Senior Designer – Sandals

Senior Designer – Sandals

Full-Time 45000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Dr. Martens plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of seasonal footwear collections and craft compelling narratives.
  • Company: Join Dr. Martens, a global icon with over 60 years of cultural impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous discounts, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of an iconic brand while expressing your individuality.
  • Qualifications: Deep expertise in footwear design and advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.

Dr. Martens is more than a brand – it’s a global icon with over 60 years of attitude, heritage, and cultural impact. We’re a thriving, values‑driven business powered by diverse thinkers, bold doers, and people who bring their whole selves to work. If you’re ready to make your mark, you’re in the right place. At DM, our values guide everything we do: Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care. They’re not just words – they’re how we turn passion into progress.

As our Senior Designer, you’ll be part of the consumer & brand team working closely with brilliant people across the business and reporting into the Head of Design - Footwear. You’ll be right at the heart of fast‑moving projects that shape how we show up for our consumers – today and tomorrow.

This role plays a pivotal part in driving our consumer‑centric strategy. Everything you do will help elevate the DM experience – whether you’re enabling teams, improving processes, influencing decision making, or crafting moments that matter for our consumers around the globe. You’ll help us push boundaries, raise the bar, and keep the spirit of DM alive in everything we deliver.

Core Accountabilities
  • Lead the design of seasonal footwear collections in line with brand identity, consumer insight, strategic priorities and long‑term category direction.
  • Develop compelling seasonal narratives, silhouettes, construction solutions and material stories that drive distinctiveness and relevance.
  • Translate trend, culture, market and consumer research into clear design concepts and strategic creative direction.
  • Create and communicate design intent through high‑quality CADs, sketches, design boards and specifications, guiding product through all development and sample review stages.
  • Work closely with Colour & Materials and Product Development to balance creativity with feasibility, sustainability, cost and durability, while maintaining accurate seasonal documentation and PLM data and presenting concepts to stakeholders.
Key Skills & Capabilities
  • Deep expertise in footwear design, with strong knowledge of lasts, pattern engineering, construction methods, materials, and fit and comfort principles.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, producing premium CADs, clear specifications and compelling visual storytelling.
  • Strong product intuition and brand fluency, designing for diverse global consumers while maintaining consistent brand DNA.
  • Ability to balance creative ambition with commercial and technical realities, including costing constraints and sustainability considerations.
  • Confident, highly organised collaborator with the ability to influence cross‑functional partners, provide constructive creative guidance, and manage multiple seasonal workstreams while staying curious about innovation, trends and consumer behaviour.

What’s In It For You?

  • Hybrid working
  • Welcome free pair of Docs
  • ‘Buy as you Earn’ Share scheme
  • 65% off all Docs
  • 50% off Accessories
  • Pension Scheme through Aviva
  • Life Assurance
  • 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
  • Private healthcare
  • 2 paid volunteer days per year

If you’re excited to own your impact, shape the future of an iconic brand, and grow your career in a place that champions individuality – we’d love to hear from you.

Application closing date: Friday 15th May 2026

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers. We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.

Senior Designer – Sandals employer: Dr. Martens plc

At Dr. Martens, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven employer that champions individuality and creativity. As a Senior Designer, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Enjoy a range of benefits including hybrid working, generous discounts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, all while contributing to the legacy of an iconic brand.

Dr. Martens plc

Contact Details:

Dr. Martens plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Designer – Sandals

Tip Number 1

Get to know Dr. Martens inside out! Dive into their brand values and culture, and think about how your design style aligns with their iconic identity. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to ask for insights about the company culture and design process. A little insider knowledge can go a long way in making a great impression.

Tip Number 3

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your understanding of footwear design and consumer trends. Tailor it to reflect the kind of innovative designs Dr. Martens is known for.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to make an impact in the world of design.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer – Sandals

Footwear Design
Knowledge of Lasts
Pattern Engineering
Construction Methods
Materials Knowledge
Fit and Comfort Principles
Adobe Illustrator

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your unique style shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for design and how it aligns with our values.

Tailor Your Portfolio:Make sure your portfolio reflects the kind of work we do at Dr. Martens. Highlight projects that showcase your footwear design skills and your ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with consumers.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and skills are easy to understand and directly relate to the role of Senior Designer.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dr. Martens plc

Know Your Design Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your footwear design knowledge, especially around lasts, pattern engineering, and construction methods. Be ready to discuss how your designs align with Dr. Martens' brand identity and consumer insights.

Show Off Your Creative Process

Prepare to share your design journey! Bring along high-quality CADs, sketches, and design boards that showcase your ability to translate trends and consumer research into compelling concepts. This will help demonstrate your creative direction and storytelling skills.

Balance Creativity with Practicality

Understand the commercial and technical realities of footwear design. Be prepared to discuss how you balance creativity with sustainability, cost, and durability in your designs. This shows you can think critically about the entire design process.

Be a Team Player

Dr. Martens values collaboration, so highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've influenced decision-making and provided constructive guidance to others, showcasing your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.