Product Designer - Waterbury, VT

The Company:

Founded in 1978, Cabot Hosiery Mills is an American manufacturer of premium socks with uncompromised comfort, durability, and fit.  With a family of brands including Darn Tough Vermont, Wide Open, and Cabot & Sons, our mission is to make the world’s best socks, in Vermont, USA and back them with our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee.  We are family owned, three generations strong and have yet to produce our best sock. 

Job Summary:
As one of the fastest-growing apparel brands, Cabot Hosiery Mills is seeking a Product Designer to join our creative team.

This role will support the Design Manager and VP of Design/Development in driving seasonal design from concept to manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sock design and a strong talent for color combinations that enhance the brand’s visual identity.

You will contribute original and trend-driven designs that meet market needs, drive sales, and uphold our commitment to comfort, durability, and fit.

Starting at $75,000 per year, depending on experience.

Key Responsibilities:


* Collaborate with the VP of Design/Development, Design Manager, and Product Line Manager to develop seasonal design themes aligned with the broader assortment strategy, emerging trends, consumer insights, and sales needs.


* Conduct in-depth design research and contribute to concept development.

Prepare presentation boards, mock-ups, color-ups, and inspirational imagery to inspire the team.


* Create original and visually impactful sock patterns, prints, and graphics in Illustrator or bitmap formats that align with the brand’s focus on comfort, durability, and fit.


* Design compelling and commercially viable color combinations, ensuring each collection is both visually appealing and market ready.

A strong understanding of color theory and its application is crucial to this role.


* Work closely with designers and product developers to finalize artwork and technical specs for prototype packages, ensuring alignment with the seasonal calendar.



* Collaborate with Product Developers and the Samples team using a live model to assess prototypes for fit and design and drive innovative product solutions that align with project scope.



* Partner with the Design Manager to present the story, mood, color theories and product features for the season. 


* Assist in researching new materials, vendors, and techniques to drive innovation while supporting lean manufacturing and sustainability initiatives.

 A strong understanding of Merino wool and natural fibers is preferred.


* Maintain clear and consistent communication with internal and external teams to ensure the timely and accurate execution of projects.


* Perform other duties as requested.


* Travel domestically and internationally for trend research and development purposes.

Qualifications:


* Creativity and artistic talent with proficiency in CAD tools like Illustrator, Ph...