Director of Color

About the Role

The Director of Color will lead the vision, strategy, and application of color at Athleta. This individual will blend deep knowledge of color theory, trend forecasting, and consumer insights to deliver compelling, cohesive seasonal palettes, overseeing the process from concept to consumer.

The ideal candidate has an elevated taste level and a strong understanding of the technical aspects of apparel creation, materials, and finishing techniques. You bring a balance of creativity and analytical rigor, with the ability to establish the structure, processes, and systems needed to transform vision into exceptional results.

What You'll Do

Color Creation

• Create and lead the color strategy and vision each season.

• Partner with design leadership to define seasonal color intent, inspiration, and aesthetic direction.

• Evaluate trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic color decisions.

• Create aspirational color presentations and tools that inspire product and leadership teams.

Operational Excellence

• Establish and maintain clear workflows, timelines, and checkpoints for color processes and the color team.

• Collaborate with Design Ops and cross-functional partners to maintain calendar alignment and remove roadblocks.

• Introduce new tools, systems, or methods that enhance color workflows and collaboration.

Quality & Execution

• Ensure all colors across the collection meet the highest standards of execution.

• Partner closely with the color development team to support development, tools, and palette application.

Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and support color designers, fostering growth, creativity, and collaboration.

• Present seasonal color vision to design, merchandising, and leadership teams, inspiring cross-functional adoption.

• Lead regular touchpoints to ensure consistency, cohesion, and alignment with brand vision and aesthetic guidelines.

Who You Are

• 12+ years of experience in color design in fashion, ideally within the active space.

• Strong understanding of color theory, color development, and production processes.

• Possess an elevated taste level and an innate ability to translate trends through a brand lens.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining clarity and focus.

• Demonstrate agility in shifting priorities and responding to change with a calm, solution-oriented mindset.

• Skilled at guiding teams through change with steadiness, clear communication, and organized decision-making.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; Miro experience is a plus.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Ability to influence and build strong cross-functional relationships.