Principal, CMF/Color Designer

As a Principal CMF/Color Designer – Soft Coolers, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of color, material, and finish (CMF) design across the Soft Coolers category. This role requires deep expertise in CMF design, trend forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative, brand-right solutions that elevate the YETI product experience. You will operate with a high level of autonomy and influence, driving long-term impact through strategic design leadership and report into the Director, Soft Coolers in Austin.  

Key Responsibilities  

Define and lead the CMF/color strategy for the Soft Coolers category, aligning with brand vision and consumer insights.  

Translate macro trends into actionable seasonal palettes and product-level color applications.  

Drive innovation in CMF design through exploration of new materials, finishes, and technologies.  

Balance creative direction with commercial impact to ensure optimal execution across product lines.  

Represent CMF in cross-category and core team meetings, influencing product strategy and development.  

Partner with Industrial Design, Product Management, Marketing, and Development to ensure cohesive execution.  

Champion the CMF design POV across the organization, advocating for design excellence and consumer relevance.  

Work closely with brand design on print concepts, details, and on product execution. 

Lead CMF design from concept through pre-production, ensuring feasibility and brand alignment.  

Create detailed digital renderings, line art, and visual tools to communicate color strategy.  

Own and help maintain color BOMs, swatch libraries, and physical/digital presentation tools alongside development team. 

Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure color accuracy and manufacturability.  

Demonstrate deep understanding of YETI consumers, pursuits, and communities.  

Apply competitive and market analysis to inform CMF decisions that differentiate YETI in the marketplace.  

Utilize consumer research and trend forecasting to guide long-term CMF strategy. 

Qualifications  

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Color and Material Design, Industrial Design, Fashion/Textile Design, or related field. 

10+ years of professional experience in CMF or Color Design, preferably in consumer goods or soft goods.  

Strong portfolio showcasing strategic CMF thinking, trend translation, and product-level execution.  

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop); 3D rendering skills preferred.  

Ability to demonstrate a passing score on the Munsell Hue Color Test is required. 

Superior color acuity and understanding of color theory, materials, and manufacturing processes.  

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to influence across levels and functions.  

Proven ability to lead projects independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality outcomes.  

This role is based in Austin.