Apparel and Brand Designer Full Time NEW

Job Description: Apparel and Brand Designer

Position Summary

Rustler Hat Co. is seeking an experienced Apparel and Brand Designer to lead the development of a growing apparel division with a strong understanding of western-inspired fashion, elevated basics, and trend-forward merchandising. This role will oversee the full product lifecycle from concept to production, while ensuring all products align with the Rustler brand aesthetic and quality standards.

We are looking for someone with strong creative instincts, technical expertise, and proven experience managing vendors, factories, timelines, and costing.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Product Development

• Design seasonal apparel collections aligned with the Rustler brand identity, including western-inspired graphics, basics, outerwear, accessories, and trend-driven capsule collections, with the focus on hats and apparel.
• Design seasonal apparel collections aligned with Rustler’s wholesale line.
• Research trends, silhouettes, fabrics, trims, washes, and color direction relevant to the western/lifestyle market.
• Create mood boards, line plans, sketches, and product concepts.
• Lead design and product development for brand collaborations, partnerships, and limited-edition capsule collections, ensuring each project aligns with Rustler’s aesthetic while meeting partner objectives and launch timelines.
• Develop creative assets for in-store activations, events, collaborations, signage, packaging, and customer experience touchpoints.

Technical Design & Production

• Create detailed tech packs including measurements, construction details, fabric specs, trims, labeling, artwork placement, grading notes, and packaging instructions.
• Manage fit comments, revisions, and approvals throughout development.
• Oversee sample development from first proto through salesman samples, pre-production samples, and final bulk approvals.
• Ensure product consistency, quality, and adherence to deadlines.

Sourcing & Vendor Management

• Source fabrics, trims, blanks, manufacturers, and production partners domestically and overseas.
• Build and manage relationships with suppliers and factories.
• Own day-to-day factory communication regarding development timelines, revisions, approvals, and delivery schedules.
• Troubleshoot production issues and proactively solve delays or quality concerns.

Costing & Negotiation

• Negotiate pricing, MOQs, lead times, and terms with suppliers and factories.
• Manage product margins while maintaining quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage entire process up until bulk product arrives to warehouse.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with marketing, e-commerce, retail, and leadership teams on launch timing, product strategy, and merchandising needs.
• Coordinate product readiness for photoshoots, launches, and store deliveries.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in apparel design and product development.
• Strong background proven in western, Americana, lifestyle, or heritage-inspired apparel.
• Proven experience creating tech packs and managing factory production.
• Experience sourcing fabrics, trims, and manufacturers.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrication, and costing.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple timelines simultaneously.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working with overseas factories and domestic suppliers.
• Must have portfolio to review in order to be considered.

Ideal Candidate

• Understands western culture but can interpret it in a modern, elevated way.
• Able to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Entrepreneurial, resourceful, fast-moving.
• Strong taste level with commercial instincts.
• Comfortable owning the process from sketch to finished product.
• Values quality, details, and brand storytelling.
• Finalists will be asked to complete a brief design exercise as part of the interview process.
• This is a full-time in-person role based in Nashville, TN.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience, plus opportunity for growth within a fast-growing lifestyle brand.