Footwear Designer

Simone Rocha; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Simone Rocha is seeking an experienced Footwear Designer to join our London studio. You will lead footwear design and development, translating seasonal directions into tangible concepts and samples with strong material knowledge.

You will collaborate with the design team, manage budgets and critical timelines, and work closely with factories and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery for show preparations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in luxury fashion footwear design.
• Strong knowledge of development process and materials.
• CAD literate; proficient in Illustrator/Photoshop or relevant 3D software.
• Experience with menswear accessories is a plus.
• Able to manage budgets and critical path timelines.
• Willing to travel locally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development for footwear based on seasonal directions from creative director.
• Generate initial research/ideas and mock ups (physical and digital rendering).
• Work with different materials, not limited to leather; attention to design details.
• Collaborate with the design team across collections.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and price strategy.
• Coordinate with production and suppliers to deliver samples on show timelines.

Skills

Cross-functional teams

CAD software

Illustrator

Photoshop

Budgeting

Project coordination

Travel

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Footwear Designer

An experienced Footwear Designer to work as part of our design team in our London studio, with strong expertise in developing creative luxury goods. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5+ years' experience in a similar role within the luxury or premium fashion sector.

Role Overview:

• Lead design and development for footwear based on seasonal directions from creative director
• Generate initial research/ideas at the beginning of each seasons and mock ups - both physical and digital rendering
• Confident working with different materials, not limited to leather and attention to design details
• Keen to work creatively and collaboratively with the entire design team on each collection
• Embrace the full design and development cycle, balancing both creative and commercial ideas.
• Strong understanding of its impact on sales and global market delivery
• Strong demonstrable knowledge of development process, footwear construction, technical terminology, knowledge of leather and material types
• Experience with menswear accessories is a plus
• Some knowledge/experience of RTW and non-leather good construction is a plus
• Sensitivity to fabrication and colour as part of the design process
• Creation of accurate spec/ tech packs, BOM sheets, CAD renderings, and material placement
• Ensure all new products are developed to an agreed quality standard, considering price strategy
• Manage budget and critical path timeline, comment in time to ensure samples to arrive in time for show, and any sales campaign related preparation
• Liaising with our own warehouse to ensure raw materials are ordered and delivered in timely manner for sampling
• Certifiable design qualification or relevant industry experience CAD literate; skilled in Illustrator, Photoshop, or relevant 3D software

Administrative:

• Liaise with overseas suppliers, manage samples, trims, fabrics, and purchase orders
• Previous experience working with cross-functional teams
• Excellent organisation, time management, and presentation skills
• Ongoing review of assortment and actions based on commercial feedback
• Knowledge of European suppliers and manufacturers, especially Italian tanneries, is advantageous
• Understanding and contribution to a collection line plan
• Attend design, merchandising, and production meetings as required
• Evaluate and assess new design sketches for manufacturing feasibility and capacity
• Support with design and development admin, including email communication
• Ensure timely sample preparation
• Experience working with a structured design/product development calendar

Interpersonal:

• Collaborate with the wider design team throughout the collection development process
• Work closely with factories and suppliers, including written communication and on-site visits when needed
• Coordinate with production teams on all manufacturer/supplier communication
• Open to travel – both local and international – as required
• Strong awareness of the fashion and lifestyle marketplace

Please note: This is a Full Time role based in our London Studio.