Footwear Designer

Position Overview

As our Footwear Designer at Faryl Robin, you design and develop innovative footwear that aligns with

both Faryl Robin and the account’s vision and market demands. This role requires an innovative

designer with an understanding of design trends, market data, materials, footwear construction,

merchandising and consumer segments. You are responsible for building collections and designing

compelling presentations that articulate the value of Faryl Robin shoes. As a Designer, you will actively

design footwear concepts and solutions that lead and push the category and present the best

products each season.

The Designer role is responsible for creating and executing great product ranges for a set of retailers and their customers. Day-to-day responsibilities include linebuilding/merchandising, managing development timing according to customer calendars, and product presentations with guidance and mentorship from senior members of the design team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design Execution

• Execute on creative direction that aligns with the individual retailers’ brand objectives and market opportunities.
• Translate the voice of the customer and how retailers address personalized needs through recommended style and category offerings.
• Develop design calendar in accordance with retailer deadlines, sales meetings and scheduled travel
• Stay updated on the latest fashion trends, materials, and technologies to incorporate into designs.
• Plan and develop full collections for a range of retailers and ensure there is a cohesive product line that meets market/customer needs.

Trend Analysis & Market Research

• Constantly watch the market for validation and growth opportunities.
• Shop domestic markets for inspiration and to analyze trends and competitor products.
• Understand trend sources and how to identify trends across the market.

Functional and Technical Expertise

• Understand shoe construction technique, how to connect patterns and the different components that influence cost.
• Create detailed sketches, technical drawings, and 3D models of shoe designs using industry-standard design software as needed.
• Responsible for technical spec sheets, including product specifications, material, and construction details. Ensure accuracy and completeness of design files.
• Oversee the creation of prototypes, communicate proto corrections.
• Evaluate and refine designs based on fit and comfort. Make necessary adjustments to ensure the final product meets Faryl Robin design standards.

Individual Leadership

• Contribute to high performance within a team of designers by fostering creativity, passion and impact.
• Focus processes around a can-do mindset by thriving in a fast-paced work environment.
• Attend design reviews and ensure continuous improvement, growth and innovation are realized.
• Prepare design concepts and collections by articulating the “why” behind all designs and how they unlock value.
• Continue to complete end-to-end tasks and demonstrate accountability in handling competing priorities.

Collaboration and Relational Agility

• Build strong alignment, trust and mutual support across the team and functions within Faryl Robin.
• Collaborate with in region PD on sample collections, identification of effective materials, components and constructions, reducing shoe cost and improving fit and comfort of a shoe.
• Build a trusting relationship with the retailer's buyer and designer.
• Travel to customer sites as needed to review and present products.

Innovative Thinking

• Drive innovation in footwear design to enhance product merchandising and presentation that set
• industry trends and a competitive edge in the marketplace.
• Integrate new design software, presentation tools, materials, and design techniques.
• Work closely with FR teams on strategic projects to identify market white spaces and growth opportunities.

Project and Change Management

• Manage and juggle multiple design projects, workflows and shifting priorities daily.
• Manage and maintain all customer calendars and plan accordingly: design, samples, presentation.
• Coordinate with internal and external cross-functional teams to ensure accountability, smooth
• workflows, change management and a bias for action support the delivery of successful collections.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in footwear design.
• Linebuilding experience with the ability to develop and execute a range of footwear designs from start to finish.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, CAD design) and familiarity with 3D modeling.
• Preferable experience mentoring junior designers in innovative footwear collections across a range of retailers.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with the design team, retailers, and working across the organizations cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence.
• Knowledge of footwear design principles, materials, and production processes.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to develop and execute design strategies that align with Faryl Robin strategic goals.
• Creativity: A demonstrated ability to push the boundaries of design and deliver compelling, market-leading footwear