Kenneth Bontje: Sr Product Designer and Developer in Victoria, BC
Kenneth Bontje
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Sr Product Designer and Developer
Victoria | CA
Skills
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Interests
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Work experience
![Image Ruffwear](https://content.malakye.com/media/logos/images/9888_637402682130331951.jpeg)
Ruffwear
Sr Product Designer and Developer | 06/2023 - 07/2024
- The creation of OEM designs working with tier 1 suppliers, and stakeholders
- Work with textile/coated fabrics/leather for apparel, harness and bed applications
- Create OEM documentation required to assist the Account Managers and Program Managers
- Excellent understanding and implementation of design processes and procedures
- Work with key departments for the purpose of promoting new products, design, developments, and future materials - Worked closely with internal departments to achieve mutual goals
- Provide strategic input for planning development and budgets
- Respond to customer inquiries and communications
- Provide information on market trends, customer needs and competitors
- Present weekly with stakeholders using exceptional presentation, written and verbal communication skills
- Organizational skills showing attention to detail, accuracy, and focus
- Manage timelines and prioritize seasonal launch schedules
- Flexibility
![Image Mustang Survival Corporation](https://content.malakye.com/media/logos/images/3486_636947521548039604.jpeg)
Mustang Survival Corporation
Apparel and Gear Designer | 05/2021 - 06/2023
- Manage the design of dry suits, PFD’s and apparel for recreation, military and professional marine markets
- Work with the creative team and give constructive feedback
- Highly involved in the hiring and training of creative staff
- Launch global product lines on time to a seasonal calendar
- Develop creative strategies aligning with consumer trends and company goals
AquaLung Group
Sr Product Design Manager | 01/2017 - 05/2021
- Oversaw the work of the creative department to ensure seasonal product goals were met
- Developed 5yr plans and budgeting to support company growth through creativity, innovation and focus on excellence - Reviewed the work of the creative team, provided constructive feedback and participated in development process
- Highly involved in the hiring and training of creative staff
- Launched seasonal global product lines that reduce total SKU’s and increase margin
- Developed and implemented creative strategies aligning with consumer trends and company goals
- Developed licensed brands with Michael Phelps and Phillipe Cousteau Jr.
Aqua Lung America
Industrial Designer | 11/2012 - 01/2017
- Designed, developed and launch boots, gloves, bags knives and wetsuits for Aqua Lung
- Advanced material research and concept ideation with a focus on trim and construction
- Implemented Scuba marketplace trend and consumer analysis with a focus on SKU reduction and consistency
- Development of technical specifications for communication with foreign factories
-Strategized design with manufacturing to drive retail price targets
-Presented seasonal product launches with global affiliates
Town and Country Living
CAD Designer | 03/2010 - 10/2012
- Designed and illustrate unique textile constructions
- Successfully expanded over 397 designs for merchandising in Costco, Target and Walmart generating over $4,000,000.00 in revenue
- Worked directly with factories in China and India
- Developed trend and brand analysis for Keurig, Corelle, Kitchen-Aid, Ralph Lauren, Fiestaware, Guy Fieri, Calvin Klein, Vera & Farberware
- Presented concepts and sales presentations for kitchen textile license agreements
![Image 5.11 Tactical](https://content.malakye.com/media/logos/images/3795_637975648871799416.jpeg)
5.11 Tactical
Hardlines Technical Designer & Consultant | 05/2008 - 02/2010
Hardlines Technical Designer & Consultant, 5.11 Tactical Surplus: Modesto, CA
- Develop new camouflage pattern for SWAT and other Law enforcement teams
- Draft new soft goods for designer at full scale in Illustrator for production
- Develop T-shirt graphics designed for 5.11 Tactical’s target market
- Developed the hardlines technical library including all bags, pouches, holsters, belts, pads, watches, glasses, knives and hats using reference sheets in Microsoft Excell
- Draft all products in Illustrator at full scale for factory production in China
- Collect a bill of materials and pricing for each product
- Communicate prototype changes to factories in China to ensure the product is mass-produced to the designer’s specifications
Crye Associates
Design Intern | 05/2007 - 02/2008
Design Intern Crye Associates: Brooklyn, NY
- Work closely with the US Special Forces to assist in design and develop of new technology including heating systems/masks for high altitude low deploy (HALO) diving suits, CAGE armor chassis, Airframe helmet & chops and gear pouch sets.
- Prototype concepts for field testing from patterns built in PAD for manufacturing, casting bullet proof plates for testing, build HALO dive masks from CAD plans, prototype temperature control circulatory systems.