Running Footwear Color Designer – Hybrid

New Balance Athletics; Lawrence (MA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401K

Lifestyle reimbursement

Vacation entitlement

Parental leave

Associate discount

Job summary

New Balance Athletics is seeking a Footwear Color Designer I for the running category. You will help create color, material, and graphic concepts in partnership with design, product management and development teams to bring seasonal directions to life.

A portfolio is required and collaboration across disciplines is essential. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related design field and 1–3 years of experience, with strong color theory, Adobe Illustrator, and presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Footwear Design, or related field.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in footwear, apparel, accessories, color design, graphic design, or related product creation discipline.
• Strong understanding of color theory, color application, and consumer-relevant color storytelling.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator.
• Ability to communicate design concepts clearly through visual presentations and verbal discussions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn within a dynamic team environment.
• Understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing, and commercialization processes is preferred.
• Excellent collaboration, presentation, and communication skills.
• Portfolio required in application.
• Hybrid work schedule with in-office collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Responsibilities

• Create color, material, and graphic concepts for running footwear in collaboration with Design, Product Management, and Development teams.
• Research consumer, market, and industry trends to inform seasonal color direction and storytelling.
• Apply color and graphic solutions to footwear while aligning with design vision and strategy.
• Collaborate within a cross-functional triad to ensure concept to commercialization accuracy.
• Create and maintain tech packs and communicate clearly with development partners.
• Support color reviews, presentation materials, and design meetings throughout the product creation process.
• Execute projects on established timelines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative creative environment.

Skills

Color theory

Color storytelling

Presentation skills

Communication

Organization

Curiosity/creativity

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Footwear Design, or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

New Balance Athletics is seeking a Footwear Color Designer I for the running category. You will help create color, material, and graphic concepts in partnership with design, product management and development teams to bring seasonal directions to life.

A portfolio is required and collaboration across disciplines is essential. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related design field and 1–3 years of experience, with strong color theory, Adobe Illustrator, and presentation skills.