Halfdays is seeking a Design Director to lead the design of our snow, trail, and accessory categories from concept through completion. This role is responsible for conducting market research, presenting concepts, creating sketches, and guiding design and fabric direction to meet both creative and business goals. The Design Director will actively contribute innovative ideas, ensuring products align with our mission to provide modern, flattering, and fashionable outdoor apparel for women.

Key Responsibilities

Product Creation and Innovation:

• Research and report on industry trends, colors, and fabric innovations 9-12 months ahead of the season, ensuring relevance to the brand.
• Focus on innovation and high-end tailoring, ensuring key details appeal to a wide range of sizes (XXS-2X), including Petite and Plus.
• Specialize in outerwear and performance fit, understanding ergonomics and best practices for ski, trail, and outerwear product design.
• Design silhouettes that align with overall direction and merchandising plans, ensuring each product has a clear purpose within the collection.
• Present design proposals and sketches to Co-founders, Product, Marketing, and Planning teams.
• Collaborate with Planning, Production, and Technical Design to maintain design integrity through execution.
• Create CADs and detailed construction sketches for apparel, accessories, trim, and packaging development.
• Work closely with the Technical Designer to create specs, attend fittings, and adjust garments to meet desired fit and aesthetic standards.

Operations and Results:

• Address business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions.
• Ensure timely execution of the product development calendar.
• Communicate new raw material sourcing needs and manage lab dips and print artwork in line with the development calendar. Maintain a fabric/trim library.
• Approve lab dips, ensuring consistency with color standards; review prints and graphics, advising revisions as needed.
• Complete and pass bill of material colorways to Product Development.
• Maintain up-to-date linesheets, design boards, and decks with sketches, names, and materials ahead of milestone or external meetings.
• Ensure final design details are communicated to the Web/copy team for PDP upload.
• Collaborate with Technical Design, Product Development, and Production at the end of each season to address fit or construction challenges and optimize future reorders.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Report to the Head of Product Development & Production to uphold product quality, fit, and timelines.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, CX, Merchandising, Planning, and Marketing, ensuring clear communication on project status and deadlines.
• Conduct international vendor calls as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with fabric mills and suppliers.
• Bring collaborative energy to design events, actively participating in creative vision, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions.
• Participate in weekly design and product development meetings to maintain strong communication and alignment across development efforts.
• Travel internationally for trade exhibitions, design research, and to oversee product development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in women’s outerwear, activewear, and ready-to-wear, with specific experience in active outerwear and cut-and-sew activewear.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Design required.
• Strong work ethic with an entrepreneurial, proactive mindset.
• Preferred experience with pattern making (paper and digital), draping, and grading.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, Acrobat, Google, Dropbox; Centric experience is a plus.
• Ability to balance long-lead and speed-to-market developments, maintaining attention to detail while working efficiently.
• Highly organized with strong self-management skills and the ability to prioritize deliverables.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
• 401(k)
• WFH flexibility
• Paid Parental Leave
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Generous employee discount

Salary Range: $100,000-$135,000

Location: Denver, CO

At Halfdays, we know that outdoor enthusiasts come from all different backgrounds, and we are here to support them by having a diverse team. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.