In this role, you will be responsible for all aspects of footwear design within owned categories, including, but not limited to, concept, fabrication, trims, construction, and decoration.

This role does not have any direct reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• With direction from Creative Director, use advanced design skills to create original, innovative concepts and designs that appropriately reflect the company’s design philosophy & standards
• Research and identify key trends, silhouettes, trims, details, and materials and interpret them into designs that are relevant to the Darc Sport customer
• Collaborate with design team to create a relevant, cohesive accessories assortment
• Produce and maintain line sheet for owned categories and work collectively with design team to cross-check accuracy prior to handoffs
• Create detailed technical drawings and specs for factory partners
• Conducts follow up of product design process to include preparation of tech packs, sample requests, lab dip and strike-off approvals, Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) processes, communications with factories, etc.
• Reviews all design elements and clearly communicates comments, changes, or approvals to ensure timely completion of each project
• Partner with cross-functional team members to ensure the integrity of designs is maintained during the product development process
• Meet all deliverable and timeline requirements according to business strategy and design calendar

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• CAD skills for technical and construction detailed sketches using Adobe Illustrator
• Ability to sketch with accurate scale and proportion
• Technical expertise and fit knowledge
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to communicate and work well with co-workers, and business contacts in a courteous and professional manner
• Must have great follow up skills via –e-mail, phone, and/or other methods of communication
• Meticulous and detail-oriented
• Proficient organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at once
• Outstanding time management skills: working to a deadline, working independently
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative team player
• Eager to grow and take on new responsibilities
• Happy to embrace change and new challenges as marketplace shifts and consumer needs evolve

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, design, or related field preferred or equivalent related work experience
• 5+ years’ experience of accessories and/or apparel cut/sew design experience is required