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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development and design processes while managing office operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the footwear industry focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, 25 days leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in product development and collaborate with international teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in footwear or logistics is a plus; strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: This role is not design-focused but offers valuable insights into the footwear industry.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Design Coordinator Cover / Development Assistant
Location: W1
Reporting to: Head of Design and Production Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time 9.00 am – 5.30 pm
Job Overview
The Development Assistant and Design Coordinator (cover) is responsible for supporting the product development / design process and maintaining the operations within the office as part of the Design Team. Key aspects of the role include coordinating shoe fittings, managing documentation, design catalogues and liaising with international teams and suppliers. The role also involves maintaining timelines, overseeing shipments, and ensuring smooth day-to-day office functions, including administrative and sustainability-related tasks. Strong organisational skills and a technical understanding of footwear are essential. Please note this is not a design role.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Fittings
- Conduct quarterly fitting sessions, coordinating schedules with technicians and models.
- Document fitting feedback and communicate it to China development teams and Italian factories.
- Maintain and update the product catalogues using Adobe InDesign (training available if required).
- Keep the Control Sheet (Excel) updated with collection additions and changes in collaboration with the China team.
- Assist in creating and maintaining the product development timeline across all brands with approval from the Production Manager.
- Follow up with suppliers to ensure timely development progress.
- Apply technical footwear knowledge when reviewing samples, identifying fitting issues, and liaising with factories for improvements.
Logistics & Administration
- Manage DHL shipments, including packing, shipping, and tracking packages from factories and suppliers.
- File relevant documents to the Server for company reference.
- Ensure supplier invoices are filed correctly and sent to Finance for processing.
- Assist in planning travel arrangements to factories and supplier sites.
- Organise and send calendar invites for key meetings.
- Take and distribute meeting notes.
Sustainability & Office Management
- Support sustainability initiatives in collaboration with the sustainability consultant.
- Manage printer supplies, ensuring monthly usage reports are scanned and sent to Print Support.
- Order essential office and design supplies.
- Maintain a tidy and organised office environment.
Key Competencies
- Technical Footwear Knowledge: Understanding of footwear construction, lasts, fitting, leathers and textiles.
- Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and deadlines efficiently.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy in updating documents, timelines, and supplier communications.
- Communication: Clear and effective written and verbal communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Works well across teams, including Design, Merchandising, Marketing, suppliers, and consultants.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to proactively address challenges and find solutions.
- Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using Excel and willing to learn Adobe InDesign if necessary.
- Proactivity & Initiative: A self-starter who takes responsibility for tasks and ensures smooth operations.
- Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to shifting priorities.
- Produce high-quality work to targets and tight deadlines.
Requirements
- Experience in footwear, production, or logistics is a plus.
- Experience in a coordination, administrative, or product development role preferred.
- Technical knowledge of footwear, including fitting, materials, and construction.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with Adobe (or willingness to learn).
- Able to work independently without supervision, managing multiple priorities and own workload effectively.
- Ability to work as part of highly productive team, building relationships with a positive attitude.
- Excellent attention to detail.
Benefits
- Competitive basic salary
- Pension
- Health insurance and life assurance
- 25 days annual leave plus 3 extra days over Xmas office closure
- Hybrid working / Central London location
Design Coordinator (Cover) / Development Assistant employer: Overland Shoes
Contact Detail:
Overland Shoes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Coordinator (Cover) / Development Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the footwear industry, especially focusing on construction, fitting, and materials. This technical knowledge will be crucial during interviews and discussions about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your organizational skills by preparing examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you used to stay organized.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your proactive nature by thinking of ways you can contribute to sustainability initiatives within the company. Research current trends in sustainable practices in the footwear industry to bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by practicing how you would effectively liaise with international teams and suppliers. Consider scenarios where clear communication was key to resolving issues.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Coordinator (Cover) / Development Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Design Coordinator (Cover) / Development Assistant position. Understand the key responsibilities and required competencies, especially the importance of technical footwear knowledge and strong organizational skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in footwear, production, or logistics. Emphasize any previous roles that involved coordination, administration, or product development, and showcase your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn Adobe InDesign.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the role and your passion for the footwear industry. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Overland Shoes
✨Show Your Technical Footwear Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of footwear construction, fitting, and materials during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your technical knowledge.
✨Demonstrate Strong Organizational Skills
Since the role requires managing multiple tasks and deadlines, share examples of how you've successfully organized projects or schedules in the past. This will show your ability to handle the demands of the position.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Since the role involves liaising with international teams and suppliers, effective communication is key. Consider preparing a few questions to ask the interviewer to showcase your engagement.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
Prepare to discuss situations where you identified challenges and took the initiative to solve them. This will demonstrate your proactive nature and problem-solving skills, which are essential for this role.
