Senior Designer, Footwear
On-siteNew York City, New York, United States or New York, United States
Job Summary
Partner with Design Leadership to research emerging fashion and cultural trends, translating insights into innovative footwear concepts across sneakers, sandals, and boots. Execute the design process from concept through commercialization, leading vendor co-development to ensure products meet aesthetic, functional, and cost objectives. Present seasonal storytelling and concept boards at milestone meetings while collaborating with Merchandising and Product Development to align assortment strategy. React to sales performance and market dynamics to refine future product direction, ensuring all designs maintain brand DNA and quality standards.
Required Qualifications
- 6-8 years of relevant industry experience
- Experience serving as a footwear category expert and mentor to junior designers and cross-functional partners
- The ability to influence design direction through strong product knowledge, trend expertise, and creative vision
- Experience fostering collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners to drive exceptional product outcomes
- Advanced footwear design expertise across a variety of constructions and classifications
- Strong understanding of footwear materials, components, fit, development, and manufacturing processes
- Experience leading vendor co-development initiatives and collaborating with global factory partners
- Strong trend forecasting, storytelling, and assortment-building capabilities
- Exceptional color sense, material sensitivity, and aesthetic judgment
- Excellent sketching, CAD, and presentation skills
- Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), PLM systems, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva
Desired Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or Fine Arts
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