Senior Footwear Designer (Berghaus)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Designer for Footwear to shape the future of performance-driven products. This role offers the opportunity to blend creativity with technical expertise, leading the design process from concept to production. You will collaborate with various teams to ensure innovative designs align with brand strategies and sustainability goals. If you are passionate about outdoor gear and eager to inspire a team of designers, this is the perfect chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in footwear design, preferably in performance/outdoor categories.
• Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualisation and execution of innovative footwear designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design intent aligns with business objectives.

Skills

Footwear Design

Technical Knowledge of Footwear Construction

Innovation

Sustainability

Collaboration Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud Expertise

3D Design Tools

Education

Degree in Design or Related Field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

3D Design Software

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

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

Product Development & Execution

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

Cross-functional Collaboration & Mentorship

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

Seasonal Research & Trend Exploration

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

Sustainability & Brand Ethics

• Support the implementation and achievement of sustainability goals.
• 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:

• Proven experience in footwear design, preferably in performance/outdoor categories.
• Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• A passion for innovation, sustainability, and functional design.
• Ability to work on multiple projects, managing deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience mentoring and guiding junior designers.
• 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