Associate Footwear Designer

New Balance; Warrington; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

New Balance is seeking an Associate Designer to join the Lifestyle Footwear Team. In this role, you will craft innovative footwear solutions for the EMEA region, working under senior designers to create brand-right concepts. The ideal candidate should bring a strong background in design, excellent communication, and project management skills along with a passion for footwear.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 0-2 years' experience in footwear design or related field.
• Must be digitally savvy and proficient with the Adobe Suite.
• Understanding of footwear construction and strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for ideation and execution of original design concepts.
• Collaborate with senior team members to meet project deadlines.
• Conduct market and retail reports to identify product opportunities.

Skills

Communication

Storytelling

Project Management

Design Skills

Digital Proficiency

Education

Degree in Footwear, Industrial, or Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Suite

3D Design Software

Job description

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

New Balance has a rich history of setting the standard for product quality, this our legacy to uphold through a balance of innovation and craftmanship.

The heart of New Balance is our people, we pride ourselves on attracting talent from diverse backgrounds that bring new skills and ideas to the team. Our closely connected global design community includes graphic, color and material experts, apparel, footwear, and innovation designers as well as 3D artists, animators, and storytellers.

To be part of NB design means being a high functioning individual that seek out, takes on any task no matter how big or small. Our designers are dedicated to evolving their skillset. They obsess product details, use athlete, sport, and culture insights to identify what’s next, purpose driven design solutions and problem solve for a healthier future.

MAJOR ACOCUNTABILITIES:

As an Associate Designer, you will be an instrumental part of the Lifestyle Footwear Team. You will be responsible for the ideation, creation, and execution of original design concepts (season after season), ensuring they meet brand quality standards, consider the environmental footprint and deliver great consumer experiences.

Your primary focus will be crafting brand-right industry-defining footwear solutions for the EMEA region as well as Global and Strategic account SMU projects. You will work within a diverse, business-focused team, providing design solutions to enable strong storytelling and support the brand’s seasonal direction.

• Under senior designer supervision, work within the Speed Team on regional & key account SMU’s.

• Exhibit developing design skills with ability to meet key project deadlines.

• Juggle multiple projects across several seasons.

• Assist senior team members to ensure the category is delivery against deadlines.

• Participate in the annual Creative Vision off-site and other design events.

• Conduct market and retail reports to identify product opportunities and keep abreast of developing market trends.

• Understanding shoe construction, process, and basic costing.

REQUIRMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Minimum of 0-2 years’ experience footwear design or relevant experience in a related field.

• Must be digitally savvy; highly proficient using the Adobe Suite, has experience working in 3D (or strong desire to learn and apply into workflow).

• Relevant degree – footwear, industrial, fashion.

• Understanding of footwear construction, keen eye for colour, material.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, visual and verbal, with ability to prepare and deliver compelling presentations to different audiences.
• Research sport, culture, and product trends, sharing relevant insights and opportunities with team.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to track key dates and deliverables.
• Collaborative teammate that communicates regularly to internal and external.
• Please include your portfolio link or attachment to your application.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.