Design Director, Women's Active

Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression and life. Our high energy fast paced retail environment is reflected in the clothes we make. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose…while having a lot of fun along the way. We are proud to be an outlet for opportunity and for personal growth and success.

As a Design Director at Vuori Clothing, you will be at the forefront of creating world-class athletic and swim apparel known for its design, function, fit, and quality. Under the mentorship and partnership of the VP, Design & broader Design leadership team, you will lead and develop the women’s active and technical product line from initial concept to garment production. Your role involves leading a team and embedding intuitive innovation into each product while seamlessly blending function and aesthetic.  Products you will oversee include active, run, court sports, swim and seamless. 

What you'll get to do:  

Technical Design Expertise & Product Creation 

• Be an expert with extensive experience in Women’s Active & Swim in a successful commercial space. 
• Create detailed and industry leading collections, overseeing your team’s designs, tech packs and detailed construction diagrams to execute styles with overseas venders. 
• Develop and ideate innovative and unique fabrics and trims, with a strong understanding of technical materials including construction, while working with a variety of fabrics including knits, wovens, seamless, warp knits. 
• Design and execute industry-leading, highly functional styles that reflect Vuori's design ethos and meet our customers’ needs. 
• Demonstrate a sharp understanding of pattern, movement, and technical construction to communicate effectively with Fit, PD, factories, and 3D teams. 
• Conduct fittings and participate in construction reviews, considering aesthetics, function, and margin of garments. 
• Work on special design kits for Vuori athletes, collaborations, or special projects. 
• Partner with ambassadors/athletes to continuously elevate existing and explore customer needs. 

Commercial Acumen & Market Awareness 

• Strong understanding of apparel market and fashion trends. Create a wide spectrum of products, from high volume / high IMU franchises to pinnacle innovative programs. 
• Collaborate with Merchants to harmonize commerciality with innovation. Understand the importance of running a high-volume business, closely monitoring sell-throughs, and reacting to market shifts and consumer trends. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Organizational Impact 

• Drive success within a multifaceted organization, ensuring your team is connected and up to date in PD, Fit, Merchandising, Materials, Sourcing, Color and Textures, Planning, Product Education, etc. 
• Exhibit organization and clear communication to thrive in a high-paced work  

Leadership & Team Development 

• Lead, collaborate, brainstorm, and co-create innovation, concepts, and design as both a leader and a mentor. 
• Manage and mentor a team of designers, guiding them in problem solving and long-term growth 

Who you are:  

• 12+ years of industry experience is required.   
• Proven track record of leadership and team management in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.   
• Expert understanding in fabric, trims, and materials that go into making active apparel 
• Extremely organized and able to multitask manage complicated projects from start to finish. 
• Experience in designing active, swim, seamless apparel.  Bonus if have had experience in Tennis, Run, Hike, highly technical product, Intimates 
• Expert in fit and function of garment – able to partner closely with technical design to elevate product finishings and seek perfect fit. 
• A bachelor’s degree in design (BA, BFA, or BS) or equivalent work experience.    
• Proficient at Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft PowerPoint, Office and Excel.   
• Understanding of 3D design  

Our investment in you:

At Vuori, we’re proud to offer the following to our employees: 

• Health Insurance 
• Savings and Retirement Plan  
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Generous Vuori Discount & Industry Perks 
• Paid Time Off  
• Wellness & Fitness benefits  

The salary range for this role is $181,200 per year - $242,550 per year. This role is bonus eligible. 

Vuori is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.