About this opportunity
Raider Research / Raide lists this Product Design Director opportunity in boulder, Colorado. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Raide exists to elevate human-powered movement in the mountains. We design and build the highest-performing and most functional equipment and apparel for ski touring and running.
We are one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor sports by defying industry norms and holding an uncompromising bar across product, storytelling, and how we operate internally. This is a rare opportunity to help build a generational brand from the ground up — where everything you create directly shapes how athletes experience the mountains.
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are looking for a Design Director, Equipment and Apparel to help Raide build the best running and ski touring equipment and apparel in the world. This role will start at the sourcing and concept phase and drive product through completion. This role will work on apparel, equipment and accessories.
You’ll work closely with Raide’s Founder/CEO who has driven all of the product design to date and with external development partners. This is an amazing opportunity to lead the outdoor industry in innovation and push the limits of what is possible in product.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Vision
Define the long-term design direction across equipment and apparel
Develop a multi-season product roadmap alongside the Founder/CEO
Identify whitespace opportunities and new product categories
Champion simplicity, restraint and performance in every product
Ensure every product feels unmistakably Raide
Lead concept generation, sketching, prototyping and product design
Drive innovation in materials, construction and user experience
Create technical sketches, tech packs, and design documentation when needed, while establishing standards for others to build from
Collaborate closely with athletes throughout development and wear testing
Partner with Creative Director on colour, print strategy and seasonal storytelling
Develop thoughtful technical solutions to real problems in the mountains
Product Line Management
Own the seasonal product line architecture across apparel and equipment
Develop and maintain multi-season line plans and product roadmaps
Ensure every product has a clear purpose within the Raide assortment
Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to build commercially balanced product lines
Lead seasonal product presentations, line reviews, and merchandising discussions
Balance innovation with disciplined assortment planning
Product Execution
Build relationships with the world's best mills, suppliers and innovation partners
Source materials several seasons ahead and lead custom material and trim developments
Work closely with factories and development partners throughout the product creation process to ensure design intent is maintained
Review prototypes, solve technical challenges, and provide clear product direction through commercialization
Collaborate closely with Product Development to deliver products on time without compromising quality or performance
Travel regularly to Asia to strengthen supplier relationships and support product development
Build scalable product processes and team to support the company growth
Manage external contractors
Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing and Operations to ensure product excellence from concept through launch
WHO YOU ARE
6 - 10+ years of product design experience, ideally in both performance apparel and equipment
Experience working directly with factories in Asia; willing to travel to factories 2-3 times a year
Experience designing technical apparel, not just lifestyle products
Deep understanding of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing constraints
Strong instincts for functional design and problem solving
Comfortable working directly with factories and development partners
Strong visual and aesthetic judgment with an appreciation for restraint and clarity in design
Able to operate in a small, fast-moving team environment
Both strategic and hands-on — able to set direction but also execute in the details
Strong communicator and collaborator
Strong understanding of the functional demands of skiing and running, with the ability to participate in product testing and provide design feedback based on real-world use of performance apparel and equipment
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact us at and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Age-Identifying Information
In support of fair and equitable hiring practices, we ask that applicants omit age-identifying information from their application materials – such as graduation years, years of attendance, or dates unrelated to job qualifications. This helps ensure all candidates are evaluated solely on their skills, experience, and ability to perform the role.
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Worksite address
boulder, CO, 80301, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.