Design Director, Footwear

Marc Jacobs International, powered by the creative genius of Marc Jacobs, seeks a Design Director to join the Footwear Design team based in its New York City (SoHo) headquarters.

About the Role

This position leads the shoe design team in creating product collections that embody the Marc Jacobs spirit, working closely with Creative Leadership to enhance design strategy and deliver innovative, highly creative ideas.

Responsibilities

• Direct shoe design team in developing collections that reflect the Marc Jacobs brand ethos.
• Contribute to design strategy by providing innovative and creative ideas alongside Creative Leadership.
• Oversee shoe design direction across Runway, Mainline, and Outlet collections, adapting creative approaches for various price points and distributions.
• Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation to maximize creative potential.
• Develop inspirational boards to guide and shape the seasonal design aesthetic.
• Deliver critical design solutions throughout the creative and development lifecycle while adhering to the merchandising plan and calendar.
• Collaborate with cross-category teams to create a unified collection.
• Select and review materials and trims in partnership with Product Development and Materials teams.
• Participate in all critical product meetings.
• Guide and motivate the design team to develop original, solution-oriented products that capture the brand’s essence.
• Partner with Design Directors in other categories to inspire creative thinking and novel concepts.
• Mentor, inspire, and develop the design team to achieve exceptional performance.
• Ensure organization and archiving of development samples.
• Sketch, spec, and provide precise handoff detailing for launches.
• Review and correct development samples, monitoring modifications to maintain comprehensive product knowledge.
• Provide technical expertise for new constructions and lasts.
• Communicate technical information to factories for design goals and tech pack clarity.
• Develop detailed technical specifications using Adobe Illustrator for accurate tech packs.
• Provide technical feedback during line reviews to ensure consistency.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges in collaboration with the Product Development team.
• Recognize cost-effective engineering and material optimization opportunities.
• Maintain timely communication with factories.
• Organize AI and PDF files of sketches, artwork, color-ups, and tech packs in the archiving system.
• Develop and maintain Illustrator component libraries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Fashion Design, or a related field.
• 12+ years of design experience with demonstrated success.
• 7+ years of team management experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the accessories market, specializing in shoe design and development.
• Refined eye for color, fashion, and product, combined with comprehensive awareness of current market trends.
• Comprehensive understanding of the design and product development lifecycle.
• Strong aptitude for both design execution and conceptual design development.
• Proficient in organization, time management, and both written and verbal communication, with a proven ability to deliver engaging presentations.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent taste level and brand awareness.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, vacation time, sick and personal time.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k matching.
• Discounts on travel, entertainment, and more through PerkSpot.
• Employee discounts on Marc Jacobs products and other LVMH brands.

Pay

Compensation for this position ranges from $190,000–$200,000 annually, dependent upon candidate’s relevant skills and experience.