Graphic Business Lead

 The Graphic Business Lead position is a graphic apparel business and process ownership role dedicated to consistently driving compelling, distinctive product offerings that simultaneously deliver the company strong financial results. The GBL inspires, develops, and manages the execution of seasonal and long-term product line initiatives that move the brands and business forward. Seasonally, the GBL is responsible for developing line assortment plans, graphic concept ideas and collections that support these initiatives. The GBL continually assesses the relevance and viability of past and current product offerings to determine future improvement, differentiation, and competitive advantage opportunities. The GBL has a dotted line responsibility with brand and channel leaders to maximize category growth. The GBL proactively manages day-to-day product operations from concept through go-to-market/pre-production and maintains internal line planning tools and data management systems to ensure milestone dates are met.

To be effective in this role, the Graphic Business Lead will partner with the MeatEater Commerce Team, Merchandising, Product Teams, Marketing, Finance, and Operations on all long-range and seasonal line planning initiatives.

The GBL brings a passion for the product creation process, a positive team player attitude, and enthusiasm for the consumer to add undeniable value to the brand-shaping lines from MeatEater and MeatEater-owned brands. The GBL is a problem solver and finds workable, creative solutions to the challenges faced in driving key product lines forward in a rapidly changing marketplace and quickly growing organization.

In addition to being an outstanding communicator with exceptional organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with multiple teams is critical. Must have a proven passion for the outdoor industry, a strong understanding of the MeatEater organization and business model, and the ability to operate and drive results in a start-up environment

• Accountable for the Graphic Business Revenue Plan
• Drives the business across all MeatEater portfolio brands and across all distribution channels on a day-to-day basis to chase down and capitalize on incremental growth opportunities
• Analyzes business metrics, consumer trends, and market data to identify opportunities
• Creates, develops and communicates seasonal and at-once product initiatives and key stories for each business function by working closely with brand leaders and channel leaders
• Champions the visual design brief and creation process by guiding internal and external graphic artists to create artwork, evaluate design concepts and communicate adjustments
• Oversees product development with internal and external resources to ensure deadlines are met and records are current.
• Owns factory relationships and communicates daily on supply chains and inventory levels
• Tracks the design and development schedule to ensure a timely completion of the product go-to-market calendar. Managing competing deliverables and differing seasonal calendars is essential
• Partners with Operations, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to develop forecasting strategies, launch products, and present concept designs

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in product line management, design or development in a relevant industry
• A highly motivated, flexible, and outgoing personality. Must be comfortable speaking in front of and presenting to large groups of people
• Strong knowledge of aesthetic form and color, the creation of design briefs, and the execution of product designs
• Knowledge of the product design and development process: go-to-market calendar,  manufacturing processes, graphic building, factory techniques, product construction and the impact of design
• Proven skills in planning, time management, prioritization, budgeting, problem solving, decision making, and communication - both written and verbal. Acute attention to detail is imperative
• Ability to relocate, if needed, to Bozeman, MT to be based out of the MeatEater office
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Asana, Slack, and/or other commonly used workflow tools
• An interest (or passion) for the hunting or outdoors industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in Adobe Illustrator
• Passion for and experience in hunting, fishing, cooking and conservation
• Desire and ability to thrive and drive progress in a start-up environment
• Understanding of the hunting, fishing, and outdoor communities