Head of Development & Production Footwear

Laceless Design; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 754,472 - 970,036; Full time

Job summary

Laceless Design is seeking a Head of Development & Production Footwear to oversee the footwear product lifecycle from sourcing to delivery in Gothenburg. This critical role will lead a high-performing team to maintain quality, profitability, and innovation standards.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in international footwear development, proven leadership skills, and a strong focus on strategic partnerships.

Join us in shaping the next chapter of our creative journey with a focus on quality and design.

Qualifications

• 10+ years international footwear development & production experience, including at least five years within a brand.
• Proven leadership experience.
• Solution-oriented with an uncompromising focus on product quality.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end development and production to meet margin objectives while maintaining brand integrity and values.
• Create and own the critical path calendar to ensure alignment with seasonal brand priorities.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Analytical abilities

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's or Graduate degree in a relevant field

Job description

We're making a big move and we want you to be part of it.

We are relocating several of our core departments from London to Gothenburg, and as a result, we're growing our Swedish team in a major way. This means we're hiring across multiple departments simultaneously - including Brand, Product, Design, and more.

This is a unique moment to join a fast-moving, internationally recognised fashion brand as we expand our presence in Sweden. If you've been waiting for an opportunity to be part of something exciting - this is it.

Explore our open roles and find where you fit.

We are looking for our next Head of Development & Production Footwear. This role oversees the entire footwear product lifecycle - from sourcing and concept evaluation to development, sampling, production, and final delivery - ensuring excellence in quality, profitability, innovation, and speed to market.

As a leader, you know how to bring people together. You create a culture where the team feels motivated, heard, and set up to do their best work - while providing the clarity and direction needed to move decisively and keep things on track.

This position is also responsible for securing strong, collaborative partnerships across Design, Merchandising, Sustainability, and Operations teams as well as with external suppliers.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You are passionate about building products that meet the highest standards of quality, profitability, and innovation. You thrive at the intersection of creative and operational excellence, and you know how to bring internal teams and external partners together to deliver.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Drive end-to-end development and production to meet margin objectives while maintaining brand integrity and values
• Create and own the critical path calendar to ensure alignment with seasonal brand priorities as well as company long term strategy
• Develop, evaluate and drive different paths of product development capacities, internal or external, with the aim of facilitating the best possible creative pipeline for innovation
• Lead and inspire a high-performing, accountable team, fostering a culture aligned with Axel Arigato values (DROP)
• Manage sourcing office(s) in multiple production countries
• Develop and manage a comprehensive sourcing strategy by projecting long-term regional requirements while also being able to adjust to upcoming shifts in global markets
• Establish and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships that promote trust, innovation, and capability enhancement

ARE YOU THE ONE?

• Bachelor's or Graduate degree in a relevant field
• 10+ years international footwear development & production experience, including at least five years within a brand
• Proven leadership experience
• Solution-oriented with an uncompromising focus on product quality
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking and cross-functional communication
• Able to balance and prioritize complex, simultaneous challenges
• Analytical, strong negotiation and forecasting abilities

HERE'S HOW TO APPLY

If you are ready to lead footwear development and production at a global scale and help shape the next chapter of Axel Arigato, apply today and join the next chapter of our creative journey.

Apply by submitting your CV. We also welcome a short cover letter telling us why you think you would be a great fit for this role. Please do not include a photo or date of birth with your application; our recruitment process is competency based.

We review applications continuously and the position may be filled before the closing date.

DETAILS

• Contract type: Full-time
• Reports to: CPO
• Location: Gothenburg
• Work mode: On-site, travelling required
• Direct reports: Yes
• Start date: ASAP

A BIT ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO

Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, Axel Arigato was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital-first approach.

Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.

What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture.

Today, Axel Arigato continues to evolve with purpose via a people-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities.

Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.

OUR VALUES

DROP: Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.