We are looking for a talented and motivated Footwear Designer to join our expanding team. Under the direction of the founders you will create original design solutions that adhere to the brand values and visual brand language. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, and ultimately make a significant impact within the growing Footwear Department.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Create sketches under the founders’ brief
Responsible for bringing a high level of creativity
Ability to understand and execute the Cole Buxton identity into the designs, colour and materials
Research trends, new materials, trims and colour palettes and design new products incorporating your original ideas
Work closely with the founders to finalise the aesthetics of approved designs for production
Develop customer and market focused product collections each season in line with the founders’ direction, company strategy and brand identity
Design, develop and propose new shapes
Produce high-quality work within price targets and sometimes tight deadlines
Attend trend & materials fairs and visit suppliers as required
Clear understanding of materials and different processes to deliver high-quality products
Develop and create illustrations along with technical drawings to a high standard and technical level
Create colour CADs
Strong understanding of brand building and ability to interpret trends through the brand’s lenses whilst focusing on the use of existing codes and silhouettes
Strong understanding of last, midsoles and outsoles creation, construction and fit considerations
Manage a library of sealed samples for the business to reference products to final specifications
Ensure accurate, clear and relevant communication across our marketing, buying & merchandising, e-commerce, supply chain and stakeholders
Build winning partnerships with our current and potential suppliers
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Footwear Design degree or relevant qualifications
Previous experience as a Footwear Designer and minimum of 3 years experience
Knowledge of key leathers and shapes
Responsible for the initial price negotiations with suppliers and recommending how to reach the agreed targets
Passionate about fashion with a strong interest and keen eye for current and upcoming trends
Confident in presenting your designs
Good understanding of the footwear industry, international markets, development and manufacturing process
Able to work independently and as part of a team, whilst managing own workload
Excellent 2D software skills (Illustrator), 3D software skills would be a plus
Understanding of 3D Design and ability to lead 3D prototyping and local manufacturing process
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Problem solving skills and continual innovation ability
Excellent attention to detail and quality along with organisational skills
Ability to commit to tight deadlines
Ability to travel internationally as required
Computer literate and able to use Office Suite and Adobe Suite
FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER (Full Time, West London)
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a talented and motivated Footwear Product Developer to join our expanding team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced and innovative environment, and ultimately make a significant impact within the growing Footwear department.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Execute product specification based on the Designer’s guidelines that accurately detail the makeup of the product components
Produce accurate and detailed spec with technical drawings for new product developments and modifications to samples to be shared with the factories whilst ensuring deadlines are still met
Strong understanding of last, midsoles and outsoles creation, construction and fit considerations
Ability to create tech packs and capability to fully understand and amend design blueprints
Responsible for the initial price negotiations with suppliers and recommending how to reach the agreed targets
Ensure the components specified in all products meet the quality standards of the brand
Work closely with the factories and take ownership of all the stages of style sampling from conception to final product
Constantly monitor the status of ongoing developments, sample requests and testings; and chasing where necessary
Manage and share all quality control feedback with the factories and provide solutions to issues that may arise to avoid ongoing quality problems
Provide technical input to ensure the design, technical and athletic needs of the product are met
Manage a library of sealed samples for the business to reference products to final specifications
Ensure accurate, clear and relevant communication across our marketing, buying & merchandising, e-commerce, supply chain and stakeholders
Responsible for hitting all critical path deadlines
Build winning partnerships with our current and potential suppliers
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Bachelor’s degree in Product Design or Product Development or relevant qualifications
Minimum of 3 years of footwear development experience
Good understanding of the footwear development and manufacturing process
Excellent problem-solving skills and continual innovation ability
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Detail-orientated with strong organisational skills
Self-motivated and ability to drive teamwork
Ability to commit to tight deadlines
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and general knowledge of the Creative Suite
Computer skills and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
Availability to travel internationally as required
Previous experience in an international sports or footwear company
Understanding of 3D Design - ability to lead 3D prototyping and local manufacturing process
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