Creative Footwear Materials Designer [AQ-12343]

About the role

Aquent is partnering with a globally recognized leader in innovative consumer products, renowned for shaping trends and pushing the boundaries of design and performance. This organization is at the forefront of creating groundbreaking footwear concepts that resonate across performance, lifestyle, and culture-driven categories, impacting millions worldwide. Join this visionary team to bring your unique creative perspective and influence the future of design on a global scale.

As a Creative Materials Designer, you will significantly influence the future of product design by bringing innovative material stories to life. You will be instrumental in shaping compelling products for a special initiative, working alongside a dynamic team to transform groundbreaking ideas into tangible, iconic designs that capture the imagination of consumers globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of creative material concepts across diverse product categories and collections.
• Identify and research emerging materials, finishes, textures, and construction techniques to elevate product aesthetics and performance.
• Craft compelling material stories and presentations that effectively communicate design intent, inspiration, and consumer relevance.
• Collaborate closely with product designers, developers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to drive concepts from ideation through execution.
• Support the creation of innovative material applications, balancing performance, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost considerations.
• Provide critical design feedback during prototype reviews throughout the product creation lifecycle.
• Engage in special projects, partnerships, and culturally relevant product initiatives that define market trends.
• Maintain a keen awareness of product trends, cultural influences, and evolving consumer preferences to inform design decisions.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in creative material design, product design, or related roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in design, industrial design, fashion design, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple product segments or lines.
• A strong portfolio showcasing:
  • Innovative material concepts and experimentation.
  • A clear design process from concept to completion.
  • Examples of design exploration and iterations.
  • Successfully executed final products.
  • The ability to articulate creative rationale and design decisions.
• Profound understanding of materials, including:
  • Leather
  • Canvas
  • Synthetic materials
  • Wovens
  • Meshes
  • Upper constructions
  • Trims (preferred)
• A genuine passion for action sports, consumer culture, or youth lifestyle markets.
• Proven ability to harmonize creative vision with technical requirements and business considerations.
• Exceptional collaboration, communication, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing materials for action sports, consumer, or streetwear categories.
• Background in supporting collaborations, partnerships, or limited-edition product launches.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, material sourcing, and supplier capabilities.
• Experience working with globally recognized consumer product organizations.
• A deep understanding of consumer trends and cultural influences impacting product design.

Benefits

Aquent Talent offers eligible talent access to amazing benefits, including:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.