Founded in Peru, our mission is to create natural, all-purpose clothing for people who love the outdoors. We’re doing this by innovating with alpaca fiber and other materials that are healthier for people and the planet, so that consumers can connect to our natural world, make more conscious choices, and support the communities where our products come from.
Position Summary
We are looking for a passionate and innovative Designer to join our product team. As the Designer for all product categories, you will have the unique opportunity to bring Paka designs to life across categories, further establishing Paka as a leading brand in natural performance. This role requires a creative powerhouse with a keen eye for detail and a collaborative spirit.
You will be responsible for infusing fresh ideas into our product line, ensuring they align with Paka’s aesthetic and ethos. This will require a deep understanding of our customer demographic and creating products that they will love. You will work closely with various teams, including Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, and Materials, to deliver high-quality, well-crafted products that inspire our customers.
Role Responsibilities:
Design all Paka product:
Be a champion and custodian of the Paka design and philosophy
Ensure identity of any and all Paka product (“that’s Paka”)
Ensure any new product we make has a clear WHY and HSF
Maintain obsession over product, down to the smallest details
Every product achieves: “If you lost this, you would repurchase it.”
Ensure the brand values are incorporated into each product - ensure our Inca ID from our team of Quechua weavers is on 90%+ of products we make to preserve Peruvian tradition and empower hundreds of women weavers.
Create a world-class fit for our customer demographic. Attend fits to finesse the product efficiently and collaboratively
Responsible for creating customer-centered designs starting with seasonal concepts and working through to commercial viability
In partnership with Creative Director and VP of Product, visualize line plan through sketching, comp products, tears and other media.
Organization + Team:
Hit all milestone and calendar deliverables
Create clean and clear Tech Packs with detailed technical sketches when needed
Manage data integrity of Design documents, including but not limited to Tech Packs, BOM Visuals, Merch Guides, and Mill Sheets
Work with, train, and delegate to other technical and graphic designers when needed.
Present on-going work to key stakeholders to get buy-in and adoption. Take feedback from stakeholders and action on appropriate changes in a timely manner.
Research:
Using a curious mindset, take consumer feedback and translate it into product design
Research primary, secondary and tertiary markets to maintain a deep understanding of both macro trends and product specific developments that can be used to drive our product design forward
Conceptualize new business driving concepts and solutions to consumer problems that align with the brand heritage and aesthetic
Knowledge of silhouettes, fit, fabrication, construction, different sewing/stitching techniques
Develops language around fabric: understanding of hand feel, performance properties, drape, and visual face, which will translate into sketching
YOU ARE:
Highly motivated – A self-starter with a positive attitude
Adept at inspiring teams across the organization
Driven by a dynamic, fast-paced, high-growth environment
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to manage multiple tasks and pivot quickly in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively across departments
Experience in hiring, training, and managing a team
Position Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in apparel design
8+ years of experience in Design
Strong Adobe Illustrator and other design related software proficiency
PLM experience preferred but not necessary
Strong written and verbal communication: understanding of what to say in specific conversations, with different audiences
Strong builder of relationships: this role requires close partnerships with Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, and Materials, requiring high levels of collaboration and grace, done in a way that represents the Design team’s values of creativity, kindness, curiosity first, and leading without ego
Ability to speak to styles with confidence and take feedback collaboratively
Presentation skills; will present work at design meetings and larger milestone meetings
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment; agility and resilience will be key characteristics
Travel as required for research and/or development
Employment type
Full-time
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