What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Designer / Project Manager position at Design Observer?
KANE Footwear is seeking a Production Designer with strong Project Management skills reporting to the Head of Product who resides on the West Coast, who brings both range and disciplined execution — someone who understands how to translate the footwear brand, elevating it for the wellness markets via a premium modern aesthetic.
If you’re looking to help shape a brand defining a new space in performance and recovery footwear — and want your work to show up everywhere from product to campaign, this opportunity is a step in the right direction.
Our ideal candidate has 4 to 7 years of experience, preferably starting on a freelance basis
(On-site 4 days a week — remote is not an option) a reasonable travel radius to Westport, CT.
Key Responsibilities: Design Support and Technical Specs: Create, update, and maintain detailed technical sketches, CAD (uppers, outsoles, colorways), and Bills of Materials (BOM) in PLM systems.
Trend and Market Research: Upcoming trends, materials, and color stories; create inspiration and mood boards. Sample and Prototype Management: Organize and track prototypes, vendor samples, and materials; maintain the in-house material library.
Development Coordination: Participate in prototype reviews, documenting feedback to update designs. Communication: Liaison between innovation designer, developer, and factory partners to ensure timely execution.
Qualifications: Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Adobe CC (Illustrator, Photoshop) is essential. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes. Design Education: BFA in Fashion, Accessories, or Industrial Design preferred.
Communication: Strong ability to work in a team and communicate design ideas clearly. Organization: Ability to handle multiple projects and strict deadlines.
Key Daily Tasks: Updating sketches based on feedback from Product Designers. Creating color-up layouts for new seasons. Assisting in assembling mood boards and trend reports.
At our core, we are a true team driven by passion, fueled by competition, grounded in loyalty, and committed to having fun along the way. We’re building a culture of teammates who execute at the highest level and live the values we stand for.
Salary Range: 80–95K / DOE
If you’re looking to help shape a brand defining a new space in performance and recovery footwear — and want your work to show up everywhere from product to campaign, this opportunity is a step in the right direction.
Our ideal candidate has 4 to 7 years of experience, preferably starting on a freelance basis
(On-site 4 days a week — remote is not an option) a reasonable travel radius to Westport, CT.
Key Responsibilities: Design Support and Technical Specs: Create, update, and maintain detailed technical sketches, CAD (uppers, outsoles, colorways), and Bills of Materials (BOM) in PLM systems.
Trend and Market Research: Upcoming trends, materials, and color stories; create inspiration and mood boards. Sample and Prototype Management: Organize and track prototypes, vendor samples, and materials; maintain the in-house material library.
Development Coordination: Participate in prototype reviews, documenting feedback to update designs. Communication: Liaison between innovation designer, developer, and factory partners to ensure timely execution.
Qualifications: Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Adobe CC (Illustrator, Photoshop) is essential. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes. Design Education: BFA in Fashion, Accessories, or Industrial Design preferred.
Communication: Strong ability to work in a team and communicate design ideas clearly. Organization: Ability to handle multiple projects and strict deadlines.
Key Daily Tasks: Updating sketches based on feedback from Product Designers. Creating color-up layouts for new seasons. Assisting in assembling mood boards and trend reports.
At our core, we are a true team driven by passion, fueled by competition, grounded in loyalty, and committed to having fun along the way. We’re building a culture of teammates who execute at the highest level and live the values we stand for.
Salary Range: 80–95K / DOE