Parks Project Careers
Director of Merchandising & Design
Job Title: Director of Merchandising & Design
Location: Culver City, CA (Hybrid — in-office days required)
Start Date: June 2026
Job Type: Full-time
Status: Exempt
Parks Project is a purpose-driven lifestyle brand that connects people to the beauty of national parks through unique apparel and accessories. We are passionate about preserving and protecting our natural landscapes, and our mission is to fund and support vital projects in national parks across the country. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, Parks Project is at the forefront of the intersection between commerce and conservation.
We’re looking for a Director of Merchandising & Design to set the product vision, strategy, and assortment for Parks Project, blending trend forecasting and design execution with sales goals, ensuring products align with brand identity and customer demand across all channels. Ideal candidates will be a proven and seasoned leader who is customer centric with an entrepreneurial mindset and desire to build. They will want to use their career for a greater purpose in supporting nature's habitat restoration and conservation of parklands.
- Build: Builds a product calendar that will optimize the business and create a path forward for the next 10 years. Builds collections to grow revenue in existing distribution channels. Builds into better margins on product, sourcing diversification, bigger and better collabs, and the ever evolving perfect outfit for our target customer.
- Strategic Vision: Develops overall product and merchandising strategies, setting design aesthetics, color palettes, silhouettes, and materials based on market trends and business goals.
- Product Lifecycle Management: Oversees the entire process from concept to final product, including design, development, sourcing, specifications, fit, and quality control.
- Team Leadership: Manages, mentors, and leads designer, merchandiser, and product developer, fostering a collaborative environment while also being a strong cross departmental leader for the organization.
- Design Direction: Drives innovative mindset, pushes the limits of design, champions staying ahead of trend, and ensures we deliver on time based on a set calendar.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners closely with Buying, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to align product offerings with marketing campaigns, sales targets, and operational needs.
- Market & Trend Analysis: Analyzes sales data, consumer insights, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and adapt strategies for growth.
- Financial Accountability: Collaborates with CEO to set financial targets, develops and manages budgets, sets pricing strategies, and ensures profitability for product categories.
- Brand Consistency: Ensures all product lines and visual presentations maintain a consistent brand identity and exceptional customer experience.
- Leader: Ability to build and motivate teams and influence stakeholders.
- Analytical & Strategic Thinker: Uses data to inform decisions and create long-term plans. Experience with ERP systems, Inventory planning software and trend forecasting.
- Creative Visionary: Strong aesthetic sense and understanding of design principles.
- Communicator: Excellent presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Business Acumen: Understanding of retail operations, P&L, and market dynamics.
- 5-10 years of experience in merchandising and/or design leadership
- Significant leadership/supervisory experience and can coach, mentor and lead teams with success
- Must have experience overseeing design and merchandising collections, understand cut & sew processes.
- Has worked with both established enterprises and also in a startup environment, capable of blending both business practices.
- Base Salary Range: $160 - 180k
- Work for a greater good
- Bonus eligible
- Flexible PTO
- Competitive health benefits
- Matching 401k plan
- Company trip to National Parks
- Quarterly product stipends
Please fill in this form with all relevant information.
Parks Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
*Your information will be used solely for recruitment purposes and will not be shared for marketing or advertising.*
Not seeing a position for you? Please submit your resume to info@parksproject.us for consideration.
