Footwear Design Manager: Lead Creative & Team

Gina Group; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Generous PTO and paid holidays

401K & Profit sharing

Team building and Company events

Job summary

Gina Group is seeking a Design Manager to lead its footwear team, owning design direction across multiple brands. The role involves creating digital CADs, developing tech packs, and mentoring designers to deliver high-quality collections.

You will manage calendars, balance capacity with priorities, and work with cross-functional partners to ensure timely delivery while upholding brand standards. Strong Illustrator/Photoshop skills and market insight are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of footwear design experience.
• Experience managing designers and driving creative output.
• Strong communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own design directions for brands and manage seasonal collections; create digital CADs.
• Prepare tech packs to communicate design details to teams and factories.
• Mentor designers with clear direction, feedback and growth opportunities.
• Own and update the design team's calendar, coordinating projects and deadlines.
• Balance team capacity with business priorities and identify scheduling conflicts.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize requests and set timelines.
• Oversee the PLM system and ensure design standards are met.
• Lead sample reviews, approve submissions, and coordinate with product, color, and material standards.
• Conduct market research to inspire the team and present ideas in weekly meetings.
• Collaborate with the design director and overseas teams to resolve technical or timing issues.
• Work with product development to ensure designs are produced as envisioned; primarily design in Illustrator with minimal Photoshop retouching.
• Bring new ideas regularly and refine product styling after internal testing feedback.
• Assist in creating pitches for current and new licenses; present to licensors and buyers.
• Monitor competitive landscape through store and market visits to identify differentiation opportunities.

Skills

Footwear design

Team leadership

Creative direction

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Gina Group is seeking a Design Manager to lead its footwear team, owning design direction across multiple brands. The role involves creating digital CADs, developing tech packs, and mentoring designers to deliver high-quality collections.

You will manage calendars, balance capacity with priorities, and work with cross-functional partners to ensure timely delivery while upholding brand standards. Strong Illustrator/Photoshop skills and market insight are essential.