Senior Footwear Designer (Remote)

Talented Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Talented Recruitment is seeking a Senior Footwear Designer for a distinguished luxury brand in Durban. Lead the design of annual menswear and ladies golf-inspired footwear and lifestyle ranges, translating concepts into market-ready products.

You will work closely with the Creative Director and Product Development team, building trend analyses, color palettes, and detailed design specifications for suppliers and factories. A strong portfolio and 5+ years in footwear are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in footwear design, including sneakers and luxury styles.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating trend forecasting and market awareness.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; ability to produce 3D renderings.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with creative director and product development to translate concepts into footwear designs.
• Create yearly high-quality collections for men and women with golf and lifestyle lines.
• Develop trend analyses, color palettes, and product strategies aligned with brand.
• Prepare design specs and coordinate prototypes with suppliers and tech teams.

Skills

Footwear design

Trend forecasting

Strong portfolio

Creative direction collaboration

Deadline driven

Brand awareness

Education

Design degree

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

3D renderings

Job description

A distinguished brand renowned for its commitment to crafting exquisite luxury accessories and footwear requires a talented Senior Footwear Designer.

As a Senior Footwear Designer, you'll work closely with the product development team and creative director. You will be responsible for translating creative concepts into innovative and marketable footwear designs that reflect our brand's ethos of luxury and sophistication.

Duties & Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities:

• Working closely with the CD and the PD.
• Designing innovative, annual, high-quality footwear collections for men and lady golfers & lifestyle collections.
• Building and producing key trend and competitor analysis and seasonal product strategies with an awareness of brand competition.
• Interacting with CD and Sales on all aspects of product line plans, briefs, colour palette, pricing, themes, graphics, and strategies to assist with getting the product to fit our market.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitors' top sellers, technologies, styling, colors, strategies, and pricing.
• Innovation through fashion-forward new designs and technologies suitable for the golf market.
• Having a keen interest in sustainability within the footwear industry.
• Producing detailed design specification packs to be sent to suppliers, which include detailed renderings in AI.
• Responsible for getting prototypes and samples executed to reflect the concept and design you created, in quality, construction, fit, and style.
• Working with Tech and Product developer on the look and feel of samples and any improvements.
• Assisting with the design and development of an accessories range - limited edition apparel, belts, and leather goods.
• Enhancing brand recognition.
• Some travel is expected to trade shows within Europe, and comp shopping trips.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties identified by the CD - travel to factories in Portugal & Italy may be part of this.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong portfolio showcasing design skills and trend forecasting.
• 5+ years experience in footwear and sneaker design.
• Proficient in Illustrator & Photoshop and 3D renderings.
• Degree level qualification in a related design field.
• High level of technical understanding in footwear.
• Keen interest in past and future trends, including evolving footwear technologies, sole units, and footbed comfort.
• Excellent work ethic with the ability to work to tight deadlines and upward manage busy creatives.
• Excellent organisational skills and communication.
• Ability to see a product from concept to design, following it through the different stages of the critical path with the product developer.
• Interest in golf is an advantage.