Performance Footwear Designer (Long Island Based – This is an in-office based position)

Our client is a leading supplier of athletic apparel, footwear, swimwear & accessories and has an immediate need for a designer with strong athletic footwear experience who will be based in their Long Island corporate office (in-office).

The Footwear Designerwill manage the design process in a collaborative work environment translating knowledge of market trends into globally relevant, innovative, commercial designs. The Designer will develop and implement designs that capture new markets, increase consumer demand, and deliver on the design assignment from the product team in a timely manner.

Position Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

· Responsible for Footwear design process, assisting in conceptual presentation to design team through sample execution. Will work closely with the Director of Creative Design and Design team to develop conceptual designs to commercialized finished product

· Keep cost, target price, & duty structures in mind while design and development process thru entirety of design & development cycle

· Research and forecast fashion, materials, and market trends

· Maintain strong relationships with vendors to secure open communication and adherence to deadlines overseas

· Partner with Production on vendor allocation, pre-costing, and additional costing options when needed

· Develop a continuous flow of new concepts and materials, providing the design team with the newest innovations to work from

· Interpret design intent, offer alternative solutions, and act as a technical resource

· Write product specs and construction standards

· Work with factories to ensure and improve manufacturability

· Sketch, CAD work and create specs and tech packs for the manufacturing team overseas

· Contribute to both the development and sampling of new collections

· Aid in the production process and order and track samples requested

· Create and manage seasonal brand line sheets

· Setup and maintain CAD approval on web

· Exposure to line-building process while working closely with directors and merchandiser

Qualifications:

· Technical knowledge of footwear from concept through bulk production

· Knowledge of form, color, materials, human factors, related to elevating the consumer experience

· Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Microsoft Suite; 3D programs are a plus

· Must be able to create accurate 2D technical drawings

· Commitment to brand identity and a focus on business growth

· Strong sketching, illustration, and rendering skills

· Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials

· Must be able to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project