PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

To design and lead others in designing industry leading executions of Footwear and/or Apparel through color, material, and construction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuously aware and guides team on information needed to design a consumer and brand relevant collection. Should include all possible sources to gain this information

• Trade fairs, cultural events, and sporting events, athlete insights
• Trade publications, general interest press, trend services, fashion and sportswear magazines and websites
• Store checks, market visits, and team travel as provided
• Relevant forecast and sell-through numbers from our Marketing counterparts

Is a stakeholder in driving seasonal and long-term design direction and strategy for their category within the following topics

• Footwear and Apparel Color
• Footwear Materials
• Footwear and Apparel Silhouettes
• Graphics/Print Direction
• Creating 3D concept representation, 3D assets, digital product information for an accurate development and decision-making process

Is a stakeholder in curating aforementioned design direction by, but not limited to

• Providing trend forecasting content relevant to our consumer and brand
• Providing direction and assisting in developing materials with the Material Team
• Working with Local and Global counterparts to provide category relative Color and Material direction when required
• Leads as a Color and Trend conduit to Marketing, Product Managers, Designers and in between Key Account and Inline
• Acts as a brand ambassador between all categories looking for opportunities to connect direction, product, and people
• Assisting in creating color design direction presentations

Works closely with members of the category’s design team. This includes but is not limited to:

• Providing Color and Material content and direction
• Collaboration and critiquing
• To understand technical details of the product

Works closely with members of the categories design team. This includes but is not limited to:

• Providing Color and Material content and direction
• Collaboration and critiquing
• Sets a leading example within the team and mentors
• Transfers prior experiences and knowledge to those around them
• Viewed within the team as a Color and Material expert and senior

Leads top-line range strategy in their categories. This includes but is not limited to:

• Leads their team in creating holistic category overviews, rollouts, and merchandising strategy for the category
• Communicate content to Footwear, Apparel, and Graphics Teams to align strategy
• Inform horizontal brand moments and category moments by leading products, Color and Material narratives/executions, and tiered rollout plans in partnership with Design, Marketing, and Concept To Consumer. This is a collaborative effort across disciplines & functions together.

Manages in designing Footwear Color and Material executions for Inline and Key Account ranges with input from Design, Marketing, and Development. This includes but is not limited to:

• Seasonal prep and research stated above
• Creates product design presentations; both physical and digital
• Exploratory process to reach final solution
• Creates Color CADs, Material Maps, & Graphic Maps.
• Guides their team in creating a quality and merchandisable range by having a detail to top-line view of all products
• Works closely with Development to assist in development process & costing; meet development timelines and calendar deadlines per seasonal milestone.
• Travel to Asia for development trips
• Assists in communicating inspiration and storytelling to Marketing and Concept To Consumer

Has experienced knowledge and a higher understanding of product. From color, material, construction, to production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability and desire to manage others, which includes but is not limited to:
• Influencing and leading a team
• Productive critiquing and mentoring
• Creating more efficient, creative, and positive working environment
• A strong working knowledge of footwear construction and production
• A detailed understanding of the creation process
• A strong knowledge of material suppliers, material production, and technical material feasibilities
• Computer Skills
• Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
• Power Point/Key Note
• Apple Mac Operating system
• Understanding of brand history and current positioning
• Understanding of marketplace (Footwear/streetwear/urban) history, consumer, and current positioning
• Has a strong understanding of Color and Material trends, application, and cycles
• Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually
• Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities
• Ability to design for new initiatives and products with a fresh, innovative perspective
• Ability to operate in a fast pace, ever changing work environment
• Works well in a team environment. This position requires employee to engage with many stakeholders, as well as manage various information and relationships
• Ability and desire to push themselves, others, and the brand forward
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with key business partners
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong 3D skills and knowledge of virtual tools are required

APP tools: Clo3D, Browzwear, VStitcher or similar 3D fashion design tools

FTW tools: Rhino, Modo, ICAD Pro, or similar 3D design tools

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four year college or university degree in industrial, graphics, apparel or footwear design
• Direct experience in footwear design, fashion design or any design relevant environment
• Thorough knowledge of art and design with clear understanding of visual design or any design related environment
• Six years relevant work experience
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree