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Careers

Designer | Administrative Assistant | Account Executive 

Designer (Chicago Based)

Purpose:

We are looking for an Apparel Designer who will be responsible for researching trends, ideation of new concepts and creating compelling garments. The Apparel Designer works with the apparel team to ensure that each garment meets the categories product brief and the seasonal design direction set by the Senior Management team.

Accountabilities:

  • Sketch product designs and produce line art to communicate design concepts, including multiple views and detail sketches as necessary.
  • Design small collections and/or special make-up designs under the guidance of design management that take into account cost, style, fit, fabric, trims and technology
  • Provide design/concept boards to communicate design and seasonal direction.
  • Create supporting artwork that illustrate design concepts and tell stories to the Marketing, Merchandising and Sales teams.
  • Work with the category to understand market needs and design to product briefs.
  • Keep abreast of market trends and consumer needs
  • Select materials and trims used in product designs and assist Director in creating material and trim “toolbox boards” to consolidate selections each season
  • Design function and technology into product while still designing to cost
  • Create tech packs and other materials to hand off to development for sample manufacturing
  • Create and maintain all art files and transfer correct information to cross functional teams
  • Attend and contribute in fit and prototype review sessions
  • Meet calendar deadlines and deliverables
  • Identify new or innovative concepts, materials, manufacturing process, etc. and suggest ways in which they could improve the overall process and positively impact the team 

Education/Experience:

  • 2- 3+ years of apparel design experience
  • Bachelors degree in fashion or apparel design
  • Advanced level in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop a plus
  • Knowledge of garment construction, garment fit and costing
  • Strong communication, organizational and presentation skills; ability to receive design critique and respond with multiple solutions
  • Ability to illustrate designs & concepts as hand sketches and line art.  Fashion illustration a plus
  • Knowledge of garment construction, draping and fitting techniques preferable
  • Strong team player as well as the ability to work independently
  • Ability to respond quickly to multiple projects with strong time management skills

Swirlgear founder, Lacie Whyte, was inspired by a single idea; to provide every woman runner with the highest quality apparel for her respective discipline. Her passion and commitment to innovation is evident with every garment produced. 

Our mission is to be the leading women’s running apparel company in the world. At Swirlgear we understand that meeting the unmet needs of our retail partners and runners is paramount to accomplish this mission. Swirlgear provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.  

Administrative Assistant

Purpose:
Provides office services by implementing administrative systems, procedures, and policies, and monitoring administrative projects.

Duties:

  • Maintains workflow by studying methods; implementing cost reductions; and developing reporting procedures.
  • Creates and revises systems and procedures by analyzing operating practices, recordkeeping systems, forms control, office layout, and budgetary and personnel requirements; implementing changes.
  • Develops administrative staff by providing information, educational opportunities, and experiential growth opportunities.
  • Resolves administrative problems by coordinating preparation of reports, analyzing data, and identifying solutions.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
  • Provides information by answering questions and requests.
  • Maintains supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
  • Completes operational requirements by scheduling and assigning administrative projects; expediting work results.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
  • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Skills/Qualifications:
Reporting Skills, Administrative Writing Skills, Microsoft Office Skills, Managing Processes, Organization, Analyzing Information, Professionalism, Problem Solving, Supply Management, Inventory Control, Verbal Communication

Account Executive (Three available positions; West Coast, East Coast, South Central based)

Purpose:

Implement specific product and brand direction within specific key accounts. Lead sell in and sell-through with retail activation and the merchandising team to achieve profitable growth with the account.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Using strong business acumen and retail math abilities drive the top and bottom line number for the account.
  • Drive account growth and profitability by assessing and building on areas of momentum; capitalize on product/pricing opportunities and course correct with innovative sales tactics to improve sales performance with account.
  • Develop strategic sales plan for complex retail accounts leveraging account insight and goals to achieve sales targets and align with brand and category objectives.
  • Leverage market and competitor trends along with buyer preferences to build strategic sales plan
  • Collaborate with running associations to drive sell through programs at the account
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with all internal departments and assigned key accounts based on respect
  • Deliver on time reporting and forecasting for all required reports and documents to appropriate parties
  • Manage all credit claims and issues to resolution 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge of key metrics and how to use them to create increased profitability and sales for both Swirlgear and its' retail partners.
  • Passion for running!
  • Ability to apply financial data to make decisions and influence outcomes. This includes margins, retail math, and forecast/projections.
  • Strong presentation skills. Effectiveness in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings within and outside of the company. The ability to command attention and manage group process during the presentation. Ability to understand and incorporate all levels of brand marketing plans into presentations
  • Merchandising and planning skills, and the ability to create merchandise plans based on sell through targets.
  • Ability to enhance consumer interaction/experience at our retail partners.
  • Ability to lift and carry samples and bags weighing up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to lay out practical and logical assortment plans based on retail space, inventory turn, and sell through
  • Ability to portray a confident and winning attitude in challenging business interactions.
  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence outcomes with both internal and external contacts.
  • Confident communication skills with internal and external business partners.
  • Experience working across a wide range of business partners on projects
  • Ability to make "on the spot" decisions
  • Ability to effectively interact with all levels of business via phone, written communication and in person
  • Strong understanding of retail sales practices
  • Advanced computer skills ( Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

Qualifications:

  • Four-year degree preferably in Business, Marketing, Advertising or a related field.
  • Minimum 2 years of field sales experience, preferably within a consumer goods company in the sporting goods or running industry. The equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Swirlgear founder, Lacie Whyte, was inspired by a single idea; to provide every woman runner with the highest quality apparel for her respective discipline. Her passion and commitment to innovation is evident with every garment produced. 

Our mission is to be the leading women’s running apparel company in the world. At Swirlgear we understand that meeting the unmet needs of our retail partners and runners is paramount to accomplish this mission. Swirlgear provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other protected status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.