Footwear Designer

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Footwear Designer, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Client:

Better Placed Ltd - A Sunday Times Top 10 Employer!

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

5

Posted:

24.04.2025

Expiry Date:

08.06.2025

Job Description:

Footwear Designer

Leeds - office based

C30K

Love shoes? Obsessed with trends? Live for the buzz of bringing bold, creative ideas to life? I'm looking for a forward-thinking, trend-hunting, detail-loving Footwear Designer to join this fast-paced fashion brand. This role is all about energy, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll work side-by-side with their Senior Designer and super-talented Buying team to dream up and develop the next must-have footwear and accessories collections — from concept to catwalk (or at least the high street). This is your chance to make your mark, push the boundaries, and be part of something exciting.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Create innovative, commercial designs using CAD and AI tools — from mood board to market
• Play with colour, shape, and material to develop fresh takes on core constructions
• Keep the range evolving with constant newness, fast-tracked ideas, and category-specific updates
• Live and breathe fashion — whether that’s hitting the high street, scrolling social, or scanning the catwalks
• Turn emerging trends into brand-right products that wow their customers
• Keep your finger on the pulse and share inspiring trend insights across the business
• Own the design process from first sketch to final sample — and everything in between
• Build strong relationships with global suppliers and factories to bring your designs to life
• Work closely with Buyers and Merchandisers to ensure each style lands at the right time, in the right place, at the right price
• Keep tech packs detailed and accurate so the factories know exactly what magic to create
• Stay ahead of timelines, sample trackers, and prep for product meetings like a pro
• Present your designs confidently – whether to your team, senior leadership or external partners
• Work with Buying, Design, Retail and Marketing teams to align creative direction with commercial strategy
• Participate in fit sessions, provide clear feedback, and ensure comfort and quality are always top priority
• Get involved with range building and make sure every collection is balanced, exciting and trend-driven

What You Bring to the Table

Must-Haves:

• A degree in Footwear Design (or something equally creative and relevant)
• At least 1 year’s hands-on experience designing footwear in a retail or wholesale setting
• Excellent sketching skills and confidence with CAD (Adobe Suite or equivalent)
• Solid understanding of footwear construction, materials, and technical development
• Great communicator, strong collaborator, and totally unflappable under pressure
• Obsessed with detail, organised to the core, and able to manage your time like a boss
• Experience working with global supply bases — and happy to travel when needed

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience working with suppliers in China, India or Europe
• Exposure to Visual Merchandising (we love a designer who gets the full picture!)

Why You'll Love It There:

• Creative freedom meets commercial focus
• Work with passionate, talented people across design, buying, and beyond
• Real opportunities to grow, develop and shape your career
• A fast-paced environment where ideas are actioned quickly
• You’ll help create collections that real people wear every day