Materials Designer 3

• We're looking for a Senior Design Manager, Energy – NBHD Expression Footwear Color & Materials Design to combine their experience in both color and material design, creative problem solving, and people management to build the future of the NBHD, our creative collaborative partnership space that drives energy and helps fuel the brand. The ideal candidate elevates the consumer product experience with a focus on both the art & science of color and materials while leading a team of designers. In this role, you will influence and drive an emotional connection to footwear through the use of narrative and storytelling.
• This manager will be an active and proficient participant in the creative process and have excellent cross-functional communication skills, presenting design concepts to internal and external audiences and setting expectations for creative execution and timeliness of deliverables.
• We are looking for someone that can comfortably navigate ambiguity and help define new spaces that connect with the streetwear and sneaker culture consumer. The Senior Design Manager will be an expert creative problem solver who excels in a fast-paced environment and has experience managing others.

• Minimum required years of experience: 5+ YOE in Materials Design
• Education requirements: Bachelors or equivalent experience

• Has a high taste level, understands consumer trends, understands tactile materials
• Has worked on larger projects with consumer goods
• Portfolio: strong storytelling - should be able to see their design process and how the end result was decided on, should be clear which parts they worked on and were a decision maker on

• Open to experience in industrial material design, textile material design, or apparel material design
• Has a strong interest in street wear and trends

• If this is you, you will manage a dynamic color and materials design team to create narrative-driven concepts within the creative collaborative partnership space. This will require driving product excellence through the connection of design, development, marketing, and manufacturing. Through research and deep consumer understanding, you and your team will explore the edges of color and material design, fashion, art, and sports-related products. You will help identify project deliverables and communicate expectations in a timely manner for your team.

• On a day to day basis you will be managing a team of both color and material designers in addition to working with product line managers, tech and material developers, and product designers. This role will be a team leader and have 4-5 direct reports. The role will report directly to the Materials Design Director, Men's Lifestyle with a dotted line to color Design Director, Lifestyle.

• Bachelor's degree in design or equivalent education, experience, or training.

• Minimum 5 years of progressively technically challenging design experience, in both color and materials preferred
• Direct people management experience is required
• Understanding of color trends, strategy, achievability, and material placement and performance
• Knowledge of product design and development process
• Strong visual and verbal presentation skills; able to effectively show and communicate design intent to internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrate ability to lead a team and manage multiple projects and timelines at once
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a diverse group
• Ability to network, influence and utilize internal and external resources
• Ability to articulate how color & materials can affect product and sales

Jaffer.s@sunrisesys.com