Director, Advanced Concepts & Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Patagonia seeks a Director of Advanced Concepts to spearhead next‑gen product ideas, bridging design, engineering and research. You’ll translate emerging materials and technologies into breakthrough concepts that align with sustainable design and market needs.

You will manage a roadmap, partner with teams and external collaborators, and protect IP while guiding budgets and partnerships toward scalable, responsible innovation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Textile Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in creating highly technical apparel/equipment in an R&D environment.
• Experience managing diverse teams, including senior managers.
• Strong operations and project management to implement new processes.
• Proven leadership elevating teams to peak performance.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to create calendars and timelines for complex projects.
• Proficiency with CAD, simulation, digital prototyping, 3D software, data capture tools.
• Proven track record leading innovation from concept to commercialization.
• Experience integrating sustainability into product innovation.
• Experience building and leveraging external partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor a high-performing team of Designers and Materials Innovation Design.
• Manage the process from insights gathering to a prioritized innovation roadmap.
• Contribute to building the innovation strategy with cross-functional partners.
• Correlate lab testing and field data to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Maintain the Innovation Roadmap and present at stage gates.
• Drive cross-functional alignment to integrate projects into calendars and roadmaps.
• Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and NDAs with legal/finance.
• Protect and advance IP with internal legal teams.
• Collaborate with Design, Materials Development, Quality, Sourcing, and Commercialization teams.
• Establish partnerships with external organizations such as universities and startups.
• Monitor trends and translate technologies into opportunities.
• Deliver operational excellence with internal/external teams.
• Maintain status docs including risk and readiness levels.
• Identify whitespace opportunities across product categories.
• Embed circularity and regenerative design in early concepts.

Skills

Environmental stewardship

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Innovative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Textile Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

CAD

Simulation

Digital prototyping

3D software

Data capture tools

Job description

Patagonia seeks a Director of Advanced Concepts to spearhead next‑gen product ideas, bridging design, engineering and research. You’ll translate emerging materials and technologies into breakthrough concepts that align with sustainable design and market needs.

You will manage a roadmap, partner with teams and external collaborators, and protect IP while guiding budgets and partnerships toward scalable, responsible innovation.