Associate Apparel Designer

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER

At Outdoor Collective, we create innovative, performance-driven apparel and outerwear designed to inspire adventure and connection with the outdoors. Our team is passionate about blending technical function with modern style, helping people thrive in every environment — from backcountry trails to city streets. Outdoor Collective, located close to Boulder, Colorado - is the home of Spyder, Billabong Snow, Venom, Aspen Collection and a growing list of licensed / emerging brands within the ski and snowboard space.

We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Associate Designer to join our design team. This role supports the seasonal design process with a focus on apparel design, color application and approval across multiple product categories and brands. The ideal candidate is equal parts trend‑savvy and technically skilled, with a strong eye for color theory, surface design, and storytelling. The designer should be an avid skier or snowboarder that has a deep knowledge and love of the winter sport lifestyle and understands the customer that buys our product.

• Support the seasonal coloration of the full product line across all brands, applying palettes strategically to express each brand’s DNA while ensuring cohesive storytelling and marketplace distinction.
• Support the design team in developing seasonal color stories, print concepts, and graphics aligned with brand vision and market trends.
• Build and maintain seasonal color palettes, color CADs, and presentation boards.
• Review and approve lab dips to ensure seasonal color standards, material compatibility, and brand consistency are met prior to SMS and bulk production.
• Assist in creating original artwork for trims and placement graphics for apparel and accessories.
• Create production‑ready artwork files and detailed tech packs for vendor handoff, ensuring accurate details and consistency across styles.
• Conduct market, trend, and consumer research to inform seasonal storytelling.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with apparel design, product development, and merchandising to bring collections to life.
• Collaborate with the global Supply Chain and Raw Materials teams in Colorado and Taiwan to ensure timely development, accurate execution of color/print standards, and alignment from concept through production.
• Maintain an organized digital library of construction, innovation, and color concepts.
• Participate in fittings, sample reviews, and design reviews, offering feedback on design.

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Design, or related field
• 1–3 years of apparel design experience, preferably within outdoor, performance, active, or lifestyle categories
• Strong understanding of apparel construction, fit, pattern fundamentals, and garment engineering
• Ability to design complete garments from concept through production, including silhouettes, detailing, trims, and materials
• Working knowledge of technical outerwear and layered apparel systems a plus
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for apparel CADs, line sheets, and technical callouts;
  Photoshop experience preferred
• Experience creating production‑ready artwork and tech packs that clearly communicate design intent to development and vendor partners
• Understanding of fabrications, trims, and finishes, and how they impact fit, performance, cost, and aesthetics
• Familiarity with global development processes and working with overseas vendors a plus
• Strong eye for proportion, balance, and brand‑appropriate design
• Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines within a seasonal calendar
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Passion for skiing, snowboarding, or mountain lifestyle strongly preferred

Creative, energetic, autonomous, and open. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• A creative, collaborative, and outdoors‑inspired work environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Product discounts and access to Outdoor Collective experiences.
• Salary Range Estimate: $50,000-$55,000 annually, based on candidate’s qualifications.