Design Software: Experience with 3D design tools such as 3D Clo, Browzwear, or similar for creating realistic product visualizations, virtual prototypes, and fit simulations. (ATS Keyword: 3D Clo, Browzwear, 3D Design)

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for BOMs, costing, data analysis, and reporting; Word for documentation; and PowerPoint for presentations. (ATS Keyword: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office)

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, understanding how to interpret sales data, market trends, and performance metrics from PLM or internal reporting tools is beneficial. This could involve familiarity with basic reporting dashboards or data export functions. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how CRM data (customer feedback, sales performance) might inform product development decisions is advantageous, though direct CRM tool usage might be limited. Understanding how PLM integrates with other enterprise systems (ERP, Sourcing platforms) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the specific software and technology stack critical for a Senior Product Designer in the apparel industry, emphasizing PLM and CAD tools as core operational requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Detail-Oriented Excellence: A commitment to precision in technical documentation, construction, and material specifications to ensure product quality and manufacturability.

• Collaborative Partnership: A strong belief in working closely with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Production, Sourcing) to achieve shared product goals and overcome challenges.

• Efficiency & Speed: An understanding of the importance of timely product development cycles in a competitive market, driving efforts to optimize processes and meet deadlines.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying design and development challenges and proposing creative, practical solutions.

• Brand Integrity: A dedication to upholding and enhancing the brand's aesthetic, quality standards, and market positioning through thoughtful product design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with all relevant departments to ensure alignment from concept to production, fostering a sense of shared ownership over the product.

• Constructive Feedback Loops: Encouraging open communication and providing/receiving feedback constructively to refine designs and processes.

• Process-Driven Approach: Utilizing established workflows, PLM systems, and clear documentation to facilitate smooth collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed of progress, potential issues, and decisions in a timely manner to prevent delays and ensure transparency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the likely cultural values and collaboration styles that would thrive at Catalyst Brands for a role of this nature, focusing on how these values translate into day-to-day operations and team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Demands: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into products that are both aesthetically appealing and commercially viable, meeting cost targets and production constraints.

• Managing Multiple Product Lifecycles Simultaneously: Juggling the demands of various outerwear categories, each with unique material, construction, and timeline requirements, in a fast-paced environment.

• Navigating Supply Chain Complexities: Working with global sourcing and production partners to ensure consistent quality, timely delivery, and adherence to ethical manufacturing standards, especially with novel materials or construction methods.

• Adapting to Evolving Market Trends & Technologies: Staying abreast of new fabric technologies, sustainable material innovations, and advancements in 3D design and manufacturing processes to keep product offerings competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced 3D Design Techniques: Deepen expertise in 3D modeling, simulation, and rendering for more efficient prototyping and design iteration.

• Sustainable Materials & Practices: Explore and integrate eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes into product development.

• PLM System Optimization: Become a power user or internal expert in the company's PLM system, potentially contributing to its configuration or training others.

• Technical Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas of outerwear construction, such as waterproofing, insulation technologies, or performance apparel.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within Catalyst Brands or participate in formal mentorship programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential challenges specific to outerwear product development and highlights how the role can serve as a platform for continuous learning and professional growth within the apparel industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new outerwear product from concept to production readiness. What are the key checkpoints and who are the essential stakeholders at each stage?" (Focus on your structured approach, PLM usage, and cross-functional engagement.)

• "Walk me through a challenging product development project for outerwear. What were the primary obstacles (e.g., cost, material sourcing, construction), how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating problem-solving and value engineering.)

• "How do you ensure that your design intent translates accurately into manufacturing specifications, especially when working with overseas factories? How do you mitigate potential misinterpretations?" (Highlight your tech pack clarity, communication strategies, and understanding of factory workflows.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Catalyst Brands and our outerwear offerings? How do you see your skills and experience contributing to our brand's success?" (Research their brands, current collections, and market position.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment with Merchandising, Production, and Sourcing teams?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication style.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends, materials, and technologies in the outerwear and lifestyle apparel market?" (Show your passion for the industry and continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution, the process, and the results. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "achieved 10% cost savings through material substitution").

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to quickly demonstrate your proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D Clo, perhaps by showing a sample tech pack or a 3D render and explaining its creation.

• Focus on Outerwear Expertise: Emphasize your understanding of technical fabrics, garment construction specific to outerwear, and functional design elements.

• Explain Your PLM Workflow: Be prepared to discuss how you leverage PLM for efficiency, data integrity, and collaboration throughout the development cycle.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, confident, and ready to answer questions thoughtfully. Treat it as a collaborative discussion about your capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including example questions and strategic tips for portfolio presentation, tailored to a Senior Product Designer role in the apparel industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form, ensuring all requested fields are accurately filled.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 5-8+ years of experience in apparel product development, specifically emphasizing your outerwear expertise, technical skills (PLM, Adobe Suite, 3D Clo), and successful project management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features your best outerwear design and development projects. Ensure it includes clear examples of tech packs, BOMs, and ideally, 3D renderings. Be ready to discuss your process, contributions, and the outcomes of these projects.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of garment construction, fabric properties, PLM systems, and CAD software. Practice articulating your development process and problem-solving approaches.

• Research Catalyst Brands: Familiarize yourself with Catalyst Brands' product lines, brands, market positioning, and recent company news. Understand their aesthetic and the types of outerwear they offer.

⚠️ 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.

---