Sr Color Designer - Footwear

Job code: 9348

Company: Columbia Sportswear

Location: Portland, OR

Department: Footwear



We have a lifestyle
A suit and tie aren’t even an option at Columbia Sportswear. Our offices and retail locations are casual, team orientated and, above all, energizing – just like the people who wear our products. It’s the kind of place that encourages new ideas and forward thinkers like you.



This job description is not meant to be an all inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.



General Position Summary:

Manage Footwear color projects to ensure that objectives and timelines are met. Assist in the design and development of the footwear color palette and present category color and trend direction at appropriate Business Unit Meetings. Drive trend and consumer relevant product through color and materials. Research worldwide color trends specific to category.  Integrate with Product Creation Team partners to create trend relevant product within specific category.  Act as a Footwear Design partner to collaborate on seasonal corporate trend direction.  Strong eye for detail and refinement and a passion to find a way to create better product.



Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:Define and execute against seasonal color initiatives.  Provide seasonal direction for color and materials and lead material developments. Create and apply color palette to seasonal product lines.  Work closely with other members of the Product Creation Teams, planning and merchandising the seasonal footwear lines.  Design and spec product utilizing Adobe Creative Suite to meet timelines and cost parameters.Assist Color/Materials Manager in developing footwear color palettes twice a year for the Footwear product lines.  Work up all color combinations for product in the product line.Research worldwide marketplace for trends in new color and materials inspiration. Present findings and recommendations to category Product Creation Team.  May require attending special trend or trade shows.Provide seasonal colors with correct information from Design to Product Development.Provide and/or coordinate technical support for product or illustrations as needed for linelist, catalog, hangtags or printed product information for merchandising/design, sales representatives, buyers, customers and/or management review meetings.Collaborate with an international staff of people and effectively interface and communicate to create a merchandisable line of footwear.



Specific Job Skills:

Must be detail oriented. Possesses a familiarity of building color palettes and working through color combinations with footwear, footwear seasonality, design and production cycles required. Possess working knowledge of merchandise design process in the footwear industry.  Must possess strong creative and design abilities and excellent interpersonal/communication skills. Must possess thorough knowledge of color and material trends and material finishes.

Proficiency in graphic design desktop (MAC) tools with emphasis on speed, accuracy and productivity.  Includes working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Entourage, Keynote or PowerPoint.  Possess a thorough understanding of typography and color theory. Ability to work well under pressure.  Ability to read, write, and speak English.  Mental ability to conduct interpersonal interactions with outside suppliers and company personnel.  Ability to operate independently.  Physical ability to use telephone, computer hardware/software including keyboard, type, sit and stand for extended periods of time, and occasionally lift/carry up to 40 pounds.



Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in art or graphic design. A minimum of five to ten years experience in footwear color design with extensive internal/external partner interaction.  Working knowledge of footwear manufacturing, product design and development processes. Familiarity with product manufacturing processes and limitations, including materials, fabrics, plastics and pigments. Thorough knowledge of art and design basics with a clear understanding of visual design concepts, including color merchandising, color compatibility and color placement. Trend forecast experience and the ability to clearly communicate this to a mixed audience, either verbally or visually.



When you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, take the plunge and apply online. Columbia Sportswear is an equal opportunity employer.