Footwear Designer

Vida Shoes International•New York, NY

8d•$85,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1973, Vida Shoes International has been committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. We are dedicated to designing, producing, and marketing quality branded footwear using our expansive international resources. Our wealth of knowledge stems from the diversity of brands and successful products we have produced year after year. Currently, we are in search of a Footwear Designer who is a creative, passionate, and an organized problem solver. An individual with the ability to work with cross functional partners to build out seasonal collections that meet our customers’ business needs and our internal margin expectations. We are looking for someone to bring a collaborative, enthusiastic, and growth-minded perspective to our team.

Requirements

3-5+ Years of footwear design experience
Strong hand sketching ability
Strong organizational skills.
Technical ability and experience fit correcting shoes
Knowledge of synthetic materials, textiles and leathers
Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional design aesthetics, technical knowledge and product story telling abilities
Experience with footwear development process and working with international teams
Comprehensive knowledge of footwear materials, construction components, manufacturing process and fit considerations
Effectively manage time, multi-task, and pay strong attention to detail, and work within a team environment
Knowledge of CAD systems to assist in ideation and creative process
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), and Adobe Creative Suite
the ability to interpret trends for mass market to meet business and strategic needs
Ability to work and prioritize tasks and execute deadlines in a dynamic environment
Ability to manage competing calendar deadlines
Must be highly organized, self-motivated, and driven with a strong work ethic
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in NYC office 4-5 days a week (as needed)

Nice To Haves

College design degree in footwear or applicable degrees highly preferred
Experience using whiteboard applications (IE: Miro) a plus

Responsibilities

Sketch (hand sketch & CAD/AI) and create specs and tech packs for the international manufacturing teams
Help create and inspire new ideas /concepts to execute a competitive product line that supports the brands’ strategic objectives, quality components, and trend concepts
Ability to balance and navigate between multiple footwear brands including aesthetics and overall design
Maintain knowledge of current and future trends by design forecasting and research market
Shop for inspirational designs and competitive landscape each season
Help develop and organize colors & materials for the season
Work with design team to create moods for the season (color palettes, prints, materials, etc.)
Prepare sketch boards/trend boards for team internal and external reviews (physical and in the digital space)
Ability to deliver presentations with focused viewpoint and confidence to senior management, licensing team, sales team and retailers.
Communication with international development teams and agents
Domestic and International travel as necessary
Detailing / inputting specification sheets of footwear collections
Assist in prototype corrections, commercialization and fit approvals; including taking notes and submitting to international teams
General and basic operations including and not limited to: opening packages, keeping design room neat and organized to manage flow of development
Support with domestic and international shipments
Keen eye to detail and color variations