Fashion Designer & Product Designer

PTULA | Columbus, OH

About PTULA

PTULA is a women’s active wear and athleisure brand entering its 10th year - locally based, globally worn, and built with intention. We are design-driven, detail-obsessed, and deeply invested in creating products that perform, last, and feel elevated in every way.

We are a small, highly collaborative team that values innovation, ownership, and adaptability. Growth here is exciting - and sometimes chaotic - and we’re looking for a Fashion Designer who thrives in that environment rather than resists it.

The Role

We’re looking for a Fashion & Product Designer who thrives at the intersection of creative design and thoughtful product development. This role is ideal for someone with a strong fashion design foundation who also understands how great products are built — from concept through production — or a product designer with a deep appreciation for apparel, fit, and construction.

As a small, fast-moving team, this role requires both vision and execution. You’ll be involved early in concept development, assist with sourcing and production, and play an active role in refining fit, fabric, and functionality. We value designers who think holistically, care deeply about quality, and are comfortable navigating ambiguity as products evolve.

This role is ideal for a designer who:

• Embraces fast timelines and last-minute pivots
• Thinks beyond traditional silhouettes and categories
• Loves experimenting, iterating, and pushing product forward
• Takes pride in quality, fit, and innovation
• Wants real ownership and influence — not just tasks

What You’ll Do

Design & Product Development

• Design women’s active wear and athleisure across multiple categories
• Contribute to product ideation with a focus on function, performance, and wearability
• Develop seasonal concepts, color stories, and product direction
• Create detailed tech packs and design specs for production
• Partner closely with development to ensure fit, performance, and quality
• Participate in fittings and provide clear, thoughtful feedback
• Iterate quickly based on testing, feedback, and brand needs
• Identify opportunities for innovation in fabric, construction, and performance features

Innovation & Trend Research

• Research trends across fashion, active wear, lifestyle, and performance
• Bring fresh ideas, silhouettes, fabrics, and constructions to the table
• Explore new concepts beyond traditional “corporate active wear”
• Balance innovation with commercial viability and brand DNA

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with sourcing, marketing, creative, and operations teams
• Support product storytelling and launches
• Adapt designs based on timeline changes, launches shifting, or business needs
• Contribute creatively beyond your job title when needed (because we’re a small team)

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Skills

• 3+ years of experience in fashion or active wear design, product design or a combination of both
• A deep understanding of apparel construction, fit, and materials
• Experience with design concepting, sourcing, and development
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and relevant design tools
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Experience with technical design or garment specs is a strong plus (but not required)

Mindset & Culture Fit (This Matters)

• Thrives in a small, fast-paced, evolving environment
• Comfortable with iteration, pivots and last-minute adjustments
• Detail-oriented with a high bar for quality
• Collaborate, curious, and solution-focused
• Excited to build, refine, and improve products - not just design them

Why PTULA

• Be part of a growing active wear brand entering its 10th year
• Real ownership and influence over product direction
• Work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams
• A culture that values ideas, initiative, and adaptability
• Opportunity to help shape the future of the brand - not just execute it

Work Location

• In office (Columbus, OH)

How to Apply

Please apply via Linked In and include:

• Resume
• Any additional materials that showcase your design process or thinking

Benefits – those extra perks of the job

• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 401(k)
• Profit Sharing

We’re open to candidates whose experience spans both fashion and product design — or who are eager to grow in one area while bringing strength in the other.

If you’re looking for a highly structured, slow-moving environment, this may not be the role for you. If you’re excited by growth, creativity, collaboration, and building something meaningful - we’d love to meet you.

PTULA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs.