Director, Advanced Concepts

Patagonia; Ventura (CA); Hybrid; USD 203,300 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

Retirement plans

Flexible leave of absence plans

Job summary

Patagonia is searching for a Director for the Advanced Concepts Team in Ventura, CA. This hybrid role is pivotal in leading the exploration of breakthrough product solutions, blending technical expertise with visionary thinking.

Your primary responsibilities include guiding a talented team to develop innovative designs, managing project roadmaps, and fostering key partnerships for sustainability-focused initiatives. Ideal candidates have over 10 years of R&D experience in technical apparel, excellent leadership abilities, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in R&D for technical apparel and equipment.
• Experience managing a diverse team and delivering innovative solutions.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor a high-performing team in product development.
• Manage the innovation roadmap and align cross-functional teams.
• Integrate sustainability principles into projects.

Skills

Environmental stewardship

Innovative thinking

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Industrial Design or Engineering

Tools

CAD

Digital prototyping

3D software

Job description

Role

Director, Advanced Concepts Team: Advanced Concept Design Scope: Individual Contributor (M5) Experience: 10+ years Location: Ventura, CA, Hybrid

Overview

At Patagonia, our purpose is clear: We’re in business to save our home planet. The Director of Advanced Concepts plays a critical role in shaping the future of Patagonia product by leading the exploration and development of next‑generation product solutions. This role connects deep technical expertise with visionary thinking, translating emerging insights, materials, and technologies into breakthrough concepts that redefine performance and responsible design.

What You’ll Do

• Guide and mentor a high‑performing team of Designers, Design Engineers, and Materials Innovation Design to deliver breakthrough product concepts.
• Manage the process from insights gathering to a prioritized roadmap of innovation projects.
• Contribute to building the innovation strategy with the team and key cross‑functional partners.
• Work with the team to correlate lab testing, in‑field on‑body data capture, and user perception to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Maintain the Innovation Roadmap and present it to key stakeholders at internal stage gates.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment to ensure projects integrate into product calendars and commercialization pathways.
• Manage budgets, external contracts, grants, and NDAs in collaboration with legal and finance partners.
• Protect and advance intellectual property in coordination with internal legal teams.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders from Design, Materials Development, Materials Quality, Product Impact, Sourcing, Business Unit Directors, and Commercialization.
• Establish and manage partnerships with external organizations, including research institutions, universities, startups, and suppliers.
• Monitor and translate emerging trends and technologies from adjacent industries into actionable innovation opportunities.
• Deliver operational excellence with both internal teams and external organizations.
• Maintain updated status documentation of all projects including risk and readiness levels.
• Identify and prioritize white space opportunities across product categories and emerging consumer needs.
• Embed circularity, low‑impact materials, and regenerative design principles into early‑stage concept development.

Who You Are

• Environmental Steward – Deeply committed to protecting our planet while driving new innovations.
• Highly Experienced – Demonstrated success bringing innovative products to market, especially in apparel and equipment.
• Innovative Thinker – Strong collaborator with a proven ability to solve complex problems creatively.
• Resilient & Self‑Directed – Effectively manages multiple priorities and delivers results in fast‑moving environments.
• Adaptable – Flexible and open to pivoting in response to evolving business needs while honoring design intent.
• Detail‑Oriented Communicator – Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including clear and compelling presentations.
• Self‑Aware & Inclusive – Reflective and receptive to diverse perspectives; adjusts behaviors to support an inclusive workplace.

Experience You Bring

• A degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Textile Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in the creation of highly technical apparel and equipment in an R&D environment.
• Managing a diverse team of both individual contributors as well as Senior Managers.
• Strong understanding of operations/project management to implement new processes and manage complex projects.
• High‑performance leadership by elevating teams to their capabilities.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to create custom calendars and timelines for complex projects.
• Proficiency with modern product development tools (e.g., CAD, simulation, digital prototyping, 3D software, data capture tools).
• Proven track record leading innovation from concept through commercialization.
• Experience integrating sustainability principles into product innovation.
• Track record building and leveraging external partnerships (universities, startups, suppliers).

Hiring Range

Salary Range: $203,300 - $225,000 USD annually.

Benefits

Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.