Job Description

Who are we?

Since 1980, Occidental has set the quality standard in the tool belt industry – and has earned the reputation of having no equal. We love what we do and it shows! The Occidental Leather® design studio and production facility is located in Sonoma County, CA and many of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years.

Each product is the result of Occidental’s unrelenting commitment to quality and design excellence. Once you discover the Occidental difference, you’ll know we design and build the hardest-working tool systems and accessories in the world.

If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative team that cares about manufacturing premium products in the US, we want to hear from you. Please note this is not a remote position.

This role will report into the Director of Product. Must send cover letter for consideration, thanks!!

Who are you:

You are a skilled maker in the soft-goods industry, with a background in sewing and construction methods. You have computer skills and you can create prototypes from 2D drawings. Industrial design or accessories design background. If you have experience in leather that is a plus!

Summary:

This role is responsible for driving the development of product throughout the product lifecycle from concept through commercialization. Innovate, develop and design products that remain true to Occidental Leather’s brand identity while keeping our target price point, margins, and consumer in mind. Drive product through the commercialization process and ensure that we have the correct machinery to support the technical needs of NPD product.

Responsibilities:

Product Development & Design: Oversee and manage new product development and product improvements from concept ideation to commercialization.

• Concept, design, sketch silhouettes and create prototypes.
• Drive projects from first proto through fit approval/wear tests, photo samples and first bulk run.
• Responsible for completing sewing packages for sample sewers, including pulling trim, correct pattern pieces, and sewing instructions.
• Maintain Technical Pack BOM updates during product life cycle.
• Create and validate patterns in Adobe Illustrator, transfer files to Rhino for Flash cutting, put new or modified dies into work where needed.
• Design and manage logo art for all applications.
• Embossing: Design and order heat stamps, finish plates and create guides.
• Operating all sample/production equipment, sewing is a plus.

 

Product research: Supports the gathering of information in the strategy-setting process including relevant research on competition, end user, and market conditions by conducting on-going product category research in the field and at trade shows.

• Maintains an awareness of industry trends and cultivates a deep understanding of the broader forces that impact the business to incorporate those insights into successful new product launches. Continually defining “the voice of the customer” requirements as they relate to new product development, defining the product vision and strategy for the relevant end-user markets.
• Wear test product with end users.
• Participate as product spokesperson with customers and various conferences and trade shows.

Qualifications:

A cover letter is required, please attach to your resume . Please tell us about yourself and why you would be a good fit at Occidental leather.

• Passionate about product and developing product that helps people do their jobs better.
• Hands-on, detail oriented, energetic and results-driven.
• Ability to think creatively to develop solutions.
• Sense of humor.
• BS in Industrial Design, Product Management, Marketing, or equivalent work experience
• 3+ year experience of product development or design.
• Experience in creating prototypes and samples (experience in leather/durable soft goods is a plus)
• Foster a collaborative and motivated work environment, promoting teamwork and effective communication.
• Proficient computer software skills (e.g. MS Office, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino).
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• This position is located on site at our facility in Santa Rosa, California.

Nice to have:

• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Experience in the construction industry
• Technical sewing experience with heavy duty materials and functional products

Job Tags

Work experience placement,

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