Director – Footwear Design

Director – Footwear Design

Requirements

• 6-8+ years experience as a footwear designer
• 3+ years experience in managing and leading a team
• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising preferred; not required
• Proficiency in Illustrator and sketching
• Working knowledge of 3D software; proficiency is a plus

Responsibilities

• Managing the development of all aspects of the footwear design process, from initial concept through to final order placement
• Drive research and analysis of upcoming fashion, market trends and competitive product offerings to understand the overall market and to identify opportunities relevant to our product
• Developing high level ideas and strategy and then ensuring execution throughout the process
• Constant communication with all units of the organization to ensure clarity and alignment
• Motivate, mentor and develop the design team to deliver peak performance
• Working with the VP of Design to establish seasonal direction and product development goals
• Creation of concept boards and inspiration
• Overseeing sketches and Illustrations of designs
• Overseeing, managing and executing tech packs as needed
• Overseeing and leading the execution of fit and construction details – working closely with our tech design team
• Overseeing fabric R&D and product component direction
• Maintaining a seasonal calendar and sticking to milestones
• Regular travel to visit our manufacturing partners
• Proactively working with cross functional teams to improve product and process
• Working closely with the team leads from Sourcing, Merchandising, and Planning to constantly improve and innovate
• Working with our external product development partners on a daily basis to ensure clear communication and meet product goals
• Proactively innovating and improving product
• Bringing extensive knowledge, skill, point of view and experience within footwear – ability to confidently lead product decision making process

Preferred Qualifications

• A team player who is willing and happy to help
• Strong written + verbal communication and immeasurable attention to detail
• Belief in our mission and understand the importance of giving-back
• Inquisitive, love to learn, embrace failure, and never give up
• Comfortable working in an open office environment while staying focused
• Being proactive and taking ownership of your category
• Tremendous dedication and a driven spirit
• A leader who is respected by their reports and the extended team
• Strong time/team management and delegation skills
• A dreamer who finds time to think big