{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"5cd1e56cbaedc360ba99d728","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5cd1e56cbaedc360ba99d728","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5cd1e56cbaedc360ba99d728","title":"Associate Product Designer","description":"Implus Footcare, LLC\r\nis an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories.\r\nImplus\r\nis headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Balega, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect, Sport-Brella, DryGuy, SKLZ, RockTape, Sof Sole, Stabil, Spenco, Yaktrax, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Forcefield. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 80,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.\r\nAt Implus we are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking anAssociate Product Designer who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.\r\nPosition Summary\r\nAs an Associate Product Designer , you will play a vital contributor role in the success of our Everyday Hosiery team. The Associate Product Designer supports the execution of overarching product design requests by creating detailed technical CADS that include accurate stitch information, artwork layouts, graphing, and visual materials across a broad category range. Under the guidance of senior design leadership, you will assist in continuous market research to identify emerging trends, colors, and innovative concepts. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across Merchandising, Product Development, and Commercial to ensure the original design intent is accurately carried through to the final product.\r\nGreat Associate Product Designers are actively developing a strong trend instinct and learning to balance business needs with target consumer preferences. In this role, you must be a proactive team player ready to operate successfully within a fast-paced, dynamic environment—embracing change and responding to challenges with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.\r\nThis position is hybrid, with fluctuating in-office days based on business needs.\r\nEssential Job Function\r\nTREND + RESEARCH + INNOVATION\r\nConduct regular research of trends: silhouettes, colors, yarns, patterns, etc.\r\nMaintain inspirational tears and utilize creative formats to explain vision for range direction\r\nContinuously provides SWOT analysis of market\r\nAssist in building of strategic thinking for product strategies to create assortments with retailer adoptions and align with private label and branded DNA\r\nExecute color palette strategy based on guidance from senior designers with attention to detail and collaborate with cross functional team on how to incorporate based on market and selling trends.\r\nReview sell in and sell out data to understand market performance and support future design ideation\r\nUnderstand translation of all research into sock specific categories\r\nCAD AND CREATIVE DESIGN\r\nCreate all products via Adobe Illustrator and Creative Cloud Programs\r\nExecutes accurate CAD creation and development\r\nExecutes Design requests to reinforce business strategies and creative principles\r\nAssists in chasing new rapid business opportunities\r\nAbility to design in 1D with a vision of 3D execution in mind\r\nAssist in the creation of compelling presentations, palettes, and seasonal trend concepts\r\nSketch and make clear detailed construction pages\r\nIdentify and understand all features and knitting techniques on CADs\r\nAttentively check CADs for details and accuracy\r\nTECHNICAL DESIGN\r\nWork with Product Developers to ensure products are executed to the CAD\r\nUnderstanding of hosiery and/or knit constructions\r\nChecks sock samples to CAD for accuracy\r\nExecute construction details while learning and executing cost targets\r\nConstructing socks to the reflect relevant features for the category\r\nAbility to translate technical details of sock into CAD designs\r\nCollaborate with Design, PD, and Merchandising in resolving product issues\r\nPrepare development packages and participate in all communication and follow up related to each package in partnership with Product Development and Merchandising\r\nReviewing all samples for aesthetic and construction precision\r\nCOMMUNICATION/ORGANIZATION\r\nAssist in day-to-day projects and help maintain organization for the design team\r\nEffectively communicate with design team and occasionally external partners\r\nAbility to maintain open communication with cross functional teams while managing priorities on multiple projects and follow up as needed.\r\nConceptualize and visually communicate with team on designs both in person and digitally in a hybrid work environment.\r\nMaintain updated digital files (roadmaps, handoff documents, and CAD files)\r\nSupport all work through thoughtful reasoning\r\nMaintain active role in meetings with detailed notes and following up on issues\r\nMaintain Color and Yarn Standard Library\r\nOrganize Market Samples and Lab Dips\r\nAdvocate for accurate design execution and participate actively in working meetings\r\nDevelop strong relationships with a collaborative attitude\r\nActively participates in and supports collaborative efforts amongst the design team and cross-functional partners\r\nPRESENTATIONS\r\nCollaborate on compelling design presentations that clearly communicate concept vision\r\nAssist in preparation of seasonal presentation materials.\r\nPrepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks\r\nDevelop presentation skills\r\nPresent trends and design-centric materials internally, while observing and supporting external presentations to develop skills\r\nOther Functions\r\nPrepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks.\r\nDevelop presentation skills\r\nPresent trends and design centric materials for internal & external community\r\nMinimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities\r\nTIME MANAGEMENT\r\nManage numerous projects and adapt to shifting priorities\r\nThrives in a fast-paced environment\r\nAbility to follow through on multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy.\r\nProven ability to plan and meet deadlines within a product development calendar\r\nResourceful, creative, and efficient when faced with overlapping priorities\r\nCREATIVITY\r\nExpress a strong design point of view and apply it to execute the overarching product direction\r\nExceptional taste level with a commercial fashion eye and detail in product styling/performance\r\nBe inspired by surroundings and everyday living to form new concepts/solutions\r\nGLOBAL PERSPECTIVE\r\nHolistic understanding of all retailers and regions around world\r\nFull immersion in current production and samples for all sock categories\r\nUnderstand the basics of the production process as it relates to the classification.\r\nLearn strategic process to understand goals of development and concepts.\r\nADAPTABILITY\r\nFlexible attitude\r\nOperates well in feedback culture\r\nEnjoys creative and strategic problem solving\r\nEmbraces change with ability to pivot based on ever changing market\r\nSelf-starter who takes initiative and incorporates new ideas quickly.\r\nRespond to challenges with innovative, and cost-effective design solutions\r\nAdaptable to company structure, responsibilities, and core values\r\nPreferred Qualifications\r\nMinimum 3 years work experience, preferably in the fashion and/or consumer soft-goods accessories space in either a corporate or consultancy environment\r\nExtraordinary Adobe Illustrator and visual communication skills\r\nExceptional sense of color, \"on-trend\" patterns, typography, form, scale and proportion\r\nOutstanding Photo editing & retouching skills\r\nWorking knowledge of Adobe InDesign & Creative Suite to document product & graphic designs, create tech-packs and/or sales related visuals as required\r\nStrong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines\r\nProblem solver and is detail oriented\r\nFamiliar with Microsoft Office\r\nMAC and/or PC system knowledge required\r\nEducation & Experience\r\nA bachelor's degree in a related field of study OR a combination of education & experience will be considered.\r\nRelevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands\r\nObserve/Identify: The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).\r\nHearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and vendors.\r\nOperate: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.\r\nStationary position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50- 75% of the time.\r\nMobility: Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.\r\nPredictable attendance on site\r\nCommunicate: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.\r\nMove/Transport: Ability to occasionally move boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. across office for various needs with or without accommodations\r\nExposed: Standard climate-controlled office setting\r\nOccasional exposure to open air, warehouse setting\r\nPredictable attendance on site\r\nUsing MAC computer, Keyboard, and monitor\r\nWork has deadlines, multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times\r\nImplus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status under the law. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation should contact.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Socket","rawCompany":"socket","city":"Durham","state":"NC","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-13T01:57:21.911Z","occupations":[{"code":"27-1021.00","title":"Commercial and Industrial Designers","slug":"commercial-and-industrial-designers"},{"code":"27-1022.00","title":"Fashion Designers","slug":"fashion-designers"},{"code":"13-1161.00","title":"Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists","slug":"market-research-analysts-and-marketing-specialists"}],"industries":[{"code":"316210","title":"Footwear Manufacturing","slug":"footwear-manufacturing"},{"code":"424350","title":"Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers","slug":"clothing-and-clothing-accessories-merchant-wholesalers"},{"code":"541420","title":"Industrial Design Services","slug":"industrial-design-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Associate Product Designer","description":"Implus Footcare, LLC\r\nis an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories.\r\nImplus\r\nis headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Balega, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect, Sport-Brella, DryGuy, SKLZ, RockTape, Sof Sole, Stabil, Spenco, Yaktrax, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Forcefield. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 80,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.\r\nAt Implus we are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking anAssociate Product Designer who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.\r\nPosition Summary\r\nAs an Associate Product Designer , you will play a vital contributor role in the success of our Everyday Hosiery team. The Associate Product Designer supports the execution of overarching product design requests by creating detailed technical CADS that include accurate stitch information, artwork layouts, graphing, and visual materials across a broad category range. Under the guidance of senior design leadership, you will assist in continuous market research to identify emerging trends, colors, and innovative concepts. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across Merchandising, Product Development, and Commercial to ensure the original design intent is accurately carried through to the final product.\r\nGreat Associate Product Designers are actively developing a strong trend instinct and learning to balance business needs with target consumer preferences. In this role, you must be a proactive team player ready to operate successfully within a fast-paced, dynamic environment—embracing change and responding to challenges with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.\r\nThis position is hybrid, with fluctuating in-office days based on business needs.\r\nEssential Job Function\r\nTREND + RESEARCH + INNOVATION\r\nConduct regular research of trends: silhouettes, colors, yarns, patterns, etc.\r\nMaintain inspirational tears and utilize creative formats to explain vision for range direction\r\nContinuously provides SWOT analysis of market\r\nAssist in building of strategic thinking for product strategies to create assortments with retailer adoptions and align with private label and branded DNA\r\nExecute color palette strategy based on guidance from senior designers with attention to detail and collaborate with cross functional team on how to incorporate based on market and selling trends.\r\nReview sell in and sell out data to understand market performance and support future design ideation\r\nUnderstand translation of all research into sock specific categories\r\nCAD AND CREATIVE DESIGN\r\nCreate all products via Adobe Illustrator and Creative Cloud Programs\r\nExecutes accurate CAD creation and development\r\nExecutes Design requests to reinforce business strategies and creative principles\r\nAssists in chasing new rapid business opportunities\r\nAbility to design in 1D with a vision of 3D execution in mind\r\nAssist in the creation of compelling presentations, palettes, and seasonal trend concepts\r\nSketch and make clear detailed construction pages\r\nIdentify and understand all features and knitting techniques on CADs\r\nAttentively check CADs for details and accuracy\r\nTECHNICAL DESIGN\r\nWork with Product Developers to ensure products are executed to the CAD\r\nUnderstanding of hosiery and/or knit constructions\r\nChecks sock samples to CAD for accuracy\r\nExecute construction details while learning and executing cost targets\r\nConstructing socks to the reflect relevant features for the category\r\nAbility to translate technical details of sock into CAD designs\r\nCollaborate with Design, PD, and Merchandising in resolving product issues\r\nPrepare development packages and participate in all communication and follow up related to each package in partnership with Product Development and Merchandising\r\nReviewing all samples for aesthetic and construction precision\r\nCOMMUNICATION/ORGANIZATION\r\nAssist in day-to-day projects and help maintain organization for the design team\r\nEffectively communicate with design team and occasionally external partners\r\nAbility to maintain open communication with cross functional teams while managing priorities on multiple projects and follow up as needed.\r\nConceptualize and visually communicate with team on designs both in person and digitally in a hybrid work environment.\r\nMaintain updated digital files (roadmaps, handoff documents, and CAD files)\r\nSupport all work through thoughtful reasoning\r\nMaintain active role in meetings with detailed notes and following up on issues\r\nMaintain Color and Yarn Standard Library\r\nOrganize Market Samples and Lab Dips\r\nAdvocate for accurate design execution and participate actively in working meetings\r\nDevelop strong relationships with a collaborative attitude\r\nActively participates in and supports collaborative efforts amongst the design team and cross-functional partners\r\nPRESENTATIONS\r\nCollaborate on compelling design presentations that clearly communicate concept vision\r\nAssist in preparation of seasonal presentation materials.\r\nPrepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks\r\nDevelop presentation skills\r\nPresent trends and design-centric materials internally, while observing and supporting external presentations to develop skills\r\nOther Functions\r\nPrepare effective mood boards and trend boards seasonally for decks.\r\nDevelop presentation skills\r\nPresent trends and design centric materials for internal & external community\r\nMinimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities\r\nTIME MANAGEMENT\r\nManage numerous projects and adapt to shifting priorities\r\nThrives in a fast-paced environment\r\nAbility to follow through on multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy.\r\nProven ability to plan and meet deadlines within a product development calendar\r\nResourceful, creative, and efficient when faced with overlapping priorities\r\nCREATIVITY\r\nExpress a strong design point of view and apply it to execute the overarching product direction\r\nExceptional taste level with a commercial fashion eye and detail in product styling/performance\r\nBe inspired by surroundings and everyday living to form new concepts/solutions\r\nGLOBAL PERSPECTIVE\r\nHolistic understanding of all retailers and regions around world\r\nFull immersion in current production and samples for all sock categories\r\nUnderstand the basics of the production process as it relates to the classification.\r\nLearn strategic process to understand goals of development and concepts.\r\nADAPTABILITY\r\nFlexible attitude\r\nOperates well in feedback culture\r\nEnjoys creative and strategic problem solving\r\nEmbraces change with ability to pivot based on ever changing market\r\nSelf-starter who takes initiative and incorporates new ideas quickly.\r\nRespond to challenges with innovative, and cost-effective design solutions\r\nAdaptable to company structure, responsibilities, and core values\r\nPreferred Qualifications\r\nMinimum 3 years work experience, preferably in the fashion and/or consumer soft-goods accessories space in either a corporate or consultancy environment\r\nExtraordinary Adobe Illustrator and visual communication skills\r\nExceptional sense of color, \"on-trend\" patterns, typography, form, scale and proportion\r\nOutstanding Photo editing & retouching skills\r\nWorking knowledge of Adobe InDesign & Creative Suite to document product & graphic designs, create tech-packs and/or sales related visuals as required\r\nStrong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines\r\nProblem solver and is detail oriented\r\nFamiliar with Microsoft Office\r\nMAC and/or PC system knowledge required\r\nEducation & Experience\r\nA bachelor's degree in a related field of study OR a combination of education & experience will be considered.\r\nRelevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands\r\nObserve/Identify: The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).\r\nHearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and vendors.\r\nOperate: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.\r\nStationary position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50- 75% of the time.\r\nMobility: Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.\r\nPredictable attendance on site\r\nCommunicate: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.\r\nMove/Transport: Ability to occasionally move boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. across office for various needs with or without accommodations\r\nExposed: Standard climate-controlled office setting\r\nOccasional exposure to open air, warehouse setting\r\nPredictable attendance on site\r\nUsing MAC computer, Keyboard, and monitor\r\nWork has deadlines, multiple interruptions and may be stressful at times\r\nImplus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status under the law. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation should contact.\r\nJ-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-08-13T01:57:21.911Z","dateModified":"2026-08-13T01:57:21.911Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Socket","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Durham","addressRegion":"NC","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"5cd1e56cbaedc360ba99d728"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/5cd1e56cbaedc360ba99d728"}}