Sr Designer, Athletic and Lifestyle Footwear (Men's & Ladies)
About The Position
We are seeking a highly creative and commercially driven Senior Footwear Designer to help shape the future of a newly acquired footwear brand across lifestyle, casual, and sneaker categories. This role requires a strong design point of view, deep understanding of materials and construction, and the ability to translate concepts into innovative, market-relevant products that align with the brand vision. The ideal candidate combines strong creative instincts with technical expertise, thrives in a collaborative environment, and has experience managing projects from concept through production.
Requirements
- 5-10+ years of footwear design experience within sneaker, lifestyle, or casual footwear categories
- Strong hand sketching ability and visual storytelling skills
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, pattern engineering, and manufacturing processes
- Experience creating specs, tech packs, and detailed factory-ready documentation
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with overseas factories and development partners
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Product Development, Merchandising, and Sales teams
- Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills
- Passion for product innovation, sustainability, and modern lifestyle design
Nice To Haves
- Background in premium lifestyle or performance footwear
- Experience working with global factories and international development timelines
- Understanding of sustainable materials and construction methods
- Experience leading or mentoring junior designers
Responsibilities
- Design innovative lifestyle and sneaker footwear concepts aligned with brand direction and market trends
- Create detailed sketches, renderings, and technical drawings using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Develop seasonal concepts through trend research, consumer insights, and competitive analysis
- Partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, and Sales teams throughout the design process
- Build and maintain detailed tech packs, specifications, and construction documents for factory execution
- Collaborate directly with overseas factories to communicate design intent, troubleshoot issues, and ensure product accuracy
- Review and correct footwear patterns, prototypes, and fit issues throughout development stages
- Source and develop materials, components, colors, and finishes appropriate for lifestyle and performance footwear
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting seasonal deadlines
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and creative direction within the design team
- Participate in fittings, line reviews, and cross-functional presentations
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
