Senior Apparel Designer Outdoor Technical; m​/f​/d Zürich Design Hub

Engineered in Germany, Proven in the Wild

Jack Wolfskin is an internationally renowned outdoor brand and part of the ANTA Sports Group, one of the world’s leading sporting goods companies. As one of the top providers of high-quality outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment in Europe and China, Jack Wolfskin stands for innovation, functionality, and sustainability. With a strong network of owned stores and franchise partners, the company is also one of the largest franchisors in Germany's sporting goods retail sector.

We’re looking for people with a spirit of adventure - free thinkers who blaze their own trail and explore the wild with passion together with a strong team that lives and breathes the outdoors. Sound like you? Then welcome to the Wild Ones.

We are looking for a Senior Apparel Designer Outdoor Technical (m/f/d) to join our newly established Jack Wolfskin Design Hub in Zurich
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With a focus on long-distance hiking, technical outerwear and performance layering systems, you will develop innovative and highly functional outdoor apparel from initial concept through to final product. Working closely with Product Management, Apparel Development, Pattern Engineering and Material Development, you will translate consumer and athlete insights into innovative, high-performing and commercially relevant technical products.

• Design premium technical hiking apparel, with a particular focus on technical outerwear and performance layering systems.
• Translate the creative direction and product strategy into distinctive, functional and commercially relevant products.
• Own the design of assigned products from initial concept through development, prototyping and final execution.
• Partner closely with Product Management to translate consumer needs, product briefs and category priorities into compelling design solutions, balancing performance, aesthetics, commercial objectives and target price.
• In close collaboration with Material Management and Product Management, select and apply materials with a strong understanding of how fabric properties, construction and garment architecture interact to deliver performance.
• Develop innovative solutions around construction, ergonomics and usability.
• Create clear technical drawings, design specifications and presentations that enable Development and manufacturing partners to accurately execute the design intent.
• Work hands-on with Development and Pattern Engineering to explore and resolve advanced garment constructions, pattern solutions and manufacturing techniques.
• Participate in fit sessions, wear testing and field testing, using learnings to continuously improve product performance and user experience.
• Partner closely with Product Development throughout concepting and prototyping to understand cost implications, MCQ and manufacturing constraints, and incorporate these into design decisions.
• Work closely with other Designers to build consistency in construction, functionality and design language across the apparel collection.
• Apply Jack Wolfskin’s sustainability principles throughout the design process and actively contribute to evolving our approach to more responsible product creation.
• Stay closely connected to developments in the outdoor industry, materials, technologies and consumer needs, using insights from outdoor users, field testers and industry experts to continuously improve our products.

• Degree in Design (Apparel, Industrial or comparable).
• 7+ years of professional experience designing technical performance apparel, ideally within outdoor or performance sports.
• Proven experience designing technical outerwear and GORE-TEX products.
• Advanced understanding of garment construction, pattern engineering, ergonomics and manufacturing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of waterproof construction, seam taping, laminates and other performance materials.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills paired with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong design sensibility with the ability to combine function and a contemporary outdoor aesthetic.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and…