At icebreaker and Smartwool, we are two unique brands that embody the same spirit of belonging, adventure, sustainability, and getting out there. We create products made for people who enjoy nature and want to go far and feel good. We do this all while keeping our planet and the impact of our products in mind.
So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of fun, adventure-loving people, icebreaker and Smartwool may be just the place for you.
To learn more about our values and our culture, visit www.icebreaker.com or www.smartwool.com.
Associate Manager, Design Operations
What will you do?
A day in the life of the Associate Manager, Design Operations role at icebreaker and Smartwool looks a little like this:
The role is responsible for partnering with the Design Director and Senior Design Leads to ensure calendar adherence and create conditions where Design and Contract Designers can be most successful and to work efficiently and effectively. This person will manage timeline and deliverables with in the seasonal creative process outline and work as a support role to the Creative Council as needed, with the goal to improve how we work and operate across creative silos. In addition, this role manages all off season design projects (such as Regional SMU’s and Collaborations) as part of the special make up process. Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.
Manage Seasonal Creative process in partnership with Design Director
Project Management and Tracking
Contractor and outside design contract management and brief writing
Initiated and managing all design legal contracts
Facilitate contractor and new hire onboarding process to ensure all team members understand our design process and deliverables.
Manage all invoicing and PO creation for all outsourced design projects through Coupa system
Partner with Design Leads to proactively lead the product design pipeline including workflow, prioritization and resource planning.
Create and maintain a project tracker; help mitigate roadblocks as necessary in design deliverables
Establish and maintain a systematic framework for workflow across all special requests
Partner with calendar creation team as design lead
Schedule design reviews, design handoff meetings, color deliverables with key partners
Provide coordination and support for large/master calendar meetings.
Identify and champion process improvement opportunities for design to drive efficiency and quality in our workflow.
Take lead to evaluate and update server organization including folder structure and file nomenclature across design team.
Provide mentoring and coaching to the colorist role to continual refine the lab dip process to provide efficiency as needed.
What do you need to succeed?
We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 5+ years of experience and professional achievements.
The foundation skills you will need in this position are:
Strong Project Management skills/ experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Extensive experience in design and development processes, PLM systems, and workflows.
Microsoft application, Adobe CC, PLM system.
Strong background in design and development, calendar management and project management.
Possess excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Has the ability to write a clear well thought through brief for contract designers.
Demonstrate acute problem-solving skills, anticipate roadblocks and adjust plans accordingly and communicate quickly and directly.
Is a self-starter, and organized.
Possess the ability to collaboratively and effectively work with a diverse group of people to achieve desired on time results.
Be an effective listener.
Demonstrate curiosity and desire to learn and guide.
Be empathic
Location requirement: Denver, Colorado
Now WE have a question for YOU.
Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$82,080.00 USD - $102,600.00 USD annuallyIncentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.
Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.