Colour & Materials Designer in Bristol

We have a core belief that our toxic, sedentary lifestyles are making humans, and the planet, sick. So we’re on a mission to change it. At Vivobarefoot, we are on the lookout for a Colour & Material Designer with a strong portfolio across both performance and lifestyle footwear to shape the future of our collections through nature-led colour and material storytelling. You will be passionate about product innovation and have a deep understanding of form and function, you’ll need a sharp eye for colour, material, and finish (CMF).

WHERE YOU’LL PLAY

This role shapes the colour, material, and finish stories that express our barefoot philosophy and deep connection to nature. You’ll lead seasonal CMF direction across all categories, evolving the core colour palette and translating brand narratives, consumer insight, and global trends into purposeful, long‑lasting design. Working closely with footwear design, development, sustainability, and marketing teams, you’ll create cohesive concepts that balance performance, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. From concept to communication, you’ll confidently bring ideas to life through compelling presentations, CMF boards, material stories, and detailed design documentation. With a strong focus on longevity and innovation, you’ll help identify more sustainable material solutions, contribute to future‑focused thinking, and ensure our materials library continues to support thoughtful, progressive design. Alongside this, you’ll support the wider creative direction of the team, mentor where appropriate, and stay closely connected to innovation in footwear, materials, and sustainability.

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Highly experienced in footwear design, with a strong portfolio showcasing both performance and lifestyle products.
• Expert in footwear construction, tooling, and material application.
• Strong knowledge of colour theory, material selection, and trend forecasting with experience in sustainable materials or circular design principles.
• Skilled in 2D and 3D design tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, or equivalent 3D software).
• Strong hand sketching and visual storytelling ability.
• Confident communicator and collaborator across cross-functional teams.
• Organised and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Product Design, or equivalent.

OUR EPIC BAREFOOT BENEFITS

• 25-day holiday allowance (pro rata), 4 additional days each year to volunteer, to get outdoors or focus on your wellbeing, and a day off for your birthday.
• Private Medical Health care, including mental health, dental and eye care.
• Livebarefoot Pot – up to £1,000 per year to inspire you to live barefoot (embrace hobbies and passions) and or boost your natural health.
• Free seasonal Vivo footwear and discounts for you, your friends & family.
• Pension matched to 5%.
• 4 Vivo Gatherings to celebrate the equinox and solstice, connecting and reflecting in nature.
• Travel Allowance to support connection days.
• Generous gender-neutral parental leave.
• Death in Service up to 6 times your salary.
• Group income protection insurance.
• Long service awards.
• Car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Vivobarefoot believes that diversity is the essence of its ecosystem. We encourage diversity of thought and believe that it enables creativity and innovation to flourish. Our mission is to create a fair and equitable workplace where people thrive and are empowered to become their true selves at work. We believe that feedback and fostering collaboration will allow employees to blaze new trails and enjoy every aspect of the Vivobarefoot community. Every opportunity for recruiting a new member of the Vivobarefoot community should be an opportunity for us to introduce fresh perspectives, talent, and skills into our community. Therefore, our commitment is to recruit regardless of race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, mental health illness, marital or parental status, national or social origin, gender identity, age or any other characteristics protected by law. We look forward to walking this barefoot journey with you.