Footwear Designer

Summary /Objective

The Footwear Designer will conceptualize and present new designs as briefed by the Head of Footwear. During the product creation cycle, the Footwear Designer will lead the design team to evolve designs from loose concept sketches to detailed CADs with technical specs and tech packs ready for product development. Working closely with the cross-functional teams, the Footwear Designer will work to refine prototypes to meet design, performance, cost, and timing objectives.

Position Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Work closely with the Head of Footwear to explore and create new footwear models. Drive early concept ideation to establish design direction.
• Advise and mentor the design team to create colorways, and tech packs/specs, and refine aesthetics, performance, and costs throughout the product creation cycle.
• Collaborate with the Merchandising and Product Development teams to refine prototypes and optimize aesthetics, quality, performance, cost, and timing.
• Research and forecast fashion, materials, and market trends.
• Develop a continuous flow of new concepts and materials, providing the design team with the latest innovations to work from.
• Interpret design intent, offer alternative solutions, and act as a technical resource
• Write product specs and construction standards.
• Work with factories to ensure and improve manufacturability.
• Sketch, CAD work, and create specs and tech packs for the manufacturing team overseas.
• Contribute to both the development and sampling of new collections.
• Other Duties - Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Technical knowledge of footwear from concept through bulk production.
• Knowledge of form, color, materials, and human factors related to elevating the consumer experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Suite; 3D programs are a plus.
• Must be able to create accurate 2D technical drawings.
• Experience with various footwear materials.
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, rapidly changing environment, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Must be organized and illustrate keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in team collaboration.
• Commitment to brand identity and a focus on business growth.
• Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
• Must generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion or Industrial Design or equivalent work experience.
• 5-8 years of experience designing and developing innovative footwear and other products.