Footwear Designer

Job Posting/Description: 

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.

Job Title: Footwear Designer

Compensation: $85k - $100k

Key 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

Qualifications

• College design degree in footwear or applicable degrees highly preferred


• 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


• Experience using whiteboard applications (IE: Miro) a plus


• 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)

Actual salary will be determined based off candidate’s skill sets, years of experience, and other job-related factors. Thank you in advance for your interest in this opening. Vida Shoes International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. At this time, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Direct applicants only, no third-party staffing inquiries, please.

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