Design Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Organization
About the Organization
Since 1981, Outdoor Research has been building award-winning outdoor clothing and gear. We stand behind every product we make with the Outdoor Research Infinite Guarantee• warranty. Find out how we were born from our founder Ron Gregg's research-led approach to problem solving, and discover the origins of our first products in Our Story. Discover our roots in U.S. manufacturing, our legacy in Made in the USA tactical gloves, and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the development of face masks and medical-grade personal protective equipment in Protection. Learn about our product processes using recycled materials, how we enforce the safety and wellbeing of our workplaces, and our commitment to all people and the planet in Responsibility. Meet some of our community members who work to create safe, accessible, and equitable outdoor spaces in our Community Partnerships and our Ambassadors. We'd be thrilled to have you join the team and find your Career at Outdoor Research.
Outdoor Research Values
Curiosity: We are constantly striving to learn and improve ourselves. In our products, as a brand, as a team, and as individuals.
Passion: We love what we do and take pride in sharing our work with others.
Innovation: We are complex problem solvers.
Collaboration: We are better together.
Community: We embrace the collective impact we can have from our diverse perspectives; on each other, society, and our environment.
Position
Color & Design Operations Associate
Description
Location: Seattle, WA
Position: Full Time / Hybrid - 3 days in house, 2 days remote
Compensation: $29 - $35/hour
About this role
The Color & Design Operations Associate is a critical member of the Outdoor Research Design Team, responsible for supporting and executing the seasonal color development process across apparel and accessories.
This role sits at the intersection of creativity, organization, and product execution. While the position begins with ownership of the operational side of seasonal color development, it is a growth pathway for individuals who are passionate about color, visual storytelling, and brand expression.
You will be a key partner to Design, Product Development, Materials, and Merchandising teams, ensuring that color information, approvals, tools, and workflows move efficiently throughout the product creation process. Your work will directly impact development timelines, sales readiness, product accuracy, and the overall quality of Outdoor Research's seasonal color execution.
As proficiency and trust are established, there will be opportunities to contribute more directly to seasonal palette development, color storytelling, print and pattern exploration, and the evolution of Outdoor Research's visual identity
What you should bring to the table:

• Own and execute the seasonal color development process across apparel and accessories.
• Manage color chip ordering, organization, and distribution through color partners and vendors.
• Track, communicate, and manage lab dip requests, approvals, and seasonal color timelines.
• Maintain seasonal color tools, documentation, and workflow tracking systems.
• Ensure accurate communication of color information across Design, Product Development, Materials and Product Management teams.
• Maintain color, material and trim information within PLM systems and supporting databases.
• Support workbook creation through CAD updates and product accuracy reviews.
• Assist in preparing design presentations, seasonal reviews, and team meeting materials.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proactively identify process gaps, timeline risks, and opportunities for improved workflow efficiency.
• Support seasonal color research, trend analysis, and inspiration gathering.
• Support in the development and organization of seasonal color palettes and stories.
• Participate in color reviews and cross-functional discussions throughout the product creation process.
• Contribute to seasonal storytelling through color, print and pattern inspiration.
• Develop expertise in Outdoor Research's color point of view and brand identity, with opportunities for increased creative contribution over time.

Position Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 to 2 years of experience in color development, apparel design, product creation, or a related field.

• Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience working within PLM system is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent follow-through and proactive communication.
• Strong aesthetic awareness with a genuine interest in color, brand expression and visual storytelling
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Comfort working within systems, processes, and detailed information.
• Strong presentation and visual communication skills.
• Positive attitude, curiosity, and eagerness to learn and grow.
• Interest in outdoor, active, and performance product categories.

What do we bring to the table?

• 11 paid holidays each year and 3 floating holidays
• PTO/PSST
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
• Transportation benefits
• Paid volunteer time
• 401k with discretionary company match
• Product discounts

Culture of thriving outside together in team sports, camp outs, and ski days
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Location
Seattle, WA
EOE Statement
OR is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment in an unlawful manner. Employment-related decisions are made based on an individual's qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or military status, genetic information, political ideology or other applicable protected class status. This commitment extends to all employment practices including selection, hiring, placement, recruitment advertising, promotion or transfer, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, demotion, layoff, or separation. All employment decisions are based upon the qualifications of the individual and the job requirements.
OR supports this commitment with an Affirmative Action Program, which is updated annually. The
objectives of the Affirmative Action Program are to ensure that our team reflects the diversity of our local community. We fully support affirmative action to include women, ethnic minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities throughout our workforce. The OR Affirmative Action Program is available for review by all employees and is maintained in the Human Resources Department.
This position is currently accepting applications.