Director, Design - Bags

Pay range: $178,000.00 - $202,500.00

At YETI, we believe that time spent outdoors matters more than ever and our gear can make that time extraordinary. When you work here, you’ll have the opportunity to create exceptional, meaningful work and problem solve with innovative team members by your side. Together, you’ll help our customers get the high-quality gear they need to make the most of their adventures. We are BUILT FOR THE WILD.

As Director, Design – YETI Bags you’ll lead a team that is critical to the success of launching new products within the lifestyle and travel category. This is a leadership role responsible for the industrial design efforts of new YETI Soft Goods products through understanding consumer wants and needs, creative problem solving, and influencing ideas with the larger organization, both in the sense of setting the design direction as well as guiding and mentoring the design team. This key role works closely with Product Marketing and Engineering teams to develop new products and shape the future of the company.

You are a passionate design professional with a proven track record of crafting premium products and leading world-class teams. You thrive in fast-paced environments with entrepreneurial DNA and are comfortable charting new territory. Your creative vision and design talent allow you to turn ideas into thoughtful products. You can leverage your passion for product and leadership experience to guide the design function and seamlessly collaborate with your partners within the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Be the expert voice of design at the company. Consistently and uncompromisingly create authentic YETI product experiences.
• Guide a team of Industrial Designers who are responsible for leading industrial design efforts through all phases of the design and development process.
• Be a thought-leader to drive innovative new product concepts.
• Conceptualize compelling ways of providing new value and innovation for our customers and end users.
• Develop competitive product evaluations and benchmarking.
• Maintain and develop brand identity via the established YETI visual design language.
• Guide design intent from initial concept through production.
• Direct and guide prototyping needs and plans for design review, including both hard and soft goods.
• Collaborate with Engineering and prototyping resources to accomplish builds.
• Proactively prioritize and manage department workload. Direct and influence the ID team.
• Ensure timely completion of team deliverables.
• Develop staff and department capabilities.
• Develop an environment that supports the creative process and truly puts the product first.
• Set the standard for the team by leading by example in the following areas: attitude, maturity, productivity, collaboration, and communication.
• Collaborate and influence NPD partners across Marketing, Engineering, R&D, and Executives.
• Respectfully provide feedback and present viewpoint of product designs with stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Product Design with a minimum of 6+ years’ years of leadership experience managing and developing people.
• MA in Industrial Design, Product Design or equivalent work experience.
• Must have experience leading and developing design staff.
• Experience in designing premium products, preferably within the Outdoor industry.
• Demonstrated experience working across both soft and hard goods.
• Proven track record of designing world-class and market successful products.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating cross-functionally.
• Experience with designing and facilitating cross functional exercises / workshops (e.g., ideation sessions, design sessions).
• Proficient in SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling. Advanced surfacing and assembly a plus.
• Rendering and animation skills; Key Shot preferred.
• Advanced Adobe CS skills.
• Rapid prototyping and finishing experience; ability to sew is a plus.
• A deep understanding of the soft goods product development process.
• Experience working with Global Manufacturing Partners.

Any offer of employment with YETI is contingent on a successful criminal background check and successful reference checks.

YETI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is at the center of everything we do for our YETIzens. We embrace all applicants looking to bring their authentic selves to YETI and contribute to our mission of keeping the wild WILD.

Find out more about our commitment to DE&I at yeti.com/dei.html

All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

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