Senior Designer - Footwear

PENTLAND; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Designer for Footwear to drive innovation and quality in their outdoor gear collection. This role involves leading the design process from concept to production, ensuring products meet performance and aesthetic standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in footwear design, technical expertise, and a passion for sustainability. Join a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration, and help shape the future of performance-driven footwear. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the outdoor industry while working with a supportive and innovative team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in footwear design for performance/outdoor categories.
• Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction and materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative footwear designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align design with business goals.

Skills

Footwear Design

Technical Knowledge of Footwear Construction

Innovation

Sustainability

Collaboration Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

3D Design Tools

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

3D Design Tools

Job description

We're Pentland Brands; a dynamic, global family business, and proud owners and licensees of many iconic active and footwear brands. With a community of over 1,300 team members worldwide, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and champion growth and development. Our success is built on teamwork, courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

WHAT'S THE MISSION FOR THIS ROLE?

At Berghaus, we're driven by innovation, performance, and sustainability. We create world-class outdoor gear that enables people to explore and push their limits in the most challenging environments. As part of Pentland Brands, we embrace bold thinking and cutting-edge design to stay ahead in the competitive outdoor industry.

We are looking for a Senior Designer, Footwear to join our talented team and play a key role in shaping the future of our footwear collection. If you are passionate about creating high-quality, performance-driven products that inspire adventure, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

WHAT DOES THIS ROLE DO?

The Senior Designer, Footwear is responsible for leading and overseeing the conceptualisation, development, and execution of innovative and high-quality products. This role blends creative vision with technical expertise to drive our future Berghaus brand vision for footwear to market.

Creative Leadership & Design Innovation

1. Develop compelling, trend-led design solutions in line with Berghaus' DNA and creative direction.
2. Manage complex and challenging design briefs.
3. Drive product storytelling that aligns with brand, seasonal strategies and consumer expectations.
4. Conceptualise and innovate purpose driven performance footwear to deliver the brand strategy in collaboration with the central innovation team.

Product Development & Execution

1. Take ownership of a portfolio of footwear designs from concept through to production.
2. Ensure designs meet brand guidelines, functional performance, and aesthetic aspirations.
3. Work collaboratively with product development, material specialists, and commercial teams to ensure feasibility and efficiency.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Mentorship

1. Collaborate with innovation, apparel and equipment design, marketing, merchandising, process and sales teams to ensure design intent aligns with business objectives.
2. Inspire and mentor junior designers, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
3. Support the career development of designers within the footwear category, enhancing technical and brand understanding.

Seasonal Research & Trend Exploration

1. Conduct research into emerging trends, materials, technologies, and sustainability innovations.
2. Contribute to the creation of seasonal creative direction, colour palettes, and mood boards.
3. Translate insights into forward-thinking designs that anticipate consumer needs.

Sustainability & Brand Ethics

1. Support the implementation and achievement of sustainability goals.
2. Champion the use of sustainable materials and responsible manufacturing practices within footwear design.

WHAT DO I BRING TO THE ROLE?

To stand out in this role, you should have the following skills and experience:

1. Proven experience in footwear design, preferably in performance/outdoor categories.
2. Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
3. A passion for innovation, sustainability, and functional design.
4. Ability to work on multiple projects, managing deadlines and priorities effectively.
5. Strong collaboration skills, with experience mentoring and guiding junior designers.
6. Excellent Adobe Creative Cloud Expertise and 3D Design Tools.

We want you to live our company principles, bringing a strong consumer focus, while always looking for ways to improve and grow in your role. Take ownership of your work and be proactive in solving problems whilst communicating openly and treating everyone with respect and kindness. And, of course, let your creativity shine by bringing your unique style and individuality to the Pentland Brands Team.