SENIOR MENS FOOTWEAR DESIGNER

Contract type Freelance Location New York, Massachusetts Specialty Fashion Remote No Reference 513804 Contact name Audrey Anderson Job description We are partnering with a global lifestyle brand seeking a highly creative and experienced Senior Designer to support its Men's Footwear division. Reporting to the Director of Design, this individual will lead the design and development of premium casual and hybrid footwear that balances modern style, performance, comfort, and technical innovation. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking problem solver who draws inspiration from culture, sport, art, music, and emerging consumer trends. This person will help shape compelling seasonal collections and create distinctive, commercially relevant products that strengthen the brand's position in the marketplace. Key Responsibilities Lead the design and development of innovative men's casual and hybrid footwear from initial concept through final product.

Develop seasonal concepts, product stories, silhouettes, materials, color palettes, and design details aligned with the brand's creative direction.

Partner with Product Line Management to develop line plans, design briefs, and product solutions that support business goals and consumer needs.

Collaborate closely with Product Development to translate creative concepts into market-ready products across multiple footwear categories.

Create detailed CADs, line art, technical packages, material specifications, and presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent.

Present seasonal concepts, product recommendations, and consumer and cultural insights to internal partners and leadership.

Collaborate across design, merchandising, product management, development, materials, and marketing to build cohesive product stories.

Manage assigned projects according to the seasonal product calendar, ensuring all design deliverables and development deadlines are met.

Support the development of effective sell-in tools and presentations that communicate product concepts and seasonal strategies.

Research current and emerging trends in footwear, fashion, materials, manufacturing techniques, and technology.

Conduct market, consumer, and cultural research to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the category.

Provide design leadership and help maintain a high standard of creativity, execution, and product quality across the collection. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, or a related discipline.

Significant professional experience designing men's footwear, ideally within casual, lifestyle, dress-casual, comfort, or hybrid categories.

Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, fit, and technical development.

Demonstrated ability to develop premium, commercially viable footwear from initial concept through production.

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other relevant design and presentation tools.

Strong sketching, CAD, technical drawing, color, material, and presentation skills.

Portfolio demonstrating exceptional creativity, modern design sensibility, technical knowledge, and successful product execution.

Ability to translate cultural, consumer, and market insights into compelling product concepts.

Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and project-management skills.

Ability to manage multiple seasonal projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Experience partnering with overseas development and manufacturing teams is preferred. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished footwear designer to influence a highly visible men's category and create products that bring together elevated style, versatility, comfort, and innovation. Partner with Product Development to create market relevant products across multiple categories

Deliver on-time product solutions in conjunction with the product calendar and business needs ensuring that all deadlines, line plans and deliverables are met

Provide and present timely and relevant business, design, consumer, and cultural storytelling in conjunction with specific projects and briefs

Lead in the development of appropriate sell in tools to effectively communicate concepts and strategies

Study and research current and future trends; maintain expert knowledge in design trends, production techniques, and new technologies

Conduct research onsite and off to bring new ideas to the category and brand below is a list of candidates that were presented to us: ? Avryl Johnson Elizabeth Darcy Austin Jermacans Pierome Sar Mike Dean Edward Kim Yue Wu Leif Hauge Emily Guerra Connor Dalrymple Gabriel Pimental Adrienn Malik Dustin Simone Anthony Hale Dang-Khoa Huynh Dan Bolinski Michael Glancy Carson Whittaker Heather Laham Amanda Gerdes Joshua Fraser Chris McGrath Jacob Braghini Alejandra Bucco Steve Bruno Sarah Barnwell Smith Dakota Gorkun Petyon Campbell Marty Perkins Brenden Sall Scott Graham Michael Weyrauch Mirko Finale Luke LaSpina James Zabala Kirsten Warkow Gavin Engel Hyon Bae Hyeonji Yun Paula Koumoundouros Johanna Sapicas Nick Huber Bertrand Racine Kyle Kelmetstrud Edwin Requintina Jr Diego Solis Jonathan Bacon Gaal Levine Abi Ramos Jonny Jensen Dylan Schibanoff Cordell Jordan Arthur Klinkon Nick Leverone Dawn Mozina Recruiter

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