CDI - Junior Product Designer, Footwear Performance - W/M

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer, Footwear Performance - W/M

Company: Salomon

Location: Annecy, France

Job Type: Contract

Category: Product Design / Footwear Design

Date Posted: September 30, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation and development of innovative footwear designs for performance-oriented products, aligning with the overall design strategy.

• Conduct in-depth market and trend analysis to identify consumer needs and explore creative design solutions.

• Collaborate closely with development and marketing teams throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to sample production.

• Maintain and update design documentation, including design files, folders, and guides, ensuring consistency and adherence to project briefs.

• Effectively communicate and present design concepts, mock-ups, and prototypes to stakeholders, advocating for creative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "Contract," the French designation "CDI" typically translates to a permanent, full-time position. This suggests a stable, long-term opportunity within Salomon. The focus on "Performance" in "Footwear Performance" indicates a specialization in technical, athletic footwear, requiring an understanding of biomechanics, material science, and athlete needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design footwear products that directly address identified consumer needs and align with the strategic design direction for performance lines.

• Integrate technical feasibility and economic considerations, including quality standards, production costs, and project timelines, into the design process.

• Actively participate in the co-development of products from initial sketches to final samples, working in tandem with product development engineers and marketing specialists.

• Perform continuous research and analysis of market trends, cultural shifts, and competitor offerings through regular benchmarking to inform design decisions.

• Propose innovative design solutions and creative explorations for product lines, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of each project brief.

• Develop, manage, and update the design toolbox, including digital assets, physical materials, and inspiration boards, to support ongoing design activities.

• Produce and meticulously maintain design files, project folders, and visual presentation materials.

• Create and enforce design guides to ensure brand consistency and quality across all footwear products.

• Champion and persuasively present design concepts, including sketches, mock-ups, and prototypes, to project teams and senior management.

• Articulate and defend creative choices, ensuring clear communication of the design rationale and its alignment with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation and practical execution. The emphasis on "technical and economic production aspects" and "co-develop designs through to samples" indicates a need for a designer who understands the manufacturing process and can work collaboratively with engineering and supply chain functions, which is common in GTM operations for product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Product Design, or a related field (Bac+3 to Bac+5 equivalent).

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar product design role. Fresh graduates with a strong portfolio and demonstrated passion for performance product design will also be considered.

Required Skills:

• Fluent in English (both written and spoken).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and potentially 3D design tools.

• Strong graphic design capabilities, with an excellent eye for aesthetics, color, and form.

• Demonstrated understanding of current design trends and a keen awareness of target market dynamics, including consumer needs, attitudes, and behaviors.

• Knowledge of the 3D creation process and its application in footwear design.

• Familiarity with various footwear materials and their properties.

• High level of creativity and innovation.

• A pronounced interest and passion for performance product design in the athletic footwear sector. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., Rhino, Keyshot, Blender).

• Understanding of biomechanics and ergonomic principles in footwear design.

• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and materials.

• Experience in prototyping and sample development for footwear.

• Knowledge of French is a plus, given the location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "2 years of experience" alongside consideration for "freshly graduated candidates" suggests that a strong portfolio and clear potential can outweigh extensive professional experience. The emphasis on "Performance product design" is a critical differentiator, signaling a need for candidates who understand athletic requirements and technical innovation in footwear, not just aesthetic appeal.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct footwear design projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of performance requirements and consumer needs.

• Include detailed case studies for each project, illustrating the design process from initial concept and research through to final design and potential prototyping.

• Highlight projects specifically related to athletic or performance footwear across various sports.

• Demonstrate proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering within at least one project.

• Present a clear understanding of material selection and its impact on performance and aesthetics. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and maintaining design documentation, such as mood boards, sketches, CAD renderings, and technical specifications.

• Examples of how design briefs were interpreted and translated into tangible design solutions.

• Documentation that illustrates collaboration with development and marketing teams, showing communication and iteration.

• Include examples of design guides or standards that were developed or adhered to.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on showcasing the design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of performance-driven design principles, rather than solely on final polished visuals. Demonstrating how they've translated briefs into actionable designs and worked with constraints will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for a Junior Product Designer in Annecy, France, with 0-2 years of experience, typically ranges from €28,000 to €38,000 annually. This estimate is based on regional salary benchmarks for design roles in the sporting goods industry, considering the cost of living in Annecy and the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• Permanent full-time contract (CDI).

• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized sports equipment brand.

• Involvement in the development of innovative performance footwear.

• Collaborative and dynamic work environment in the French Alps.

• Potential access to company products and discounts.

• Professional development opportunities within a leading sporting goods company. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 35-40 hours per week, aligned with French labor laws.

• Specific daily start and end times will be confirmed upon hiring, but typically fall within standard business hours (e.g., 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) with a lunch break.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation. As this is a "Contract" role (likely CDI in France), benefits may vary but are generally competitive for permanent positions in established companies. The "Contract" type is clarified as CDI, which is a permanent contract in France, indicating a stable opportunity rather than a fixed-term one.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods / Outdoor Equipment. Salomon operates within a competitive and innovation-driven sector, focused on performance and outdoor activities. This industry demands a deep understanding of athlete needs, material science, and sustainable practices.

Company Size: Amer Sports (Salomon's parent company) is a significant global player. Salomon itself is a large, established brand with a substantial workforce, implying structured processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for career development.

Founded: Salomon was founded in 1947 in Annecy, France. This long heritage imbues the company with a strong brand identity, deep expertise in mountain sports, and a commitment to innovation rooted in its alpine origins.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely part of a larger Product Creation or Product Development department.

• It will involve close collaboration with Product Managers, Developers, Marketing, and potentially R&D specialists.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional teamwork to bring performance products from concept to market.

• Reporting lines will likely lead to a Senior Product Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Product Design. Methodology:

• Data-driven design based on consumer insights, market research, and performance analytics.

• Iterative design process involving frequent feedback loops and prototyping.

• Emphasis on innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mountain sports equipment.

• Commitment to sustainability in product development and operations.

Company Website: https://www.salomon.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Salomon's tagline "The Mountain Sport Company" and its history in the French Alps strongly influence its culture. Expect a company that values passion for outdoor sports, innovation, and a blend of tradition with cutting-edge technology. The mention of "Diversity is one of Salomon's five values" suggests an inclusive and equitable workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Product Designer. This role is an entry-level to early-career position within the product design function. It requires foundational design skills, a strong willingness to learn, and the ability to execute tasks under guidance. The focus is on developing expertise in performance footwear design.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report to a Senior Product Designer or a Design Manager within the Footwear division. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product development, marketing, and R&D.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, this position has a significant impact on the company's success by contributing to the design of products that drive sales and brand reputation. Effective footwear design directly influences consumer purchasing decisions and customer satisfaction in the performance sports market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop deep expertise in performance footwear design, including biomechanics, material science, and advanced 3D design techniques.

• Career Progression: Advance to roles such as Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or potentially specialize in areas like innovation or sustainable design.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with diverse teams, understanding the broader product development and go-to-market processes.

• Brand Contribution: Contribute to the design of iconic products for a leading global sports brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for the "go-to-market" strategy of new footwear products. The designer's input directly shapes the product's appeal, functionality, and ultimately, its market success. The growth path is clearly defined within the design function, emphasizing specialization and increasing responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Annecy, France, a hub for mountain sports and innovation. The work environment is likely a modern office space designed to foster creativity and collaboration, situated in a region renowned for its outdoor lifestyle.

Office Location(s): Annecy, France. This location offers an inspiring backdrop for a company focused on mountain sports, providing direct access to the environment that influences Salomon's product development.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic, collaborative office setting where designers work alongside product developers, marketers, and other creative professionals.

• Access to design tools, software, and potentially prototyping facilities or labs.

• Opportunities for informal exchanges and brainstorming sessions with colleagues who share a passion for sports and design.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, with project deadlines driving the workflow, but also supportive of creative exploration.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, likely with some flexibility for creative work. The work schedule will revolve around project timelines and team collaboration needs. While specific hours are not detailed, a typical 9-to-5 structure with a lunch break is probable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in Annecy offers a unique lifestyle benefit for those passionate about outdoor sports, directly aligning with Salomon's brand ethos. The environment is expected to be one that encourages innovation and a deep connection to the products being designed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their design process, creative thinking, and specific contributions to projects, with a focus on performance footwear.

• Technical Interview: Assessment of design skills, software proficiency (Adobe Suite, 3D tools), understanding of materials, and knowledge of footwear construction and performance principles.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Evaluation of teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Salomon's values (passion, performance, diversity, innovation, sustainability).

• Case Study/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical design exercise or a hypothetical brief to assess on-the-spot creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in performance footwear design. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. Use visuals (sketches, CAD, renders, prototypes) to support your narrative.

• Highlight Performance: Emphasize how your designs address specific performance needs, biomechanics, material properties, and athlete requirements.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, 3D tools) and your understanding of materials and manufacturing constraints.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work professionally and be prepared to discuss your decisions and rationale in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge given, identifying key requirements, target audience, and performance objectives.

• Ideation Techniques: Practice rapid sketching and brainstorming to generate multiple concepts quickly.

• Focus on Performance: Ensure your solutions are grounded in functional requirements and performance benefits.

• Visual Communication: Be prepared to quickly sketch or create basic digital mock-ups to convey your ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should ensure it clearly communicates their passion and aptitude for performance footwear design, demonstrating not just aesthetic talent but also an understanding of the technical and functional aspects essential for athletic products.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, sketching, and creating visual assets (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering tools is required (e.g., Rhino, Keyshot, Blender, or similar). This is crucial for visualizing complex footwear forms and for creating realistic mock-ups.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with CAD tools for detailed design and technical specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly handling operational analytics, understanding how design choices impact product performance metrics (e.g., sales, returns, athlete feedback) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with tools used for trend analysis and market research. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design inputs feed into product development pipelines and marketing efforts is useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around design software. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline, with strong emphasis on 3D design capabilities being a key differentiator for modern footwear design roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Sport: A deep-seated enthusiasm for mountain sports and an active lifestyle is fundamental to the Salomon culture.

• Performance: A relentless pursuit of excellence in product design and functionality, aimed at enhancing athletic performance.

• Innovation: A commitment to pushing boundaries, exploring new technologies, and developing cutting-edge solutions.

• Diversity & Inclusion: A dedication to creating an accessible and equitable environment for all employees and consumers.

• Sustainability: Responsible commitment towards the outdoor environment through sustainable practices in product development and operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with product development, marketing, R&D, and sales teams, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely.

• Process-Oriented: Adherence to structured design processes and project timelines, while allowing for creative exploration.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design based on feedback from colleagues, testers, and consumers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salomon's values are deeply integrated into its identity. Candidates should be able to articulate how their personal values and work ethic align with these core principles, particularly passion for sport, innovation, and performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating creative vision into designs that meet strict technical, economic, and timeline requirements.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of evolving market trends and consumer preferences in the fast-paced sporting goods industry.

• Technical Complexity: Developing a deep understanding of footwear construction, materials science, and biomechanics to create truly high-performance products.

• Global Market Understanding: Designing for diverse consumer needs and preferences across different global markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced Senior Product Designers and Design Managers.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of footwear design, such as biomechanics, material innovation, or sustainable design.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant trade shows, conferences, or workshops to stay abreast of industry advancements.

• Product Lifecycle Exposure: Gain comprehensive understanding of the entire product development process, from concept to retail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for a junior designer will be translating creative concepts into manufacturable, high-performance products. Growth opportunities will focus on building technical expertise and understanding the commercial aspects of product design within the sporting goods industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative aspirations with strict technical or production constraints. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving, compromise, and technical understanding.)

• "How do you stay informed about current trends in footwear design and the broader sports industry?" (Highlight research methods, sources, and analytical skills.)

• "Walk us through a footwear design project from your portfolio. What was the brief, your process, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Prepare a compelling narrative showcasing your design thinking and execution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically interests you about designing performance footwear for Salomon?" (Connect your passion for sports and design to Salomon's brand and mission.)

• "How do you think your design approach aligns with Salomon's values of performance, innovation, and sustainability?" (Demonstrate cultural fit and understanding of the company's ethos.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams like product development and marketing?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and a user-centric approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem/brief, your role, your process (research, ideation, development), key decisions, challenges, and the final design/outcome.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals – sketches, CAD renderings, mood boards, prototypes – to illustrate your journey.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data or feedback on how your designs performed, incorporate it. For a junior role, demonstrating potential and process is key.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, material selections, and technical aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also a strategic understanding of performance, consumer needs, and the practicalities of product development in the sporting goods sector. Authenticity regarding passion for sports is also crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase performance footwear design. Highlight projects demonstrating creativity, technical understanding, and an appreciation for athletic requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your design skills, software proficiency, relevant experience (even academic projects if strong), and passion for sports and footwear. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, be ready to discuss your design process in detail, and prepare to answer questions about your interest in Salomon and performance design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Salomon's product lines, recent innovations, sustainability initiatives, and brand values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.