Position Summary
We are seeking a creative, trend-focused, and detail-oriented Footwear Designer to join our team and lead the design and development of women's and kid's footwear. The ideal candidate understands the fast-paced nature of the business and has a strong ability to translate current fashion and footwear trends into commercially relevant product at the right price point.
This role will be responsible for creating trend-right, market-driven footwear collections across multiple classifications while balancing design, cost, quality. The Footwear Designer will work with the Design director and partner closely with Merchandising, Sales, Product Development, and overseas vendors to bring concepts from initial inspiration through production.
Location: This is a fully onsite position based at our NYC headquarters in the Garment District.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Takes direction and works closely with Design Director to conceptualize and design trend-right women's and kid's footwear.
- Research current fashion, footwear, color, material, and consumer trends to identify commercial opportunities.
- Translate market trends and customer direction into compelling, commercially viable footwear designs.
- Develop seasonal footwear collections across multiple classifications, price points, and retail channels.
- Create detailed sketches, CADs, colorways, and technical drawings for production.
- Spec proposed product and provide detailed design direction to support accurate product development and production.
- Select and develop appropriate materials, components, trims, colors, and construction details while maintaining target costs.
- Collaborate with Product Development and overseas factories throughout the development process to ensure design intent, quality, cost, and timelines are achieved.
- Review samples, provide revisions and approvals, and ensure final product meets design and commercial objectives.
- Participate in line reviews, presentations, market research, and customer meetings as needed.
- Maintain awareness of competitive products and emerging trends within the moderate, juniors, private label, and off-price footwear markets.
- Manage multiple projects and seasonal deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Assist with additional design projects and responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5+ years of footwear design experience, preferably within women's, kids, or value-focused footwear.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating commercial footwear design, trend interpretation, and product development.
- Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
- Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel w/ experience in utilizing for spec sheet detailing
- Experience creating footwear CADs, technical drawings, colorways, and production-ready specifications.
- Ability to create linesheets / miniwalls
- Ability to translate fashion and footwear trends into commercially successful product while maintaining brand/customer relevance.
- Experience working directly with overseas factories and vendors is strongly preferred.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven with excellent follow-through.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under tight deadlines.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sales, Product Development, and Production.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times.
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Footwear Design, Product Design, or a related field preferred.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Half Day Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Tax-free commuter benefits
- Exclusive employee merchandise discounts
Salary: The anticipated base salary is $85k-$100k annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location.
This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary. The compensation package is dependent on several factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.
