Design Director Merrell Wolverine Worldwide Rockford

Job Description: • 2-minute read •
Merrell is looking for a Design Director to join their exciting team! This passionate and dynamic professional will be taking the helm of the Outdoor Industries largest company with the mandate to transform Merrell into a global performance and lifestyle powerhouse, capable of generating annual revenue in excess of $1B. With his/her proven leadership skills and ability to inspire a global team, this talented individual will direct all facets of the Merrell brand, overweighting his/her time on bringing to market Big Ideas/concepts, through constant consumer insights, innovation and compelling marketing.
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Comfortable leading from the front and passionate about the outdoors, this leader will be the face of Merrell and have a significant voice in the industry. As a result, Merrell’s President is expected to be an excellent communicator, and have the ability to inspire internal and external stakeholders with his/her global vision/strategy for the brand. As the Leader of Wolverine Worldwide’s largest and most profitable business, this executive will have significant visibility and influence within Wolverine Worldwide and be a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Responsibilities:

Works with brand / group leadership (VP & CBD) in setting long-term brand product vision and as well as supporting seasonal line strategy. Identifies signature details across product stories.
Leads, manages, develops in-house and outside Design team on creation of designs, line building to align with brand vision.
Works directly with CBD, trend agencies and design team to create seasonal color and trend approach.
Directly responsible for all application of color – both 2D and 3D designs.
Guides material selection – leather/non-leather; coordination color/weight – signature details; works directly with tanneries on seasonal needs.
Ensures execution of holistic line creation for the design group.
Establishes and continuously uses effective communication channels to ensure the team is kept aware of all-relevant design, product and business issues.
Performing duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.
Performing other duties as required/assigned by manager.
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent work experience.
8+ years footwear design experience, for appreciation of design proportions and aesthetic requirements.
Knowledge of footwear development / shoemaking – constructions, components, materials and usages, working with factories, etc.
Demonstrated knowledge of line building.
Demonstrated success managing and building a team of highly qualified designers.
Able to work with and understand strategic brand building and brand management concepts - marketing, sales, etc.
Ability to set vision for product line - future, and guardrails, DNA to guide design / development team.
Strong computer skills. Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, 3D Design, CAD Platforms, MS Office
Strong ability to adhere to deadlines. Delivers accurate data on time and in full.
Excellent written and oral communication.
Advanced product knowledge and knowledge of global markets and competitors.
Strong story-telling skills.
Experience designing in the Outdoor and/or Running space, preferred.

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