Circle Y Saddles: Senior Saddle Designer

Circle Y Saddles Job Description:

Senior Saddle Designer Are you a creative saddle maker who understands both craftsmanship and true horse fit? Do you thrive when taking a saddle from raw concept to finished product in the rider's hands? Are you passionate about blending western heritage with forward-thinking design and innovation? Do the values of stewardship, versatility, and family resonate strongly with you? Do you find the improvement of people's lives through stewardship of God-given resources inspiring? Circle Y Saddles is right for you! Senior Saddle Designer Job Summary The Senior Saddle Designer is responsible for leading saddle development from ground-up concept through production launch. This role requires a deep understanding of horse conformation, saddle fit, leather construction, and western craftsmanship. The Senior Saddle Designer blends artistry with functionality—bringing creative design ideas to life while ensuring structural integrity, manufacturability, and market success. This position works cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and product leadership to ensure new saddles are launched on time, on margin, and aligned with customer demand. Senior Saddle Designer Responsibilities Design saddles from concept through prototype, testing, and production release Ensure proper saddle fit, tree selection, rigging placement, and rider balance Create detailed design specifications, materials lists, and construction documentation Introduce innovative design elements while honoring western tradition Partner with operations to ensure manufacturability and production feasibility Collaborate with marketing and sales to align product design with customer needs and trends Lead prototype reviews and refine products based on rider and dealer feedback Monitor post-launch performance including sales, margins, and customer feedback Drive continuous improvement in saddle construction techniques and materials Mentor and develop junior designers and craftsmen to elevate team capability Participate in cross-functional planning meetings to align product goals with business strategy All other duties as assigned by management Senior Saddle Designer Skills and Competencies Expert-level knowledge of saddle construction and leather craftsmanship Deep understanding of horse conformation and saddle fit principles Creative design thinking with the ability to execute functional products Ability to take products from idea through lifecycle management Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills Ownership mindset with accountability for timelines and outcomes Detail-oriented craftsmanship standards Ability to balance heritage aesthetics with modern rider needs Senior Saddle Designer Qualifications 5+ years of saddle building or saddle design experience Proven experience designing and developing saddles from concept to launch Strong understanding of materials, leather tooling, and western aesthetics Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment preferred CAD or design software experience preferred Background in the western or equine industry required Physical Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods Frequent bending, lifting, and hands-on craftsmanship work Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed Work Environment This position is based in Yoakum, TX and includes time in both office and production environments, with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor. Benefits Health Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance 401k

Paid Time Off Profit Sharing Counseling Pay:

From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): How do you evaluate proper saddle fit for both the horse and the rider? Have you designed products for manufacturing (not just prototypes)? If yes, briefly describe your experience. How many years of hands-on saddle design or saddle building experience do you have?

Work Location:

In person