The Outdoor Recreation Group, based in Los Angeles, CA, is in search of a Senior Backpack & Accessory Designer.

As the Senior Designer, you will be responsible for applying your strong design skills, innovative thinking and technical experience in accessory design & development toward creating new product collections. Individual will oversee accessory design team with the goal of continuously advancing product performance, meeting client expectations & maintaining cost requirements. This integral role includes researching product categories, setting design direction, managing product development from concept to final sample, maintaining cost objectives, overseeing development schedule & providing technical & creative support for design team.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Leads, demonstrates and promotes a team-based process and approach and supports an environment of close cooperation that leverages individual strengths, motivates others to grow personally and professionally.
• Researches market and product categories. Reads publications, attends showings, and maintains pulse of current market trends and forecasts. Strong knowledge of retail & brand positioning
• Supports and execute all seasonal projects from concept to completion of final samples for all accessory product categories including, outdoor technical backpacks, hydration bags, lifestyle daypacks, fishing tackle bags, luggage & travel accessories, tactical gear & hunting bags
• Conceptualizes product collections based on the following criteria: aesthetics, design-function relationship, fashion trends, materials, retail price/cost restrictions, methods of production, and client/buyer directives.
• Communicates product concepts & ideas through product renderings/illustrations. Renderings to be used as key sales aids and in-house line preparation. (All renderings to be produced in Adobe Illustrator – Indesign knowledge a plus).
• Manages sample process from technical drawings to sample sign off
• Oversees preparation of all technical specifications & drawings for sample development.
• Works closely with factory & trim suppliers to ensure that all sample designs meet project criteria and cost targets. Assesses factory bill of materials and make critical design decisions based on cost objectives
• Ensures that all products are designed for production efficiency.
• Travels internationally to work in factory sample rooms to ensure that products meet design criteria and project deadlines
• Field test products for fit & function

POSITION REQUIREMENTS --- To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Passion for Bags / Packs industry and accessory products
• Time management - Accurately assess how long a job in going to take from conception to completion. Ability to re-acclimate to deadline changes and changing design criteria. Plans ahead
• Excellent note taker - Must take detailed & orderly notes (date notes/ refer to notes upon arrival to work/and archive notes for reference.
• Problem Solver - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner Gathers and analyzes information skillfully Develops alternative solutions Works well in group problem solving situations & alone
• Oral communication - Listens and gets clarification Responds well to questions Demonstrates group presentation skills Participates in meetings.
• Written communication - must be able to thoroughly and effectively express ideas and methods w/ all co-workers and overseas factory partners
• Teamwork – Works well within the team to complete projects as needed. Enjoys collaborating with other teammates to complete tasks
• Displays willingness to make decisions - Supports and explains reasoning for decisions Makes timely decisions.
• Reacts well under pressure - Accepts responsibility for own actions Follows through on commitments Altering personal schedules to meet deadlines (working evenings and weekends) – unsolicited
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness Looks for ways to improve and promote quality Applies feedback to improve performance Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Willingness to travel both domestic and international
• Initiative – takes on additional responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong Design Skills
• Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Engineering, Materials or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Lead Design Role specifically in the field of Backpack & Sewn Accessory Design
• Strong sketching & rendering ability required. Must be able to render products in actual size quickly.
• Experience creating color tech packs
• Robust understanding of 3-dimensional design & visualization.
• Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop a must
• Microsoft Office primarily Excel and Outlook
• SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, CAD Modeling Experience a plus
• Excellent computer skills (MAC or PC)

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and a link to your portfolio through Malakye, or by email to humanresources@torgusa.com