Apparel and Color Designer I

About Stio®

Stio® is a comprehensive mountain-inspired brand specializing in creating stylish, functional, and innovative apparel, footwear, and accessories that embody the mountain lifestyle. Headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, Stio draws its creative influence from the nearby Teton Range, distributing products through various channels including their website, catalog, business-to-business, and Mountain Studio® retail stores.

Committed to environmental stewardship, Stio actively partners with organizations such as Protect Our Winters and the Conservation Alliance. They prioritize sustainable materials, consistently use Bluesign® approved textiles, audit supply chains for ethical practices, and uphold responsible operations at their workplaces. The brand champions inclusivity, aiming to facilitate access to outdoor experiences for all individuals regardless of race, gender, belief, background, or ability.

Role Overview

The Apparel and Color Designer I plays a pivotal role in supporting the design team’s efforts across product, color, and merchandising for outerwear and sportswear apparel and accessories, catering to both adults and children. This position ensures the design workflow remains smooth and well-organized by collaborating cross-functionally from initial concept to final execution. The designer performs research on inspiration and trends to inform seasonal creative directions and color research and development. They assist in early-stage ideas through sketches and technical pack preparation while aligning with merchandising and line planning teams. Additionally, the role manages all design documentation accurately to facilitate clear communication with product development and other teams during the product lifecycle. The ultimate goal is to translate the brand’s design philosophy into tangible products that excel in fit, function, aesthetics, and fabric quality, reflecting the authentic mountain lifestyle.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with trend forecasting services, attend industry trade shows, and participate in outdoor activities to maintain current knowledge and safeguard the brand’s visual identity.
• Investigate emerging fashion and color trends to contribute to early-season concepts and color development.
• Support the seasonal color research and development process through comprehensive market research and in-depth brand understanding.
• Maintain and manage color and design documentation, ensuring merchandising and product lifecycle management partners receive timely updates.
• Collaborate with fabric specialists, product development teams, production staff, and overseas suppliers regarding seasonal color selections and sample creation.
• Collect and organize visual references such as photographs, reports, and samples to underpin creative direction.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects to meet seasonal schedules and critical go-to-market milestones.
• Identify innovative trims and accessories aligned with product usage and retail detailing requirements.
• Oversee seasonal print layouts to ensure effective merchandising and storytelling.
• Manage print assets, artwork setup, and coordinate with the Materials Manager to synchronize prints and yarn dyes with seasonal color themes.
• Assist the Senior Color Designer and design leadership with logo and graphic inspirations and follow up on artwork contractors.
• Design logos and accessories throughout complete product lifecycles.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to manage workload and prioritize deliverables based on urgency and importance.
• Drive the brand’s design vision proactively, adhering closely to the company’s mission and values.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence and 3D design tools is advantageous.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in creative or design-related disciplines.
• A portfolio showcasing design work is recommended.
• Minimum of three years professional experience in design roles.
• Experience participating through the entire product development lifecycle.
• Proven skills in executing merchandising strategies.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite software.

Additional Information

• Position requires the ability to remain seated for approximately 75% of the workday.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, company-paid long term disability, employee assistance programs, 401(k) with matching contributions, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities to test gear along with other perks are provided.
• The salary range for this role is $55,000 to $65,000 annually, dependent on experience, skill levels, and qualifications, typically not starting at the top of the scale.
• This job description outlines primary responsibilities and is not exhaustive; duties and conditions may evolve over time.
• The employer is an equal opportunity organization welcoming qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds including minorities, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, and persons with disabilities.