At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and oversee innovative footwear categories for a leading retail brand.
- Company: Join a premium retail brand known for its creativity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic design team and influence fashion trends.
- Qualifications: 4+ years of retail design experience and advanced Adobe skills required.
- Other info: Submit your CV and portfolio with salary expectations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly creative Footwear Designer to join a leading premium retail brand. You will work in an innovative design team reporting to the Design Manager. Offices are based in London and they work hybrid (3 days in office / 2 days remote).
About the Role
- Oversee and drive a range of footwear categories: Women's, Men's, Casual sandals, City smart, Outlet.
- Take ownership of each category & support the buying teams by driving innovative creativity.
- Attend range build and sign off meetings for each department.
- Ability to design and present chosen categories and work closely with the Buyer to develop within the brand DNA.
- Collaborate with and assist senior members of the design team when required.
- Ensure product is on brand and aligned with the seasonal trend direction & company strategy.
- Understanding of sales data with buyer to interpret and improve best sellers & newness, commercial eye.
Responsibilities
- Deliver superior and elevated product from concept to completion that represents key trends & commercial opportunities.
- Experience & understanding of materials, constructions, fit and quality.
- Full understanding of footwear construction, lasts, fitting.
- Confidence working with key suppliers and understanding their strengths.
- Knowledge of country-by-country sourcing.
- Product research & regular comp shops and a thorough understanding of the brand DNA.
- Product Development discussions that address key trends and opportunities.
- Briefing clear technical specification packs, following up with suppliers and chasing development.
- Understand sales history, sales and margin targets and range plans for your own area of accountability and division to ensure designs are aligned to deliver on commercial opportunities.
- Through strong relationships and collaboration with Buying, suppliers and realise opportunities for newness, trends and sourcing.
Required Skills
- Advanced Adobe Illustrator, CAD and Photoshop skills are essential.
- Minimum of 4 years + retail design experience.
- Strong creative design skills.
- Strong organisation skills including Critical Path Management, in line with Buying team requirements.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Very strong interpersonal effectiveness and collaboration skills.
- Good networks in the market and industry.
- Ability to design elevated product range with authority and confidence.
- Top class footwear technical expertise and understanding.
- Ability to work collaboratively across several different business functions and varied supply base.
Please send CV and portfolio stating your salary expectations.
Footwear Designer employer: Creative Recruitment Limited - Creative, Digital Marketing, AI, Content Creators & Technical Talent
Contact Detail:
Creative Recruitment Limited - Creative, Digital Marketing, AI, Content Creators & Technical Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Footwear Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the footwear industry. Attend design exhibitions, trade shows, and local events to meet potential colleagues and mentors. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in footwear design. Follow influential designers and brands on social media, and subscribe to industry publications. This knowledge will not only inspire your creativity but also demonstrate your passion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Include a variety of designs that highlight your understanding of materials, construction, and trends. Tailor your portfolio to reflect the brand DNA of the company you're applying to.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills. As a Footwear Designer, you'll need to present your ideas confidently. Rehearse how you would explain your design choices and how they align with market trends and the brand's vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Footwear Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in footwear design, particularly focusing on your skills with Adobe Illustrator, CAD, and Photoshop. Include specific projects that demonstrate your creativity and understanding of footwear construction.
Craft a Compelling Portfolio: Your portfolio should showcase a range of your best work, particularly in the categories mentioned in the job description. Include sketches, final designs, and any collaborative projects that illustrate your ability to work within a team and align with brand DNA.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for footwear design and how your experience aligns with the company's vision. Mention your understanding of market trends and your ability to drive innovative creativity in product development.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Emphasise your interpersonal effectiveness and collaboration skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with buyers and suppliers to develop products that meet commercial opportunities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Recruitment Limited - Creative, Digital Marketing, AI, Content Creators & Technical Talent
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best footwear designs. Include a variety of styles and categories you've worked on, as this will demonstrate your versatility and creativity.
✨Understand the Brand DNA
Research the brand thoroughly before the interview. Understand their aesthetic, target market, and recent collections. This knowledge will help you align your design ideas with their vision during discussions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Be ready to discuss your technical expertise in footwear construction, materials, and fit. You might be asked about specific techniques or challenges you've faced, so brush up on your knowledge and experiences.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with buyers and other team members, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past projects. Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team.