About L2 Brands Since the formation of L2 Brands in 2018 with the merger of League and Legacy, L2 has experienced tremendous growth and change. In late December 2022, Ouray Sportswear and Locale Outdoor joined the L2 Brands family providing more choice and product diversification. The combination of these 4 brands offers an industry leading single source for decorated apparel, headwear, home décor and accessories. L2 Brands is one of the largest manufacturers of decorated sportswear in the country and seeking a highly motivated and committed individual to help grow its headwear line. About the Role The Headwear Designer reports to the EVP Product Development and Supply Chain and is responsible for executing headwear product development across L2's headwear brands Legacy, Ouray and Locale as well as private label projects. This work involves constant trend watching and research, identifying hat color, fabric, graphic and silhouette trends, converting concepts to photo-realistic mock-ups, and robust documenting, communication and organization skills to work effectively with our supply chain partners. In coordination with the Sales and Merchandising teams, this individual will work with the EVP to strategize new, creative ways to grow the headwear sales by introducing on-trend style and graphic ideas, while maintaining margin requirements and ensuring new styles are in line with each brand's aesthetic, end markets and growth strategies. A life passion for all things ball caps and headwear is essential. Responsibilities include: Design & Development
Shop and research all L2 end markets, inspirational retail brands and competitor collections to identify new trends (styles, silhouettes, colors/patterns, fabrics, features and graphics) and disseminate them via emails, purchased samples and trend board meetings. Using Photoshop or similar rendering software, present new style, color/pattern and graphic ideas and product line recommendations to Senior Management, Sales and Merchandise teams through viable, creative conceptual presentations. Work closely with EVP in bringing research and concepts to life through idea collaboration, pattern research and creation, cap renderings and development of factory prototypes. Responsible for overseeing and managing the adherence to seasonal design calendars and deadlines across multiple brands and special collections with a highly organized approach. Develop and manage detailed and accurate tech packs and final approved samples with factories and with internal QC teams. Collaborate with Sales and Merchandising teams to direct factories to produce sales rep and tradeshow samples in a timely manner according to launch calendar. Oversee factory communication including back and forth notes, questions and comments including tracking and shipping samples. Provide all pertinent info for new style, lead time, style descriptions and other info to the person/team responsible for database set-up of all new styles and colors. Maintain organization and labels of all samples and other raw material such as swatch books, hat components, etc. Assist EVP PD & SC as needed on any other miscellaneous development needs. Custom Programs/ Private Label Coordination
Coordinate, create and manage unique key account developments or private label collections from initial concept through production phases in collaboration with Sales and Merchandising. Work closely with EVP PD & SC, sales reps and customers to bring custom concepts and other unique sales opportunities to fruition. Review, approve and provide feedback of daily factory PPS photos of highly customized import hats, both from matching the tech pack point of view, but just as importantly, ensuring the over hat with its color and designs look top notch. You're Excited About This Opportunity Because You Bring...
- A deep passion for baseball caps and headwear trends.
- Outstanding time management, organization, good judgement and ability to manage multiple priorities/deadlines with a positive can-do attitude and sense of urgency.
- Excellent self-leadership, interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work with others at all levels within an organization.
- A level of self-direction and self-motivation in aligning your personal actions and areas of responsibilities within the company and understanding their fit into the bigger picture.
- The ability to cross boundaries within the organization to enhance your effectiveness and advance your objectives and achieve results.
- The ability to quickly adapt to, be accepted by and inter-relate with colleagues at all levels, particularly in a company with a very strong and rich corporate culture.
- Flexibility to change, are coachable, upfront and direct with peers and management.
We're Excited About You Because You're Able to...
- Work independently or in a collaborative team setting.
- Be an internal and external L2 ambassador to help build confidence, pride, and value in the company.
- ???????Develop a thorough knowledge of L2's brands, product lines, silhouettes, fabrication, color ways, sewing techniques, trims, graphic and decoration applications.
The Perspective and Experience You Bring Includes:
Two to four years of experience in headwear product development and creating style tech packs. Two to four years of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop experience, and excellent command of MS Office suite. Experience working with overseas vendors and traveling abroad to production facilities. Excellent sense of color and fabric combinations and ability to create saleable seasonal color palettes and patterns that flow seamlessly from season to season while still providing a vision of newness to the customer.