What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Designer (Footwear) position at VanderHouwen?
Our client is seeking a highly creative Materials Designer (Footwear) to lead the material design vision for performance running footwear within a fast-paced product creation environment. This role requires a designer with strong taste level, deep knowledge of footwear materials, and the ability to translate research and trend insights into high-performance product execution. The ideal candidate is both creatively agile and highly collaborative, capable of owning seasonal design initiatives while partnering closely with cross-functional teams across product creation and manufacturing.
This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.
Materials Designer (Footwear) Responsibilities
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you'll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.
Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we're in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies' staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.
VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!
VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.
This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.
Materials Designer (Footwear) Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of material concepts for performance running footwear, translating research, trends, and athlete insights into commercially viable product solutions.
- Execute seasonal material design projects from concept through production, aligning with creative direction and product briefs.
- Develop and refine material toolkits, palettes, and construction approaches to support footwear collections or product lines.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product design, development, manufacturing, and merchandising partners to ensure materials meet performance, aesthetic, and production standards.
- Present design concepts and material strategies to internal stakeholders while clearly communicating updates to ensure timely project delivery.
- 5 years of experience in footwear materials design, with a strong focus on performance running footwear.
- Proven experience contributing to or owning material design across full footwear product lines or seasonal updates.
- Deep knowledge of footwear material construction, including engineered meshes and performance-driven material applications.
- Demonstrated design process through a professional portfolio showcasing research, trend analysis, and product execution.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with digital design tools used in product creation environments.
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you'll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.
Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we're in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies' staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.
VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!
VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.