Apparel Designer Outdoor Technical (m/f/d) -Zürich Design Hub

Jack Wolfskin; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days paid vacation

Hybrid working model

Bike leasing program

Employee discounts

Job summary

Jack Wolfskin Design Hub Zurich seeks an Apparel Designer Outdoor Technical to develop high-performance outerwear from concept to final product. You will work closely with Design, Product Management, Apparel Development, Pattern Engineering and Material Management to translate consumer needs into market-ready solutions.

We value strong Adobe Illustrator skills, CLO 3D and V‑Stitcher experience, and a passion for technical outdoor gear. Fluency in English is required; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Degree in Apparel Design, Industrial Design or a comparable field.
• Several years of professional experience in apparel design, ideally in outdoor/technical apparel.

Responsibilities

• Design technical hiking apparel focused on shells and bottoms.
• Translate design direction into functional, market-relevant products.
• Create technical drawings and specs for development and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with Product Management to align consumer needs with cost and feasibility.
• Participate in fit sessions and wear testing to improve performance.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Strong design sensibility

English fluent

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Apparel Design

Industrial Design background

Tools

CLO 3D

V-Stitcher

3D apparel tools

Job description

Engineered in Germany, Proven in the Wild

Jack Wolfskin is an internationally renowned outdoor brand and part of the ANTA Sports Group, one of the world’s leading sporting goods companies. As one of the top providers of high-quality outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment in Europe and China, Jack Wolfskin stands for innovation, functionality, and sustainability. With a strong network of owned stores and franchise partners, the company is also one of the largest franchisors in Germany's sporting goods retail sector.

We’re looking for people with a spirit of adventure -free thinkers who blaze their own trail and explore the wild with passion together with a strong team that lives and breathes the outdoors. Sound like you? Then welcome to the Wild Ones.

We are looking for an Apparel Designer Outdoor Technical(m/f/d)to join our newly established Jack Wolfskin Design Hub in Zurich.

With a focus on long-distance hiking and technical outerwear, you will develop innovative and functional outdoor apparel from initial concept through to final product. Working closely with Design, Product Management, Apparel Development, Pattern Engineering and Material Management, you will translate consumer and outdoor insights into high-performing, market-relevant products and contribute to the future development of our technical outdoor collection

• Design technical hiking apparel with a primary focus on shells and bottoms.
• Translate creative direction and product strategy into distinctive, functional and commercially relevant products.
• Develop assigned products from initial concept through development, prototyping and final execution, working closely with Senior Designers and cross‑functional partners.
• Partner closely with Product Management to translate consumer needs, product briefs and category priorities into compelling design solutions, balancing performance, aesthetics, commercial objectives and target price.
• Collaborate with Material Management and Product Management to select and apply materials, considering fabric properties, construction and garment architecture to deliver optimal product performance.
• Develop functional solutions around garment construction, ergonomics and usability.
• Create clear technical drawings, design specifications and presentations that enable Development and manufacturing partners to accurately execute the design intent.
• Work closely with Development and Pattern Engineering to develop and refine garment constructions, pattern solutions and manufacturing techniques.
• Participate in fit sessions, wear testing and field testing, using learnings to continuously improve product performance and user experience.
• Collaborate with Product Development throughout concepting and prototyping to understand cost implications, minimum order quantities and manufacturing constraints, incorporating these considerations into design decisions.
• Work closely with other Designers to build consistency in construction, functionality and design language across the apparel collection.
• Apply Jack Wolfskin's sustainability principles throughout the design process and contribute to responsible product creation.
• Stay informed about developments in the outdoor industry, consumer needs, materials and technologies, bringing relevant insights and ideas into the design process.

• Degree in Apparel Design, Industrial Design or a comparable field.
• Several years of professional experience in apparel design, ideally within outdoor, performance sports or another technical apparel environment.
• Experience designing technical apparel; experience with technical outerwear, waterproof garments or GORE-TEX products is a strong advantage.
• Good understanding of garment construction, pattern engineering, ergonomics and manufacturing techniques.
• Knowledge of technical materials and their application in performance apparel.
• Strong technical curiosity and a solution-oriented mindset, with the motivation to continuously deepen technical expertise.
• Strong design sensibility and the ability to combine function with a contemporary outdoor aesthetic.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage priorities within a fast‑paced seasonal product calendar.
• A collaborative team player who takes ownership of projects, actively seeks input when needed and works effectively across functions and disciplines.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills; experience with CLO 3D, V-Stitcher or comparable 3D apparel design tools is an advantage.
• A genuine passion for outdoor sports and technical products, combined with an understanding of outdoor consumer needs.
• Fluent English; German is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally and to our headquarters in Germany for key product creation milestones.

• An exciting product world and international environment in a responsible, sustainability-driven company
• German and English as our working languages
• 30 days of paid vacation per year
• Flexible and hybrid working models
• Mobile working from abroad for up to 4 weeks per year
• Attractive employee discounts and company benefits
• “Employee Referral” bonus program
• Exclusive perks via Corporate Benefits
• Bike leasing – monthly subsidies for up to two leasing contracts
• EGYM company fitness – access to over 7,000 gyms
• Team events and outdoor sports activities
• A first-name culture and casual dress code
• Free water, coffee, and a variety of teas

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Jack Wolfskin, we believe that diversity strengthens innovation and creativity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, skills, experience and business requirements.