Job Details
Job Description
About:
the Role: Backroads is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Part-Time Gear Coordinator to lead and manage the full lifecycle of gear sourcing, branding and fulfillment across multiple internal and external programs. This includes supporting gear initiatives for staff, guests, the BEST Club, departmental and one-off requests.
You’ll collaborate closely with the Marketing, Design, Operations and Executive teams to ensure our gear reflects the Backroads brand and is delivered on time and within budget. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role that plays a critical part in enhancing the Backroads
experience:
through thoughtful gear and swag. You’ll serve as the project lead across a six-figure budget and more than 75 SKUs and over 20 vendor relationships including Patagonia, Stio, Osprey and more.
What you:
’ll be doing: Lead the end-to-end sourcing, design, production, and distribution of staff and guest gear, managing ~20+ items across multiple vendors each season.
- Research new products and brands, cultivate vendor relationships, and negotiate pricing to ensure quality gear within budget.
- Coordinate samples, branding elements, and artwork with the design team; prepare recommendations and revisions for executive approval.
- Track gear quantities, budgets, timelines, and order status to ensure all items are finalized and delivered ahead of key seasonal milestones (e.g., Trip Leader trainings).
- Manage production and fulfillment logistics, partnering with vendors, Brightpoint (embroidery/printing), and the Salt Lake City operations team.
- Oversee gear-related e-commerce operations, including the staff and guest Shopify stores, product listings, inventory, and sales reporting.
- Manage the gear program for the BEST Club loyalty program, coordinating milestone and recognition items across multiple vendors.
Partner cross-functionally to source and produce custom gear and branded materials for departments including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Trip Development, and People & Culture.
- Coordinate special projects and one-off gear initiatives such as Staff Ride apparel, recruiting swag, tradeshow materials, and guest gifting programs.
- Maintain organized sample inventory, track gear stock levels, and partner with Operations on forecasting and reorders.
- Analyze staff and guest feedback to recommend new gear, improvements, and alternative product solutions.
What you:
’ll need to be successful: Proven project management
skills:
and ability to juggle multiple moving pieces. Strong aesthetic sensibility with
experience:
collaborating with design teams. Familiarity with sourcing, branding and vendor negotiation. Comfortable using tools like Shopify, Excel/Google Sheets, and Jira (or similar project tracking tools). Self-starter who thrives in an autonomous and flexible environment Work environment: On-Site, Berkeley, CA 4 days in-office, 1 day work from home This is a part-time role at 20 hours/week during peak busy periods (max 80 hours/month).
About:
the Department: The Backroads Marketing team is powered by strong collaborators, visionaries and creative minds who bring decades of knowledge and
experience:
to showcase the fun-filled seamless adventures our guests love. You’ll be bringing your imagination, strong work ethic and critical eye for detail to a dedicated group of team members who are passionate
about:
sharing the joys of active travel with both returning guests and brand-new audiences. The department is comprised of several teams, which include the below: Direct Mail & CRM: Engages past and prospective guests through targeted email campaigns and personalized direct mail, leveraging data to drive bookings and loyalty.
PR & Partnership: Builds brand awareness and credibility through media outreach, strategic partnerships and influencer collaborations to expand Backroads’ reach. Website Management: Oversees the website’s content, functionality and user
experience:
to ensure seamless navigation, accurate information and optimized conversion. Brand, Content, Community: Responsible for the creative design, content and social media presence for the Backroads brand. By joining the Marketing team at Backroads, you’ll be part of a group that values building innovative people processes and fostering a positive, inclusive employee
experience:
.
About:
Backroads: At Backroads we’re passionate
about:
connecting our guests with so many of the most beautiful places in the world. We use our four-plus decades of expertise to create exceptional biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips in over 50 countries for people wanting a deeper and richer travel
experience:
We travel on land as well as by small luxury ships on active river and ocean cruises. Our trips are for all ages – including dedicated itineraries just for families. We are known for our unwavering attention to quality. We have a dynamic work environment and a strong company culture. Why Backroads: At Backroads, we value every single member of our staff, and we’re proud to offer a dynamic work environment that enables growth.
Your colleagues will be some of the most dedicated, competent, active, and fun people you will ever meet. A job at Backroads is unlike any other job you will ever have – you will be challenged, you will be inspired, and you will be gratified. No matter
what you:
do here, you will be part of something that makes us all proud – delivering authentic, enriching, and often profoundly life-changing
experience:
s. On top of all that, we have some pretty great
benefits:
and perks! For example our US office employees receive: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match, flex plan, and parental leave Generous paid time off, 8 paid holidays, and additional time off to go on Backroads trips! Complimentary trips and trip discounts for employees, and trip discounts for employees’ friends and family! Outdoor industry discounts and deals Alternative commuter incentives for biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation to get to work Wellness programs and regular lunchtime bike rides and yoga Backroads is an equal
opportunity:
employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Salary Ranges: $31.25 - $38.47 At Backroads, we uphold a commitment to transparency and fairness within our hiring process, particularly regarding
compensation:
The salary range posted for each role applies to both employment offers and employees actively working in the role. New hires are typically offered a starting salary between the minimum and midpoint of the range to ensure there is continued
opportunity:
for salary progression during your employment at Backroads, reflecting our commitment to rewarding ongoing dedication, high performance, and significant contributions to our team. This approach not only supports our budgeting strategy but also our intention to foster an environment that encourages long-term growth and strong relationships between Backroads and our valued employees.
Our office roles are onsite in our Berkeley headquarters, unless specifically noted as 'available for remote'. We do allow one work-from-home day a week, as well as one work-from-anywhere week per year. This pay range is intended for in-person work in our Berkeley, CA headquarters. Pay ranges for remote-eligible roles will be subject to adjustment based on the geolocation of the employee.
I can't imagine a better way to travel the world than under your own power and in the company of like-minded adventurers. Sure, Backroads provides superb accommodations and meals, amazing Trip Leaders and unforgettable local encounters. But whether you’re sticking with the group or breaking off on your own, all of our planning and support are ultimately aimed at one simple thing: giving you the flexibility you need to discover the world on your own terms.
Tom Hale, Founder & President
