Assistant Designer, Footwear

JOB TITLE: Assistant Designer, Footwear

REPORTS TO: Senior Designer, Footwear

SUMMARY: This role will support the Footwear Team on all aspects of the product life cycle from concept to final development. This candidate will be actively engaged in brand-appropriate research to aid the design team in development for the season. The role requires a candidate with strong organizational skills, technical foundation, an eye for proportion and materials and excellent sketching skills – both by hand and digitally.

This candidate will liaise cross functionally to ensure detailed communication on all design information and will assist in preparation for all milestone meetings ensuring accuracy, feasibility and aesthetic excellence through the process.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES includes but are not limited to:

• Assist in design and development of footwear concepts across multiple categories (from concept sketch through prototyping to final sample) development should include: last research, vintage research, swatches/mock up developments, material research, sketches and fabric manipulation.
• Create detailed design sketches, renderings and technical drawings for presentations and factory handovers
• Prepare and update tech packs, wall charts and design specifications with accuracy and clarity
• Support material, color and trim research; contribute to seasonal mood boards and design presentations
• Collaborate with product development to ensure design intent is maintained through prototyping, sampling and production
• Participate and support Senior Designer in preparation of all fittings, prototype reviews and design revisions; making sure to take accurate notes and help with corrections on prototypes and samples
• Maintain organized digital and physical design archives and sample library and assist in presentation preparation for milestone meetings
• Collaborate and communicate with cross functional teams internally to ensure transparency on design details and collection overviews
• Prepare updated information on all design developments for weekly design ops meetings
• Under the guidance of the Designer prepare solutions or supplemental ideas/ concepts where necessary that are in accordance with the seasonal line plan.
• Work on any additional projects as requested by the Designer.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• BA or BFA specialized in Footwear
• 1-3 years experience in footwear designer capacity
• Detailed flat sketching skills (digital and by hand)
• Detailed knowledge of shoe making and construction
• Detailed knowledge material capabilities as applied to footwear
• Excellent time management, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong ability to present ideas
• Strong Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills
• Enthusiasm to bring new energy into design process

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/D/F/V

In compliance with the New York City salary transparency requirements, the potential salary for this position is $60,000, which represents a range commensurate with experience, knowledge, and skills required.