Designer

To reinforce the Design team for ROA brand, we are looking for an APPAREL DESIGNER who will be responsible for the creative development and design of apparel collections. ROA is an Italian shoe and apparel brand founded in 2015. Explicitly referencing the latest innovations from the world of technical outdoors-wear, ROA employs crossover, experimental techniques to shape a product that reflects a hybrid attitude towards the landscapes. ROA takes the sportswear attitude and applies it to outdoors footwear. The brand exalts the values of functionality through the use of avant-garde materials and construction techniques of performance derivation. Founded in 1989 in Ferrara, Slam Jam is a pioneering company in the streetwear world, internationally recognized for its ability to anticipate trends and support the development of innovative brands. Today, it provides its partners with a full go-to-market service, from strategy to distribution.

Core Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Design Team to define the seasonal design language, color palettes, and product direction, ensuring alignment with the brand identity and outdoor heritage.
• Design and develop technical outdoor apparel from concept to production, creating sketches, technical drawings, specifications, and tech packs.
• Research and implement innovative fabrics, trims, garment construction techniques, weather protection technologies, and sustainable material solutions.
• Partner with Product Development, Merchandising, Product Management, Sourcing, and Marketing to ensure technical feasibility, commercial viability, product quality, and on-time delivery.
• Support the development of seasonal collections, collaborations, and SMU projects throughout the entire product creation process.
• Participate in prototype reviews, fit sessions, and product validation, implementing design and technical improvements to optimize fit, functionality, and performance.
• Coordinate and execute technical and performance testing on prototypes and finished products, validating quality, durability, functionality, and compliance with production standards.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities and drive continuous product improvement.
• Attend trade shows, supplier meetings, and industry events to research new materials, technologies, and manufacturing innovations.
• Maintain accurate product documentation and ensure technical consistency throughout the product development lifecycle.

Skills:

• Strong technical design expertise with in-depth knowledge of performance materials, garment construction, and manufacturing processes.
• Creative mindset combined with a strong product-oriented approach.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing design team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Marketing.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and solution-driven, with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from concept through production.

Key Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in technical outdoor, sportswear, and performance apparel design.
• Strong expertise in technical garment construction, pattern making, advanced textiles, trims, and performance apparel engineering.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Microsoft Excel, and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Willingness to embrace and effectively use AI-powered design tools and other cutting-edge technologies used by the design team.
• Strong passion for outdoor sports and mountain culture, with practical understanding of activities such as trail running, hiking, mountaineering, and ski mountaineering.
• Professional working proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Availability to travel when required.

Location:

Milano

Salary range:

€40K-€65K