Footwear Designer- Womens Brand

Job Posting/Description: (ON SITE)

Since 1973 Vida Shoes International has been committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. We are a well-established private footwear company located in New York boasting a global presence abroad. We are seeking a creative strategic and detail-oriented Designer to join our design team in New York City. The ideal candidate brings strong product sensibility market awareness and expertise in footwear construction with the ability to take concepts from ideation through commercialization. This role collaborates cross-functionally with merchandising development sales and overseas partners to deliver collections that are brand-appropriate trend-relevant and commercially successful. The Designer will also contribute to line planning sample management and product presentations while mentoring and supporting the seasonal design process end-to-end.

Job Title: Footwear Designer Womens Brand

Compensation: $75k-85k

Key Responsibilities

• Concept sketch and develop seasonal collections aligned to brand DNA market trends and target consumer.
• Manage a brand independently full design process from conception to development with minimal guidance from Senior Design Director.
• Conduct trend shopping and research (domestic & international) across materials silhouettes colors and competitive sets.
• Create CADs tech packs and product specifications for overseas development teams.
• Partner with merchandising on line architecture consumer positioning pricing and brand/category strategy.
• Collaborate with development teams to ensure manufacturability quality fit and adherence to margin and cost targets.
• Participate in proto reviews fit sessions commercialization and production handoff.
• Review samples at all stages and provide clear construction pattern and material feedback.
• Prepare boards and presentations for internal reviews sales meetings licensing partners and retail accounts.
• Track sampling manage approvals and maintain seasonal line sheets.
• Communicate daily with overseas partners and factories throughout development cycle.
• Identify white space and new product opportunities to expand assortment and drive growth.
• Mentor and support the design team; contribute to process improvements and team organization.
• Travel as needed to factories trade shows or market research.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Design or related field preferred.
• 4 years of footwear design experience ideally across lifestyle fashion or branded product.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction fit materials costing and commercialization.
• Proficient in Illustrator Photoshop and digital CAD; hand sketching ability strongly preferred.
• Experience creating tech packs specs and detailed construction notes for overseas development.
• Strong trend sensibility with a commercial mindset; ability to interpret trends for brand and consumer.
• Excellent presentation communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects deadlines and seasonal calendars in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with strong work ethic organization and follow-through.
• Experience managing junior designers or overseeing design workflow is a plus.

Thank you in advance for your interest in this opening.Vida Shoes International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin disability or protected veteran status.At this time only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Direct applicants only no third-party staffing inquiries please.

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