Footwear Designer

We are looking for a Senior Designer to join our footwear team who has a passion for footwear. This is a great opportunity for those looking to be a part of an energetic, creative, and collaborative group. Our designers have been shaping our department for the better season after season.

Role and Responsibilities:

Design ownership over brands, assigned based on aesthetic and creative strengths, responsible for creating digital CADs for full seasonal collections.
Create and then present tech packages with information necessary in order to communicate design specific detail necessary to hand off to the design team and factories
Manage and oversee PLM system
Provide design direction as well as design alongside a team of designers, prepare sample requests, review, critique, test, and approve submitted samples while adhering to product, color, and material standards
Strong eye for trend, conducting valuable market research, bringing ideas to weekly meeting and inspiring other members of design team
Works closely with design director with creative freedom throughout process
Communicate effectively with overseas team to resolve any technical or timing issues
Work cross-functionally and professionally with product development team, communicating clearly to ensure the design is produced how you envisioned
Primarily design in Illustrator with minimal retouching in Photoshop
Bring new ideas and concepts to table regularly
Adjust product styling or functionality as needed after receiving feedback from inhouse product testing
Assist in creating pitches for current and new licenses
Help to create pitches for new licenses
Present and participate in meetings with licensors and buyers
Perform comp shopping and store shopping activities to monitor the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for product differentiation and innovation.
Use all available resources to stay updated on forward trends (WGSN, RVCF, etc.)
Maintain seasonal development calendar

Qualifications:

5+ years’ experience in footwear.
Experience in working for a wholesale company managing multiple licenses a plus
Creative edge, bringing new ideas and trends to the table
Excellent time management skills
Excellent project management skills
Positive team player
Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
Proficient Illustrator & working knowledge of Photoshop
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong knowledge of customers and buyers’ expectations
Perform other related duties as assigned by management to support the department’s business needs
Understand and follow Gina’s employee policies and procedures

Benefits and Perks:

Hybrid work schedule & early Fridays
Generous PTO and paid holidays
Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage with FSA options
401K & Profit sharing
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Professional development
Team building and Company events