ASPENX is a contemporary retail and experience brand, unifying the worlds of performance, innovation, and fashion. Steeped in Aspen’s Mountain heritage and conceptualized by artist Paula Crown, ASPENX creates high performance skiwear, exciting collaborations, and unforgettable experiences. The flagship store, located in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, offers bespoke retail, elevated rental equipment, and exceptional food and wine experiences both on- and off-mountain. Discover more at ASPENX.com and on Instagram @ASPENX. 

Summary

The Sr. Director of Product Development and Merchandising is responsible for leading long-range product design and creation, as well as downstream merchandising of our product lines. This role will build and manage a team of product developers, designers, and merchandisers to bring the ASPENX vision to life in product, and identifying resource needs for the future. This leader will be responsible for the full product development cycle and roadmap, and meeting financial objectives.  

This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to bring new and innovative products to market. This leader will also identify, partner, and work with external partners, including unique brands to develop high-heat collaborative product collections. 

This role is open to remote candidates who are based in the following states where Aspen Skiing Company operates: CO, NY, GA, ID, CA, FL, CT, TX, HI, IL.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $120,731-$169,023. Actual pay will be dependent on budget, experience, and the candidate’s state of residence.  All of our salaried roles are eligible for bonus. 

Essential Job Functions  

• Lead the product development process from concept through to commercialization, ensuring product design aligns with the brand vision and strategy
• Develop and execute product development roadmaps that are aligned with the company's strategic goals and objectives
• Build and manage the merchandising team which is responsible for developing line plans, purchase orders, managing the OTB, and in-store/e-commerce/wholesale assortments
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as sourcing, sales, and marketing to ensure products are designed, developed and brought to market on time and within budget
• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities, brand collaborations, and conduct market research to understand consumer needs and preferences 
• Launch and manage wholesale and owned storefront expansion merchandising strategy and execution to meet long-term financial goals
• Manage the product development budget and resources 
• Manage the downstream merchandising of the product lines, including product packaging, pricing, and distribution strategies
• Identify, partner, and work with external partners, including unique brands to develop high-heat collaborative product collections
• Manage and identify agencies as needed for any outsourced product development needs
• Lead the product training for sales and marketing teams
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to ensure the company stays ahead of the competition
• Other duties as assigned 

• Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Industrial Design, Merchandising, or a related field required 
• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in product development and merchandising, with at least 5-7 years of experience in a leadership role managing teams 
• Strong understanding of product development and merchandising processes and experience in apparel or fashion  
• Experience in the skiwear, outdoor, activewear, luxury, fashion, or sporting goods industry is a plus 
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills 
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform product development decisions 
• Experience in downstream merchandising and product launch 
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

Supervision given and received
Supervision Given: Exercises limited supervision over the product development and merchandising team, currently consisting of 2 direct reports and 3 contractors.  Assigns result driven projects and assists with unusual situations that do not have clear objectives. Instruction, advice and assistance are available at the request of the employee. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, interviewing, hiring, performance evaluation; recognition; disciplinary action; training and development, budgeting, and labor relations.  
Supervision Received: Works under limited supervision of COO-ASPENX. Receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing strategical methods to attain them. Can formulate policies but does not necessarily have final authority for approval. Review of work is not detailed and emphasizes accomplishment of broad work objectives, rather than specific assignments.   

Work Environment
Ability to reach, crouch, kneel, stand, bend or be on your feet for extended periods of time   
Regularly work in wet, cold, hot conditions requiring the use of protective apparel/equipment to prevent exposure to the elements and may be required to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces 
Must be able to lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs. individually or with assistance (weight limits can vary according to position, but no more than 50) 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. By accepting a position with Aspen Skiing Company, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. To request accommodation during the application and interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 970-300-7700.         

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Aspen Skiing Company / ASPENX / The Little Nell / Limelight Hotel is an equal opportunity employer.  

For an overview of Aspen Skiing Company's benefits and other compensation visit aspensnowmass.com/jobs/benefits

As of March 11th 2022, Aspen Skiing Company, ASPENX, The Little Nell, and The Limelight Hotels will no longer require all active employees to be fully vaccinated in the workplace. Read more about our policies as it relates to employee safety here