Carry Gear Solutions, a private label design and development company based in Seattle, WA, is currently seeking a Hard Goods/Soft Goods Product Designer/Developer. This individual will work closely with various team members and external partners to provide design specifications, product development insight, and market research information. The main responsibilities of the role include designing and developing bags, luggage, and other containment products, creating specification packages and 2D renderings, managing product design and development for designated customers, and visually communicating concepts to both internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Design or a related field, at least 2 years of experience in bag or luggage design and development, and strong knowledge of soft goods, fabrics, trims, and production techniques. Exceptional organization, communication, and visualization skills are also required for success in this role.
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Job Description
Associate Designer/Developer Responsibilities
The Associate Designer/Developer will work closely with the Business Unit Manager, Account Managers, Designers, Factories, Customers, and other team members to provide design specifications, product development insight, and market research information.
Core Accountabilities:
- Design and develop bags, luggage, and other containment products for Outdoor, Children’s, Travel, Pet, and other markets.
- Build specification packages and 2D renderings of new products.
- Manage product design and development for designated customers, from merchandise assortment planning to initial concepts, sampling, and on through production.
- Visually communicate concepts to internal team members and externally to customers.
- Create market trend analysis, competitive landscape research, and merchandise assortment documents for external presentation.
- Research new materials, trims, hardware, technology, and features relevant to the markets for which are making products and those we wish to strategically target.
- Actively participate in meetings with Customers, Management, and peers, and interpret and follow up on discussion topics in a timely manner with appropriate parties.
- Work to improve organizational and timeline efficiencies for design.
- Be aware of, and maintain, design timelines for multiple concurrent projects.
- Exhibit a strong knowledge of development processes, including coloring, lab dips, measurement standards, fabrics, trims, and construction methods.
- Provide graphic design for fabric prints and repeat motifs.
- Work closely and proactively with multiple internal peers, Management, Customers, and Factories.
- Provide design and technical support to the CGS sales groups and customers utilizing experience and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Travel to Customer locations for meetings and travel to Asia factories to work hands-on with factory representatives.
- Maintain and organize Customer production and development samples, as well as reference samples.
- Act as a fully functioning member of the team, developing rapport with peers, Customers, and Vendors, and promoting the company’s values, visions, and objectives at all times.
- Constantly seek to improve skills both technically, as well as inter-personally, with the goal of growing your role and responsibilities in the company.
- Bring ideas and suggestions for ways to improve efficiencies and participate in meetings regarding opportunities that will benefit the CGS team, Customers, and/or all of Blackstone Investment Group.
Qualifications
- Degree in Design or equivalent field such as Industrial Design or Apparel Design.
- 2+ Years in bag or luggage design and development.
- Product design, technical specification, and product development experience.
- Ability to work in all phases of product development from concept to production details.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.
- Must be flexible with the ability to work on simultaneous projects.
- Strong knowledge of soft goods, fabrics, trims, and production techniques.
- Knowledge of the production process and experience working directly with factories.
- Outstanding organization, communication, and visualization skills.
- Strong research and presentation (visual and communicative) skills.
- Ability to travel internationally and domestically.
- Pro-active, quick responder, smart and sharp, perceptive.
- Excellent level of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign).
- Experience with welded bags beneficial, but not required.
- Citizen or Green Card.
Company Overview
Carry Gear Solutions
Carry Gear Solutions (CGS) is a private label design and development company based in Seattle, WA. The CGS team has been designing and manufacturing bags, luggage, accessories, and various cut and sew products for over 25 years. Carry Gear Solutions is dedicated to providing design, development, merchandising, manufacturing, and fulfillment of items to brands in a variety of industries. Their goal is to provide the gear solutions to carry people’s stuff from point A to point B, no matter what the industry.
Blackstone Investment Group
Carry Gear Solutions is owned by parent company Blackstone Investment Group (BIG), a privately held company headquartered in Aurora, MO. Blackstone Investment Group is a well-established investment firm that provides financial support to various companies across different industries.
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Responsibilities
The Associate Designer/Developer at Carry Gear Solutions will have a wide range of responsibilities. They will be responsible for designing and developing bags and other products for various markets such as Outdoor, Children’s, Travel, and Pet. This includes creating specification packages and 2D renderings of new products, managing product design and development for designated customers, and visually communicating concepts to internal team members and external customers.
In addition to design and development tasks, the Associate Designer/Developer will also be responsible for market trend analysis and research. They will need to stay up to date with the latest trends in the industry and identify new materials, trims, hardware, and features that can be incorporated into the products. They will also be involved in graphic design for fabric prints.
The Associate Designer/Developer will play an important role in meetings and maintaining design timelines. They will need to actively participate in meetings with customers, management, and peers, and ensure that discussions are followed up on in a timely manner. They will also need to be aware of and maintain design timelines for multiple concurrent projects.
Providing support to sales groups is another key responsibility of the Associate Designer/Developer. They will need to provide design and technical support to the CGS sales groups and customers, utilizing their experience and problem-solving skills. This includes traveling for meetings and factory visits, as well as organizing and maintaining samples.
Overall, the Associate Designer/Developer is expected to be a fully functioning team member, seeking personal and professional growth. They are encouraged to provide ideas and suggestions for improvement and actively contribute to the growth of the company.
Qualifications
To qualify for the Associate Designer/Developer position, candidates must have a degree in Design or equivalent field such as Industrial Design or Apparel Design. They should also have at least 2 years of experience in bag or luggage design and development.
Candidates should have a strong knowledge of soft goods, fabrics, trims, and production techniques. They should also have experience working directly with factories and be familiar with the production process. Outstanding organization, communication, and visualization skills are essential, as well as strong research and presentation skills.
The Associate Designer/Developer must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously. They should be proactive, quick to respond, and have excellent problem-solving skills. The ability to travel internationally and domestically is also required.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, is necessary for this role. Experience with welded bags is beneficial, but not required.
About Carry Gear Solutions
Carry Gear Solutions (CGS) is a design and development company specializing in bags, luggage, and cut and sew products. Based in Seattle, WA, CGS provides design, manufacturing, and fulfillment services to brands in various industries.
The goal of Carry Gear Solutions is to provide solutions for carrying people’s belongings. They strive to design and develop products that meet the needs and preferences of their customers, ensuring that they can transport their belongings efficiently and comfortably.
About Blackstone Investment Group
Blackstone Investment Group (BIG) is the parent company of Carry Gear Solutions. It is a privately held company headquartered in Aurora, MO. As an investment firm, Blackstone Investment Group provides financial support to various companies, including CGS, to facilitate their growth and success.
Benefits of Working at Carry Gear Solutions
Working at Carry Gear Solutions offers numerous benefits. Firstly, employees have the opportunity to work with a diverse team comprising individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. This fosters a collaborative and stimulating work environment where employees can learn from each other and expand their knowledge and skills.
Additionally, working at Carry Gear Solutions provides employees with the chance to contribute to the growth of the company. The company values the ideas and suggestions of its employees and encourages them to actively participate in meetings and discussions regarding opportunities for improvement.
Working at Carry Gear Solutions also exposes employees to various industries and brands. As a design and development company, Carry Gear Solutions works with brands from different sectors, allowing employees to gain insights into different markets and industries.
Furthermore, working at Carry Gear Solutions presents opportunities for personal and professional development. The company values continuous learning and growth and supports employees in enhancing their skills and advancing their careers.
Overall, working at Carry Gear Solutions offers a fulfilling and rewarding experience, where employees can make significant contributions to the company’s success while also furthering their own personal and professional goals.
How to Apply
To apply for the Associate Designer/Developer position at Carry Gear Solutions, candidates can submit their applications through the company’s website. They are required to include their resume and portfolio to showcase their qualifications and previous work.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or further information about Carry Gear Solutions, interested individuals can reach out to the company via email at info@carrygearsolutions.com or by phone at (123) 456-7890. The company is based in Seattle, WA.
