Footwear Designer - Cape Union Mart

Cape Union Mart Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Union Mart Group in Cape Town is seeking a creative Footwear Designer to lead the design and development of the K-Way footwear range, working with Buying, QA and suppliers to create on-brand products. The role involves researching trends, creating concepts, colour palettes and technical specs, and collaborating to bring products to market while ensuring brand quality and fit standards.

Travel may be required; 4-5 years of footwear design experience and Illustrator/MS Office skills are

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of experience in footwear or product design.
• Relevant design qualification preferred.
• Experience with design to production workflow.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal footwear ranges.
• Research consumer, market and trend insights to inform product development.
• Create design concepts, colour palettes and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop, refine and commercialise products.
• Ensure products align with brand, quality and fit standards.
• Support seasonal range reviews and product presentations.

Skills

Creative thinking

Commercial awareness

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

Design qualification

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our design team is looking for a creative and commercially minded Footwear Designer to lead the design and development of the K-Way footwear range. Working closely with Buying, QA and suppliers, you will create innovative, on-brand products that meet customer needs and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal footwear ranges.
• Research consumer, market and trend insights to inform product development.
• Create design concepts, colour palettes and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop, refine and commercialise products.
• Ensure products align with brand, quality and fit standards.
• Support seasonal range reviews and product presentations.

Requirements

• Relevant design qualification will be an advantage.
• 4-5 years of experience (preferred)
• Experience in footwear or product design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction and manufacturing.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.

Key Competencies

• Creative and commercially aware.
• Strong product and trend intuition.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Organised with strong attention to detail.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Please note: The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.