About this role
POSITION SUMMARY
Alice + Olivia is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Footwear Designer to lead seasonal footwear concepts from initial sketches, CADs, color and material direction, and tech packs through sampling, vendor communication, and production. This role will partner cross-functionally with Design, R&D, Tech, and Production, support accessories as needed, and keep development organized and on schedule. The ideal candidate combines a strong fashion sensibility and passion for quality footwear with the initiative and collaboration skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop seasonal footwear concepts from initial sketches through final product execution, aligned with the brand’s creative direction.
- Create and update CADs, colorways, material specifications, technical drawings, and tech packs.
- Research footwear trends, colors, materials, and market developments to inform seasonal design direction.
- Partner with Design, R&D, Tech, and Production teams to ensure design intent, quality standards, and timelines are maintained.
- Review samples and prototypes, provide clear feedback, and track revisions through approval and production.
- Communicate with overseas vendors regarding design details, materials, construction, samples, and development updates.
- Maintain organized design files, sample records, material references, and seasonal development calendars.
- Support accessories design and development as business needs require.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 7–10 years of footwear design experience, preferably within a contemporary fashion or lifestyle brand.
- Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating footwear concept development, sketching, color and material direction, and technical execution.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with footwear CAD or 3D design tools is a plus.
- Working knowledge of footwear construction, materials, components, fit, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience creating technical drawings, specifications, and tech packs and reviewing samples through production approval.
- Strong trend awareness, fashion sensibility, and attention to detail, with the ability to translate brand direction into commercially relevant product.
- Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple seasonal priorities and collaborate across teams and overseas vendors.