Senior Designer, Apparel

Job ID: 16311 

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day. 

Position Title: Senior Designer, Apparel

Location: Petaluma, California

Reports to: Manager, Design

Job Summary:

The Senior Designer, Apparel leads the creative development of seasonal product design, translating performance, style, and trend insights into compelling collections that embody our brand identity. This role partners cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, Technical Design, and Marketing to deliver innovative, high-quality apparel that supports our consumers through movement and adventure. From concept to execution, the Senior Designer drives silhouette, fabric, and color direction, ensuring every detail enhances both aesthetic appeal and function.

Responsibilities:

• Lead seasonal trend and design strategy, leveraging market and consumer insights to inform creative direction.
• Develop and present silhouette, fabric, and color direction aligned with brand and business goals.
• Create detailed design sketches, tech packs, and CADs for sampling and production; utilize Adobe Creative Suite and CLO 3D.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Merchandising, Product Development, Technical Design, Marketing) to align product stories and seasonal themes.
• Provide ongoing support to cross-functional teams, sharing design intent, technical details, and feedback throughout the development process.
• Integrate sustainable materials and practices into design solutions; champion innovation in fabric, construction, and technology.
• Evaluate fit, construction, and product performance with Technical Design and Merchandising partners.
• Actively manage professional development and stay current with industry trends, technologies, and cultural drivers.
• Drive business growth by building profitable, market-right, consumer-focused products in line with department and company financial targets.
• Ensure product design execution is within target costs and margin requirements.
• Work with sales, marketing, business development, key accounts, and athletes to identify opportunities and improve market share through new fabric, construction, and product concepts.
• Provide input for the development of annual and long-range business plans based on identified opportunities.
• Manage up by proactively communicating with leadership, providing feedback, and influencing decisions to support design and business goals.
• Self-manage workflow by prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and maintaining accountability for project deliverables.
• Mentor junior designers, providing guidance and feedback to support creative growth.
• Support diversity and inclusion in design and team culture.

Key Qualifications:

• University or four-year college degree in apparel/fashion design or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of professional experience designing apparel in the outdoor, active wear, or sportswear industries.
• Experience designing both technical outerwear and sportswear; experience with both men’s and women’s products preferred.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), CAD tools, and CLO 3D.
• Strong knowledge of technical and design needs to build an exceptional product focused on fabric, fit, and margin.
• Practical knowledge of sourcing, production, sales, marketing, and merchandising preferred.
• Extensive industry and consumer trend knowledge in the outdoor industry.
• Demonstrated experience developing products as well as collaborating with overseas Product Development teams, supporting the translation of design concepts into commercially viable products.
• Experience working with factories and Product Development teams, developing fabric, technology, and construction innovation.
• Ability to effectively work with department executives, suppliers, engineers, and manufacturers to identify and develop new product concepts, innovations, and construction technologies.
• Proactive and passionate approach to driving fresh, innovative thinking from product concept to final execution.
• Able to manage and lead change; mentor and collaborate among cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.
• Presentation/speaking skills – able to present and sell to all levels of the organization as well as the customer, communicating a clear and inspiring vision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Able to precisely communicate and negotiate time frames verbally and in writing in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated collaboration, interpersonal influence, and teamwork skills (maintains effective communication and working relationships).
• Results orientation while exhibiting great energy and resourcefulness.
• Self-starter who brings passion, enthusiasm, and focus to each project.
• Strong project planning, organizational, and time management skills and a high level of initiative.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven thinking.
• Attention to detail.
• Team player.
• Able to manage to deadlines, be flexible with change, drive to timely resolution.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft programs on a Mac.
• Sense of humor and a passion for what you do.
• Able to travel up to 20% of the year, including international travel to factories.

The California base pay range for this position is from $84,800- $116,160. Salary will be based on prior experience related to the skills required for this position.

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Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.