Company Interfaces:

This position reports to the Divisional Merchandise Manager – Rod & Tackle. The position will also interface with our Retail, Consumer Direct and Wholesale Merchandising teams, Rod & Tackle Analyst, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Creative and vendors, reps and buying agents. It is an individual contributor role and does not involve supervision of other Associates. This is an exempt/ salary position.

Performance Measurements:

• On schedule development of best in class products
• Gross profit across mail order, web, dealer, and the retail business for above categories
• Quality as measured by returns, as well as feedback from customers, sales personnel in retail and wholesale, and the endorsed guide network
• Cost of goods and sourcing strategies for above categories

General Responsibilities:

• Management of the design and development process of waders, wading footwear, outerwear and vests/packs for a planned increase in sales and gross margin
• Responsible for driving the design, fit execution and specifications for innovative, technologically advanced products of the highest level
• Interface with the Divisional Merchandise Manager, sourcing and manufacturing partners to meet product introduction timelines
• Ensure quality at all phases in the process and product lifecycle
• Coordinate testing of all products in way that is consistent with our brand standards
• Analysis of the business utilizing our in house systems to monitor sales, gross profit, and establish a vision for where the business has the most potential for growth
• Vendor negotiations for costing and implementation of best sources to assure product delivery and quality
• On schedule delivery of photography and rep samples, and effective management of merchandising calendar
• Travel to factories, vendors and shows

Skill-set/ Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with comprehensive professional experience in all facets of the product design and commercialization process
• 5 plus years of industrial design or commercialization management of performance garments or technical outerwear preferred
• Intimate working knowledge of garment design and material constructions techniques within the competitive marketplace
• Knowledge of product development process and seasonal cadence, merchandising and assortment planning
• Interest in the retail industry; previous corporate retail experience is a plus
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong follow up
• Ability to anticipate and meet deadlines and to work on multiple projects
• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe illustrator for product design, visual line planning, and color story recommendations
• Proven Photoshop, Microsoft Word and Excel skills as well as excellent oral and written communication
• Flexible travel required in this position for shows and events (up to 5 weeks/year)
• Must be familiar with the Orvis product line, fly fishing culture and lifestyle. A strong understanding of fly fishing industry is a plus

About Orvis – www.orvis.com

In 1856, Charles Orvis founded the Orvis Company in Manchester, Vermont, offering the finest fly fishing equipment, and priding himself on customer satisfaction and service. Today, along with our world famous fly-fishing gear, Orvis offers distinctive clothing, home furnishings, gifts, and dog products. Each item is rooted in our heritage of authenticity and the outdoors, and is backed with a no-questions-asked guarantee. As the longest-running mail order business in the United States, and with our flagship retail store located in the same Vermont village as the original store since 1856, we offer experience and knowledge that no other retail company can. Each day we strive to apply what we know and learn to bring our customers even better service and products tomorrow.

Orvis is headquartered in beautiful Southwestern Vermont with major operations in Roanoke, Virginia and the U.K. We firmly believe that the only way for Orvis to achieve its vision to be the most respected lifestyle brand in America, is to have a company culture that is supportive and inspiring to the individuals that will get us there.

Orvis offers competitive compensation commensurate with scope of responsibilities and experience required; plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, 401K with a company match, generous Associate Discounts, and other excellent benefits.

To learn more and connect with Orvis, please visit us online www.orvis.com.

Click here to apply for the position.