Global Footwear Colour Designer

ASICS EMEA; Hoofddorp; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to office gym and sports membership discount

50% discount on ASICS and ONITSUKA TIGER gear

Unlimited access to the Calm app

Complimentary premium subscription to Runkeeper Go™ app

Comprehensive wellness programme

Professional support and meditation classes

Working abroad for four weeks every year

Hybrid working model

Job summary

ASICS EMEA seeks a Global Footwear Color Designer in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. In this role, you will create compelling colour designs for the Global Inline Collection while collaborating with teams across regions, including Japan. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in design, 2-4 years of relevant experience, and a strong portfolio. We offer a hybrid working model and numerous wellness initiatives to support team member wellbeing, including gym access and discounts on ASICS gear.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in design, with footwear colour, CMF, or product creation experience.
• Portfolio demonstrating footwear colour application and palette development.
• Solid understanding of colour theory and footwear material knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Create colour designs for the Global Inline Collection and develop seasonal colour stories.
• Conduct market research to stay updated on colour and material trends.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Merchandising, and Development.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)

Colour theory and material application

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation tools (Keynote or PowerPoint)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related field

Job description

Overview

Be part of a movement that moves the world

At ASICS, we’re more than just a brand; we're a movement. A movement of movement, propelled by the belief that motion strengthens the body and uplifts the mind. Our name itself, an acronym for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body), encapsulates this commitment.

If you're inspired to move yourself and the world toward a brighter future, we're looking for you.

Your role in our shared journey

The Global Footwear Color Designer is a key member of the Global SPS Color and Material Team within the Sportstyle department, responsible for creating compelling colour designs for the Global Inline Collection. Working across multiple regions — with Europe as the largest for Sportstyle, alongside China, Latin America and beyond — this role requires a deep understanding of global colour and material trends, translated into one cohesive seasonal collection.

Collaborating closely with senior colour designers, Product Management, Merchandising, and Development, the designer plays an active role in every stage of seasonal colour execution, from palette development and CADs through to sample review and global sign-off. The role works directly with ASICS Global HQ in Japan and with cross-regional teams, offering genuine exposure to different cultures, design languages, and perspectives.

This role is perfect for a designer who is passionate about sports footwear and the lifestyle industry; someone who wants to see their work come to life on shelves and on the street, and who is excited by the challenge of creating within a globally recognised brand that combines design with ASICS’ unique performance technology heritage.

Your key responsibilities

• Build a deep understanding of ASICS’ brand heritage, design language, consumer values, and performance ethos, ensuring all colour decisions reflect and strengthen the brand identity across the Global Inline Collection.
• Create colour designs for the Global Inline Collection: develop seasonal colour stories, palette concepts, CADs, and colour-ups aligned to global design briefs, brand direction, and sign-off requirements.
• Conduct market research to stay updated on colour and material trends; participate in macro trend research as part of the seasonal creative kick-start process; generate trend reports and presentations for team review.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Merchandising, and Development to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and colour and material choices; maintain effective communication to support global consumer needs.
• Ensure all samples meet quality expectations; prepare recommended improvement lists before client presentations; minimise quality issues post-delivery.
• Maintain organised folder structures for all design files, project documentation, and sample storage; recommend and implement improvements to speed, accuracy, and clarity throughout the colour and material workflow.
• Present colour concepts and updates internally with clarity and openness to feedback; build and maintain well-structured concept decks and colour callout documents that support seasonal milestone reviews on time.

You have the following skills and experience

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in design, with footwear colour, CMF, or product creation experience.
• Portfolio demonstrating footwear colour application, palette development, and clear design rationale.
• Solid understanding of colour theory and footwear material knowledge, including how materials, dyes, and finishes affect colour outcome.
• Trend and market awareness; genuine passion for sports footwear and the lifestyle industry.
• Good command of written and spoken English; intercultural communication skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop): produces clean, accurate colour CADs, palettes, and concept boards independently; files are well-organised and presentation-ready.
• Colour theory and material application: understands how colour interacts with footwear materials, finishes, and construction; anticipates achievability challenges before sample stage.
• Cross-functional collaboration: builds effective working relationships across Product Management, Development, and Merchandising; communicates colour intent clearly and meets seasonal deadlines.
• Coachable and feedback-driven: approaches critique as an opportunity to develop craft; demonstrates clear evolution from concept to refined outcome.
• Highly detail-oriented and organised: strong follow-through on file management, documentation, and seasonal milestone deadlines.
• Resilient under commercial constraints: able to produce excellent work within brand and retailer guidelines; comfortable when full personal creative expression is not the primary driver.
• Presentation tools (Keynote or PowerPoint) for building clear concept and update decks; exposure to 3D or visualisation tools (e.g. CLO 3D or similar) is a plus.

Life at ASICS

When you join ASICS, you become part of something special. Here, your voice matters, your growth and wellbeing are important.

Our commitment to your wellbeing

We're dedicated to ensuring that every team member experiences the joy and benefits of movement.

To support your wellbeing, we offer:

• Access to office gym and sports membership discount.
• Exclusive 50% discount on ASICS and ONITSUKA TIGER gear.
• Unlimited access to the Calm app for better sleep and mental fitness.
• Complimentary premium subscription to our Runkeeper Go™ app.
• A comprehensive wellness programme consisting of exercise and educational sessions.
• Professional support and meditation classes are available through OpenUp Access.
• Working abroad for four weeks every year.
• Hybrid working model. Combine the flexibility of working from home with the dynamic energy of an office environment.