Where to Ski And Snowboard - Become a ‘Director of Toughness’

Become a ‘Director of Toughness’

3rd October 2016, by Abi Butcher

Columbia Sportswear is hiring two new "Directors of Toughness"

Are you looking for a new job with a bit of “oomph”? One that will test you to the extreme and lead you on crazy and exciting new adventures? How about applying for the position of “Director of Toughness”?

Columbia Sportswear has opened its search for two new “Directors of Toughness” — positions open to European applicants but based out of the UK. The role will last nine months, during which time the “directors” will travel around the world testing Columbia’s range of performance products in the most extreme conditions.

The company says: “those who don’t get a thrill from pushing their minds and bodies to the limit need not apply” and its disclaimer when you apply reads: “I acknowledge that by clicking SUBMIT, if I am asked to interview, I will be present at the interview location at the date and time required, and that if hired, I can drop everything, go wherever Columbia asks and be a full-time Director of Toughness from November 15, 2016, through August 15, 2017.”

The unique roles were created last year for the first time, with the Directors of Toughness performing the role of tester, brand ambassadors and social media gurus (under #TestedTough).

Last year’s Directors, Lauren Steele and Zach Doleac, were selected from thousands of applicants and spent six months travelling the globe, from the summit of Ecuador’s Cayambe volcano to the Arctic coast of Manitoba. This year, the position is paid, and for nine months, during which successful applicants will be required to test Columbia kit to the max, to ensure it keeps wearers warm, dry, cool and protected in any weather or geographic situation.

The recruitment drive was launched last week by Manchester United, and candidates can apply online for an interview in person at one of the UK’s most remote locations — The Isle of Skye in Scotland making it “The Toughest Interview (To Get To).”.

“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.”

The final two applicants will be picked from four casting calls — two in the US, 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 by registering to interview online at Columbia.com/ToughJobs

Watch a clip of last year’s Directors of Toughness