Apparel and Color Designer I

About Stio®

Stio® is a comprehensive mountain lifestyle brand headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, creating functional, stylish, and innovative apparel, footwear, and accessories inspired by the majestic Teton Range. Operating through Stio.com, catalogs, B2B channels, and Mountain Studio® retail environments, Stio embraces a commitment to environmental stewardship, partnering with organizations like Protect Our Winters and the Conservation Alliance. They emphasize sustainable material use, supply chain ethics, and workplace responsibility, promoting inclusivity and access to outdoor experiences for all communities.

Position Overview

The Apparel Designer I plays a pivotal role supporting the Design team's efforts across product, color, and merchandising design for outerwear and sportswear encompassing adult and children's apparel and accessories. This position coordinates the entire design workflow from initial inspiration and trend research through concept creation, sketching, technical pack development, to execution while collaborating cross-functionally with product development, merchandising, and production stakeholders. The designer ensures accurate design documentation, communicates creative directions, and helps manifest the brand's mountain lifestyle ethos delivering high-quality fit, function, form, and fabric.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with trend services, industry trade shows, and outdoor activities to maintain current insights aligning with the brand aesthetic.
• Conduct emerging trend research to shape early-season color palettes and design concepts.
• Support seasonal color research and development through market and brand analysis.
• Maintain and update color and design documentation, coordinating closely with merchandising and PLM teams.
• Collaborate with fabric, product development, production, and overseas vendor teams on color initiatives and sample coordination.
• Compile visual inspiration including photos, reports, and samples to inform creative direction.
• Manage workloads and deliver project milestones aligned with seasonal timelines and go-to-market schedules.
• Discover and recommend trims and accessories enhancing product function and retail appeal.
• Contribute to seasonal print layout strategy supporting merchandising narratives.
• Oversee print asset management and artwork preparation.
• Work with the Materials Manager to synchronize prints and yarn dyes with color directions.
• Assist senior designers with logo and graphic inspiration, managing external artwork contractors.
• Design accessories and logowear through full product development phases.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing based on stakeholder needs and deadlines.
• Advance the design vision proactively while aligning with brand mission and values.
• Familiarity with AI and 3D design tools is advantageous.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a creative design discipline.
• Portfolio submission recommended to demonstrate capabilities.
• Minimum of three years professional design experience across full product lifecycle.
• Proven participation in merchandising strategy execution.
• Proficient use of Adobe Creative Suite.

Additional Information and Benefits

• Position requires maintaining a stationary posture approximately 75% of the workday.
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Company-paid Long Term Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs for personal and professional support.
• 401k retirement plan featuring employer match.
• Generous paid time off policies.
• Access to product gear testing and additional perks.

The total compensation package combines base salary, incentives, and benefits. Base salary ranges from $55,000 to $65,000, with final salary determined by experience, expertise, and qualifications. This description is illustrative of current responsibilities and might be adjusted as per company needs. Stio is an equal opportunity employer, embracing diversity including minorities, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.