Footwear Designer

Do you have a passion for creating high-quality, detailed footwear and bags?

Are you skilled at driving newness and innovation while maintaining brand DNA?

Can you align designs with customer expectations and current trends?

MacGregor Black is currently partnering with a Leading Lifestyle Brand seeking a Footwear Designer. This is a permanent role based in Hampshire.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the direction of footwear and bag collections and contribute to the brand's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Design exclusive footwear and bags with a high level of detail, quality, and range attributes across Women’s and Men’s collections.
• Drive newness by staying on top of relevant current and future trends, identifying new shapes, and delivering commercial products that align with the brand's identity.
• Collaborate with the Senior Designer and Buyer to design a cohesive footwear and bag range, considering brand handwriting and DNA.
• Create detailed design packs, CADs, and artworks to achieve high-quality first samples within critical path timing.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about the latest trends, maintaining strong commercial awareness of key competitors.
• Work closely with the buying team to review the range, ensuring choice, newness, and potentializing best sellers while identifying missed opportunities.
• Liaise with suppliers on product, design details, and fabrics.
• Present ranges to the team, identifying key trends and advocating for the products you strongly believe in.
• Adapt and improve designs based on feedback from the buying team and management, responding to current trade insights.
• Support the Senior Designer in researching themes and directions for design presentations, contributing to mood and trend boards.

What are we looking for?

• A degree or equivalent in a design-based subject.
• At least 3+ years of experience working at a design level for a relevant brand.
• Strong technical knowledge in footwear and bags is essential.
• Proficiency in design software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Passion for trends, with a deep understanding of the brand's customer profile, product range, and competitors.

Please contact Tom Honeyman for more details today.