Footwear Designer

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Designer to join our footwear team who has a passion for footwear. This is a great opportunity for those looking to be a part of an energetic, creative, and collaborative group. Our designers have been shaping our department for the better season after season.

Responsibilities

• Design ownership over brands, assigned based on aesthetic and creative strengths, responsible for creating digital CADs for full seasonal collections.
• Create and then present tech packages with information necessary in order to communicate design specific detail necessary to hand off to the design team and factories
• Manage and oversee PLM system
• Provide design direction as well as design alongside a team of designers, prepare sample requests, review, critique, test, and approve submitted samples while adhering to product, color, and material standards
• Strong eye for trend, conducting valuable market research, bringing ideas to weekly meeting and inspiring other members of design team
• Works closely with design director with creative freedom throughout process
• Communicate effectively with overseas team to resolve any technical or timing issues
• Work cross-functionally and professionally with product development team, communicating clearly to ensure the design is produced how you envisioned
• Primarily design in Illustrator with minimal retouching in Photoshop
• Bring new ideas and concepts to table regularly
• Adjust product styling or functionality as needed after receiving feedback from inhouse product testing
• Assist in creating pitches for current and new licenses
• Help to create pitches for new licenses
• Present and participate in meetings with licensors and buyers
• Perform comp shopping and store shopping activities to monitor the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for product differentiation and innovation.
• Use all available resources to stay updated on forward trends (WGSN, RVCF, etc.)
• Maintain seasonal development calendar

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in footwear.
• Experience in working for a wholesale company managing multiple licenses a plus
• Creative edge, bringing new ideas and trends to the table
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Positive team player
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
• Proficient Illustrator & working knowledge of Photoshop
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong knowledge of customers and buyers’ expectations
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management to support the department’s business needs
• Understand and follow Gina’s employee policies and procedures

Benefits

• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage with FSA or HSA options