Apparel and Color Designer I

About Stio

Stiois a mountain-inspired omni-channel brand, headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, dedicated to designing, developing, and selling functional and stylish apparel, footwear, and accessories that embody the mountain lifestyle. Their products are offered through multiple channels including e-commerce, catalogs, B2B, and retail stores branded as Mountain Studio. Committed to environmental stewardship and inclusivity, Stio partners with conservation organizations and prioritizes sustainable materials and ethical supply chain practices.

Role Overview

The Apparel Designer I plays a vital supporting role in the Design team by advancing Product, Color, and Merchandising Design efforts for both adult and children's outerwear, sportswear, and accessories. This position emphasizes efficiency and organization through the entire design workflow, collaborating closely with multiple departments from initial concept to product delivery. Responsibilities include conducting market trend research to drive seasonal creative and color direction, assisting with early design ideation through sketches and tech packs, managing design files and documentation, and ensuring clear sharing of design themes and aesthetics with Product Development and other partners. The designer helps ensure product quality across fit, functionality, and fabric aligned with the brand's mountain lifestyle philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

• Stay attuned to industry trends via professional trend services, trade shows, and outdoor activities to maintain brand aesthetic integrity.
• Investigate emerging trends to inform early-season color and concept development.
• Assist in seasonal color research and development through market analysis and brand insight.
• Maintain detailed color and design documentation, keeping merchandising teams and PLM partners updated on essential revisions.
• Coordinate with fabric, production, product development teams, and international vendors on seasonal color approvals and sample reviews.
• Collect visual references such as imagery and product samples to support creative direction.
• Manage multiple projects to meet seasonal timelines and key go-to-market milestones.
• Identify innovative trims, findings, and accessories that enhance product usability and retail presentation.
• Support seasonal print pattern layout planning to optimize merchandising storytelling.
• Organize print assets and prepare artwork files for production.
• Collaborate with the Materials Manager to align print and yarn dye selections with seasonal color strategies.
• Assist senior design leadership with seasonal logo and graphic inspiration and oversee artwork contractor communication.
• Design accessories and logowear throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Effectively prioritize and manage simultaneous projects based on stakeholder needs and project importance.
• Proactively contribute to advancing the brand's design vision, ensuring adherence to core mission and values.
• Familiarity with AI and 3D design tools is considered an advantage.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in creative design or a related field is necessary.
• Presentation of a design portfolio is recommended.
• At least three years of professional design experience.
• Demonstrated involvement in the complete product development lifecycle.
• Experience executing merchandising strategies.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Additional Details and Benefits

• Position requires the ability to remain seated for approximately 75% of the workday.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Company-paid long-term disability coverage.
• Access to employee assistance programs.
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off policies.
• Employee perks including gear testing privileges.

Compensation and Remarks

The compensation package is competitive and includes base salary, performance incentives, and benefits. The salary range for this role is $55,000 to $65,000 annually. Starting salary depends on experience, skills, and qualifications, with top-end hiring being uncommon. This job description is intended to reflect the current scope of responsibilities and requirements but may be subject to change. Stio is an equal opportunity employer welcoming all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, background, or ability.