Color Developer [AQ-25131]

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent collaborates with a global leader in athletic apparel to seek a Color Developer who will guide color strategy, manage lab dips, and ensure color accuracy across products. You’ll work with design, product development, and engineering teams to align color direction with brand vision and technical feasibility.

The role emphasizes precision, timeline discipline, and strong communication as you influence color decisions for iconic apparel and gear across multiple lines.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in color, textile, or product development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textiles, or a related field, OR 2 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong foundational knowledge of textiles and various dye methods.
• A clear understanding of digital color measurement techniques for reviewing and approving lab dips.
• Proficiency with PLM systems, color management software (e.g., Natific), digital color review tools (e.g., Spectro), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including effective meeting facilitation and presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to thrive under pressure and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and global partners.
• A self-starter attitude combined with strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to successfully pass the Munsell Hue color test, demonstrating visual color acuity.

Responsibilities

• Analyze color developments with precision, ensuring optimal execution and on-time approvals for commercialization.
• Collaborate closely with design, product development, and engineering teams to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks in color development, fostering innovation.
• Facilitate and meticulously track lab dips for seasonal initiatives, promptly addressing key issues and challenges to maintain project momentum.
• Leverage your deep color knowledge to execute seasonal color direction, ensuring perfect alignment with creative vision and technical feasibility.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional partners, establishing yourself as a go-to expert and trusted advisor in color development.
• Contribute significantly to the successful delivery of products across a wide range of categories, from high-performance apparel to lifestyle collections, shaping the visual identity of future products.

Skills

Color development

Textile knowledge

Product development

Lab dip coordination

Color measurement techniques

Communication skills

Munsell Hue test

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Textiles

2+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Natific (color management)

Spectro (digital color review)

Excel

Word

PLM systems

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a global leader in athletic apparel and gear, a brand synonymous with innovation and inspiring athletes worldwide. This organization is at the forefront of design and technology, consistently pushing boundaries to create products that empower individuals to achieve their full potential. Join a team dedicated to excellence, where your contributions will directly shape the visual identity and quality of highly anticipated collections, impacting millions of consumers globally.

Imagine being at the heart of bringing iconic products to life, where your expertise directly influences the visual appeal and quality of world-renowned apparel and gear. This is an incredible opportunity to join a vibrant team as a Color Developer, making a tangible impact on product development cycles and ensuring the highest standards of color execution across diverse product lines. Your keen eye and technical knowledge will be crucial in shaping the aesthetic and success of upcoming collections, contributing to a brand that inspires athletes and consumers globally.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze color developments with precision, ensuring optimal execution and on-time approvals for commercialization.
• Collaborate closely with design, product development, and engineering teams to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks in color development, fostering innovation.
• Facilitate and meticulously track lab dips for seasonal initiatives, promptly addressing key issues and challenges to maintain project momentum.
• Leverage your deep color knowledge to execute seasonal color direction, ensuring perfect alignment with creative vision and technical feasibility.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional partners, establishing yourself as a go-to expert and trusted advisor in color development.
• Contribute significantly to the successful delivery of products across a wide range of categories, from high-performance apparel to lifestyle collections, shaping the visual identity of future products.

What You’ll Bring

Must-Have Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in color, textile, or product development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textiles, or a related field, OR 2 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong foundational knowledge of textiles and various dye methods.
• A clear understanding of digital color measurement techniques for reviewing and approving lab dips.
• Proficiency with PLM systems, color management software (e.g., Natific), digital color review tools (e.g., Spectro), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including effective meeting facilitation and presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to thrive under pressure and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and global partners.
• A self-starter attitude combined with strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to successfully pass the Munsell Hue color test, demonstrating visual color acuity.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Prior industry experience specifically within consumer goods or apparel development.
• Knowledge of apparel and material construction, including garment construction.
• An outgoing personality comfortable engaging with various stakeholders across all levels.
• A genuine excitement and passion for the role and the innovative products you’ll be working on.
• Strong information-seeking skills and a proactive drive to make things happen and achieve results.

Client Description

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.