Halfdays is seeking a VP of Product to own all product strategy, design, and merchandising functions. This position will manage our Merchandising, Design, and Technical Design teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong merchandising background, leading the team to deliver innovative and high-performing collections that resonate with our customers. The VP of Product will report directly to the CEO.

This role is based out of our headquarters in Denver, CO; relocation support will be provided to a remote hire. 

Responsibilities:

Product Strategy & Vision:

• Create, own, and execute a long-term product vision and strategy, aligning with commercial and brand goals.
• Create initial product concepts, set the trend direction, and establish the color palette and merchandising strategy for each collection.

Merchandising Strategy:

• Own and lead the Merchandise Financial Planning process for each collection. 
• Develop the overarching merchandising strategy, analyzing ongoing sales data and prior season’s performance to create long-term and seasonal merchandising plans.
• Collaborate with Sales, Planning, Production, and Operations to ensure product assortments meet market demands.

Leadership + Team Management:

• Drive value as a key member of the executive leadership team, bringing valuable insights, recommendations, and contribution on a weekly basis. 
• Oversee and inspire a cross-functional team of merchandisers, product developers, designers, and technical designers.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment, ensuring the team delivers high-quality, on-brand products.

Budget Management:

• Create and manage the design budget, including full-time staff, contractors, domestic and international trips, factory visits for development and troubleshooting, and subscriptions to trend services.

Inspiration & Trend Sourcing:

• Oversee the sample sourcing process for design, fabric, and color inspiration, in close collaboration with the Design Director.
• Attend trade shows, art shows, and other culturally relevant sources of inspiration to stay ahead of trend. 

Milestone Calendar

• In collaboration with Production, Sales, and Marketing, support the milestone calendar to ensure all product deadlines are met. 
• Present seasonal concept kickoff presentations to leadership, sales, and marketing teams, ensuring alignment across the organization.

Design Direction:

• Establish and maintain a clear design direction, ensuring continuity of the Halfdays brand identity across all products.

Product Collaboration:

• Lead product collaboration strategy and execution, developing relationships with collaborators and negotiating design approvals.
• Ensure collaborations meet company objectives and align with brand guidelines.

Sample Process & Cost Management:

• Co-manage the sample process and timeline with Product Development to meet critical market week deadlines.
• Partner with Production and Product Development to design products that meet cost targets.

Technical Design Oversight:

• Oversee technical design, reviewing garment fit from a design aesthetic perspective, and work closely with technical designers.
• Attend fit sessions to ensure products meet the brand’s quality and performance standards.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years experience in a product or merchandising leadership role.
• Experience in outerwear, activewear, or performance apparel design.
• Experience in all facets of concept, design, product development, and merchandising. 
• You inherently understand the Halfdays brand and are deeply excited about Halfdays’ market positioning
• You have omni-channel brand experience; you have worked on DTC, retail, and wholesale marketing strategies.
• You have a strong understanding of shifting consumer needs, trends, and psychographics with the ability to translate that into the best product to solve customer needs and deliver it at the right time.
• You have a keen, up-to-date knowledge of the current landscape of outdoor and active brands.
• You’re a specialist in product design, understanding of ergonomics and general practices in ski, outerwear, and performance apparel product design.
• You have a strong understanding of pattern making and garment construction.
• You’re highly organized and able to productively self-manage workloads and prioritize top deliverables.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment skills in a very fast-paced environment.
• You’re fiscally responsible; you have the ability to carefully manage and work within tight budgets.
• You have stellar project management, team building, analytical, presentation and communication skills.
• You possess a strong balance of business acumen and creativity. 
• You are an expert in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

Bonus points if you have…

• Experience overseeing outerwear or ready-to-wear business in extended/plus sizes.
• Experience skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or other outdoor activities. 
• Experience in performance apparel AND ready-to-wear or contemporary. 

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision benefits
• 401(k) 
• WFH flexibility
• Paid parental leave
• Unlimited paid time off 
• Generous employee discount
  
  

Salary Range: $160,000 - $190,000 

Location: Denver, CO

At Halfdays, we know that outdoor enthusiasts come from all different backgrounds, and we are here to support them by having a diverse team. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.