Product Designer - Footwear & Apparel

Our story started at the beginning of the 20th century, when Carl Grundén, the son of a fisherman, grew tired of the unforgiving weather on the west coast of Sweden. He decided to make something for people with passion for fishing, and started manufacturing water repellent garments to withstand the forces of nature – keeping all men and women warm, dry and safe when doing what they love. Today we carry on the tradition of developing products you can trust. We help fishermen, both professional and recreational face any condition on waters across the globe. 

Grundens is seeking a talented and passionate Product Designer with a focus on footwear design to join our dynamic team. This role offers a unique opportunity to blend creativity and technical expertise in developing innovative footwear and apparel products that resonate with our brand's fishing heritage.

This role will report to the Director of Design and Product Management.

• Conceptualize and design new footwear products, ensuring alignment with Grundens' brand identity and market trends.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, product development, category management, and marketing to develop product designs from concept to final prototype.
• Conduct research and analysis of market trends, consumer needs, and competitive products to inform design decisions.
• Create detailed design sketches, technical drawings, and prototypes using CAD software and other design tools.
• Support the development team with revision of product specifications, materials, and construction methods.
• Present design concepts and prototypes to internal stakeholders and incorporate feedback to refine designs.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and innovations, particularly in footwear design and materials.
• Participate in the design and development of apparel projects, contributing to the overall product line strategy.
• Demonstrate a strong passion for fishing and outdoor activities, leveraging this passion to create products that enhance the fishing experience for our customers.

• Strong aesthetic direction
• Strong cross-functional communication skills (verbally, written, in-person, & virtually).
• Ability to influence others at all levels of the organization without having direct authority.
• Ability to multitask, work with a sense of urgency, and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to view problems with a solution-based mindset.
• High degree of self-motivation and attention to detail with a self-starter personality that thrives in a demanding work environment.
• Positive attitude that adds to the team and company culture.
• Strong passion for fishing, outdoor activities, and performance gear.

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in footwear design, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchbook Pro, ProCreate, Fusion 360, SolidWorks).
• Excellent sketching, rendering, and prototyping skills.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and construction techniques in footwear and apparel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and effectively communicate design concepts and ideas.
• Passion for fishing and familiarity with fishing gear and apparel is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly processes, with experience working with factories on development issues.
• Ability to innovate with materials, finishes, and texture combinations.

• Work location: Poulsbo Headquarters with ability to work remotely 2 days. 

• Compensation: This role can expect to earn $70,000 – 85,000 annually.

• Benefits: Grundens offers a generous benefits package that includes the following:
• Insurance: All employees have the ability to enroll in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, and Life Flight coverage. Benefits begin the first day of the month following your hire date.
• Retirement: Grundens offers a 401(k)-retirement plan with a 5% match at 6% contribution.
• Bonus Program: Grundens offers a profit-based bonus program when revenue targets are and/or exceeded.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – All Grundens employees earn PTO every pay period, starting at 80 hours per year depending on experience level.
• Paid Holidays – Grundens provides 9 set paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday for a total of 10 paid holidays.

• Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Built by fishermen, Grundens way of thinking today caries this tradition. We are humbled by natures beauty and power and believe if there are no fish there is no fishing, and eventually no us. However, with the right tools, decisions and attitude, we are able to invest in solutions. Working at Grundens is no different. It’s about finding resourceful solutions, working towards a common goal and building trust in the process. Come work with us.

**Grundens is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. **