Footwear Designer

LA Brands; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading footwear and accessories company is seeking a Group Footwear & Accessories Technologist to oversee all stages of product development. The role requires 5+ years of experience in fast-paced retail or manufacturing and a diploma or certificate in footwear design. Key responsibilities include coordinating fit reviews, assessing test reports, and ensuring compliance with product quality standards. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment catering to South African consumers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fast-paced retail or manufacturing.
• Experience with accessories is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of footwear fabric, construction, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate product fit reviews and sample sealing.
• Assess test reports and provide technical information.
• Conduct bulk audits and store visits for feedback.

Skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Product development experience

Technical detail orientation

Clear communication skills

Organizational skills

Fashion interest

Education

Diploma or Certificate in footwear design/leather technology

Tools

Illustrator

Excel

Word

Job description

Overview

The Group Footwear & Accessories Technologist is involved in all stages of product development and product manufacturing across all brands* in the Group. They have a thorough understanding of the technical specifications and processes of suppliers and manufacturers. This is backed up by an in-depth understanding of the South African consumer with a proven track record of developing premium, quality product.

*Includes: Polo, Converse, Boardriders, Dickies & Brentwood

Key Result Areas

• Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing, fabrics/materials and Footwear & Accessories construction
• Product development experience, preferably gained in a fast-paced commercial or supplier environment
• Exceptional eye for technical detail
• Coordinate product fit reviews and sample sealing
• Measuring physical lasts and altering data (based on fitting)
• Consistently working to improve fit
• Can work alone, as well as in a team
• Be able to work under tight deadlines and cope with pressure
• Have a keen interest in fashion
• Flexible approach to adjust to the constantly changing needs of the business
• Highly organized with good prioritization skills
• Confident and clear communication skills; both verbal and written to work productively alongside other Product team and external suppliers
• Excellent knowledge in testing standards, children’s safety regulations and procedures
• Assess test reports
• Provide technical information for the development and updating the Footwear Quality Assurance Manual
• Provide technical specifications on packaging
• Bulk audits
• Store visits and feedback

Minimum Skills/Requirements

• Diploma or a Certificate qualification in footwear design/ leather technology or similar qualification or experience NQF 5/6
• 5+ years Footwear experience in fast-paced retail or manufacturing environment
• Experience with Accessories an advantage
• Track record of working as a team member
• Strong knowledge of footwear fabric/raw material., construction and testing for both Kids and Adults
• Pattern grading and experience building product specifications
• Excellent computer skills (excel, word, email etc.)
• Illustrator software experience would be an advantage
• Understanding Manufacturing and processes knowledge of footwear production methods
• Knowledge and understanding of footwear Patterns
• Adapt Designs to suit Production Methods
• Footwear and Accessory Sizing and grading
• Understanding footwear Fabrics/raw materials
• Product Quality Standards
• Managing technical aspects from sizing to faults
• Understanding footwear import regulations