Associate Designer, Women’s Brand

Vida Shoes International•New York, NY

10d•$60,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Vida Shoes International is looking for an experienced Associate Footwear Associate Designer to help and develop our women’s brands. You will be required to coordinate a development calendar that keeps all parties’ needs in mind (Product development, Sales/ Merchandise, Marketing, & Brand). You must be able to work on various brands or collections. All styles need to be made sure there is on-time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specification. Collaborate with Merchandising & Marketing to effectively execute on product development goals & deliverables. In partnering with brand-appointed merchandisers the development matrix must meet the proposed adoption rate agreed upon by brand. You will also create and revise Tech Packs for assigned styles and ensure all appropriate development documentation is maintained, including product specs and prototype notes. In addition, you will participate in fit and construction standards for a category or product group to ensure consistency. You will track and facilitate prototyping for styles; identify and address key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Design or related design experience 2 to 4 years
Must have a basic understanding of project management and problem-solving concepts
Ability to manage multiple projects and must be a self-starter
Understanding of the product development creation process
Exposure to sample development is key, plus materials manufacturing knowledge is essential to this role
Ability to manage multiple projects & must be a self-starter
Must be able to understand how to build product to targeted price
Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign software
Hand sketching ability and quick ideation capability
Ability to research market trend information
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and discipline
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook
Must be motivated and eager to learn in a fast-paced industry

Responsibilities

Interpret design intent, offer alternative solutions, and act as a technical resource
Write product specs and construction standards
Work with development centers & factories to ensure and improve manufacturability
Manage design conceptualization to commercialized finished product
Partner up with brand specific merchandiser
Keep cost, target price, & duty structures in mind while design and development process thru entirety of design & development cycle
Research and forecast fashion, materials and market trends
Sketch, CAD work and create specs and tech packs for the manufacturing team overseas
Contribute to both the development and sampling of new collections
Aid in the production process
Order and track samples requested
Understand and focus on specific customer needs depending on the brand and product category
Create and manage seasonal brand line sheets
Setup and maintain CAD approval on web portal for either/both company or licensed assigned brand
Find or create white space opportunities
Exposure to line-building process while working closely with directors and merchandiser
Coach young designer and expose to basic footwear design and development process
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (domestic and international)