Columbia searches for ‘Director of Toughness’
From The Field
Columbia has announced its search for two new Directors of Toughness, a role that will see the candidates embarking on a nine-month adventure around the world to test Columbia’s range of performance products in the most extreme conditions. It is now open to European applicants for the first time with the position based in the UK.
Columbia has a history of putting its gear to the test in the most inclement weather and harshest terrain and last year surprised the industry by creating two unique full time positions within the company, entitled ‘Director of Toughness’.
Directors of Toughness serve as full-time beta testers, brand ambassadors and social media gurus. They work to ensure that Columbia apparel and gear keep people warm, dry, cool and protected in any weather or geographic situation. Hopeful candidates will then be challenged to interview on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, which Columbia are billing ‘The Toughest Interview (To Get To).”
Columbia’s inaugural Directors of Toughness, Lauren Steele and Zach Doleac, selected from thousands of applicants, spent six months traveling the globe, from the summit of Ecuador’s Cayambe volcano to the Arctic coast of Manitoba – putting Columbia’s gear through harsh conditions. Now Columbia has upped the ante for this year’s recruits. In addition to job perks that include a full-time salary and benefits, the brand is extending the job duration from six to nine months to allow for an even greater range of extreme adventures.
“The Directors of Toughness have become integral employees, not only testing our products but also sharing compelling stories,” said Columbia Sportswear Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Richelle Luther. “We are excited to identify and hire two new outdoor enthusiasts, and to put a spotlight on the effort our employees go through to ensure our products keep people comfortable, regardless of the conditions.”
Candidates eligible for employment in the UK will be able to register to interview online at Columbia.com/ToughJob from the 3rd October. To be considered, interested candidates must face “The Toughest Interview” with the final two applicants picked from four casting calls, two in the USA, one in Canada and one in the UK, If you think you’ve got what it takes to make the grade, act quickly for a shot at applying for the position!
