G/FORE Lead Footwear Designer

Peter Millar•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. ABOUT G/FORE: Born in Los Angeles but bred with a global perspective, G/FORE was conceptualized with a passion for modern design combined with a love of golf. Distinguished by our attention to detail, sophisticated ease, playful nature, youthful energy, and sense of humor. We consistently strive to make a powerful and colorful impact on our favorite game. We take inspiration from art, architecture, modern design, and colorful narratives. Our intent is to disrupt the industry without being disrespectful to the sport and its rich traditions. The Lead Designer Footwear is responsible for designing market leading footwear as part of the Footwear design team including style setups, tech packs, and development of prototypes and samples on a year-round basis.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Excel.
Excellent time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple deadlines and priorities
Strong attention to detail
Superb organizational skills and methods
Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, vendors and clients
Enjoy working as a team player and have an open style with sharing and taking on various points of view
A curious mind with a strong interest for contemporary footwear, fashion, and design
Excellent 2D software skills (Adobe CS), 3D software skills are a plus
Good sketching and mock-up skills
Degree in Design or equivalent experience in a design role.
Minimum 7+ years’ experience in a Footwear Design position
Excellent knowledge of footwear construction and trend

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of golf footwear market a plus.
Experience working with textiles, knits and engineered materials would be a plus, such as understanding of the application to footwear design

Responsibilities

Concept, design, develop and execute design work according to the visual language of G/Fore and direction set by the Creative Director and VP Design.
Implement the creative vision of G/Fore in a footwear product range including expansion into lifestyle footwear.
Work on developing concepts, mock-ups, visuals, 2D and 3D files for new projects
Develop and visualize a strong vision for future products partnering with product development team.
Ensure efficient process and communication flow between design, marketing, development and production for all the designed ranges and products of G/Fore footwear.
Use detailed tech packs & BOM’s to articulate product detail execution; submit all relevant information needed for the development process including sketches, construction, materials, trim and graphics.
Manage the organization and maintenance of the prototypes in conjunction with the product development team.
Provide support to the line book development process and color card development process
Communicate with factories and mills to ensure samples are executed properly
Communicate with the production department and factories to ensure production is executed properly
Update the Style Wall as prototypes are developed and samples are launched
Support the team during sales meeting set-up periods and sales campaign set-up periods