Design Director, Men's Footwear

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Designer, Men's Footwear

Company: Tecovas

Location: Austin, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development (Footwear)

Date Posted: August 17, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of Tecovas' men's footwear collection, from initial concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with brand heritage and modern innovation.

• Drive seasonal design direction by identifying new opportunities across Western, work, and adjacent footwear categories, while also evolving iconic product franchises.

• Foster a collaborative environment by partnering closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Materials, and Sourcing teams to translate consumer insights and business objectives into compelling product solutions.

• Mentor and develop junior design talent, building the next generation of footwear designers within the organization.

• Champion exceptional product quality and craftsmanship, ensuring every style embodies the Tecovas brand through meticulous attention to detail in construction, materials, fit, and storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a Senior Designer position focused on Men's Footwear, implying a significant level of autonomy and responsibility for the product lifecycle. The emphasis on "heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation" and "evolving iconic franchises" suggests a need for a designer who can balance tradition with forward-thinking aesthetics and functionality. The direct reporting to the Head of Product indicates a strategic contribution to the product vision.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design and development lifecycle for Tecovas' men's footwear, ensuring all products embody the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality.

• Drive seasonal design strategy by conducting thorough market analysis, trend exploration, competitive shopping, and leveraging consumer insights to inspire new product concepts and identify category opportunities.

• Execute innovative footwear concepts through expert sketching, digital rendering, and prototyping, working in close partnership with Product Development and Sourcing teams.

• Translate consumer insights, business objectives, and assortment strategies into impactful product solutions in collaboration with the Merchandising team.

• Collaborate extensively with Product Development, Materials, and Sourcing to identify and integrate novel leathers, constructions, components, finishes, and manufacturing techniques that enhance product value and appeal.

• Define and own the direction for color palettes, materials, leathers, hardware, and construction methods for seasonal collections, ensuring cohesive integration across the entire product assortment.

• Maintain accurate design specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) data throughout the development process.

• Actively participate in prototype reviews, wear testing, and fit evaluations, providing critical design direction and ensuring product excellence from concept to commercialization.

• Mentor and develop the Footwear Designer through regular coaching, constructive feedback, and tailored development opportunities.

• Partner with Apparel and Accessories Design teams to ensure cohesive seasonal storytelling, consistent color direction, and brand-aligned product collections.

• Manage freelance or external design resources when necessary to support project needs and timelines.

• Conduct domestic and international travel for inspirational research, factory visits, supplier meetings, material development, and product reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive ownership of the product design process, extending beyond creative ideation to include technical development, cross-functional collaboration, and team leadership. The inclusion of BOM and PLM data management points to a need for operational rigor and understanding of product data systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles and practices. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of dedicated footwear design experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within premium footwear, Western-style boots, outdoor, workwear, or established lifestyle brands.

• Proven track record of designing technically sound and commercially successful footwear collections that have resonated with target consumers.

• Comprehensive understanding of footwear construction methodologies, patterning techniques, fit principles, material science (especially leathers), componentry, and manufacturing processes. Required Skills:

• Exceptional sketching abilities, with a strong capacity for concept development and visual storytelling through design.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for digital rendering, technical drawings, and material boards.

• Demonstrated experience in collaborating directly with overseas factories and suppliers to guide product development and ensure manufacturing quality.

• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and experience managing design specifications and BOMs.

• Ability to conduct thorough market and trend analysis to inform design decisions and identify future opportunities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, crucial for cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in a leadership or mentorship role, guiding and developing junior design talent.

• Familiarity with 3D design software or CAD tools for footwear design.

• Deep appreciation for Western craftsmanship, heritage, and the nuances of Western boot construction and aesthetics.

• Experience with material sourcing, including identifying and developing unique leathers and components.

• Knowledge of wear testing and fit evaluation methodologies to optimize product performance and comfort.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement leans towards a senior-level designer with a substantial portfolio in footwear, particularly within categories that align with Tecovas' brand identity. Proficiency in Adobe Suite is essential, and experience with PLM systems indicates a need for familiarity with product data management tools common in apparel and footwear industries. Mentorship experience is preferred, suggesting a potential for team leadership growth.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of men's footwear designs, demonstrating a strong understanding of Western aesthetics, construction, and modern innovation.

• Detailed case studies of 2-3 footwear projects, highlighting the entire design process from concept ideation, research, material selection, technical development, prototyping, to final commercialization.

• Evidence of technical design capabilities, including clear technical sketches, construction call-outs, and material specifications.

• Demonstrations of how market research, consumer insights, and business objectives were integrated into design decisions.

• Examples of collaboration with product development, sourcing, or manufacturing teams to overcome design challenges and achieve product goals. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and document design processes, including workflow diagrams for concept-to-production phases.

• Experience in creating and managing design specifications, BOMs, and PLM data for product development tracking.

• Documentation of material research and development, including leather sourcing and testing.

• Records of prototype reviews, fit sessions, and how feedback was incorporated into design iterations.

• Examples of how design direction was translated into cohesive seasonal collections.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Designer role, the portfolio should go beyond simply showcasing aesthetics. It needs to demonstrate a deep understanding of the entire product development pipeline, from market research and concept generation to technical execution and commercialization. The inclusion of process documentation reflects the need for a structured and systematic approach to design, vital for efficient product development in a fast-paced environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive insurance plans: Tecovas covers 79-90% of health premium costs, and 100% of dental and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.

• 401(k) matching program to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, allowing for work-life balance.

• Corporate wellness program initiatives to promote employee well-being.

• Eligibility to participate in a Corporate Bonus Program, rewarding performance.

• Generous employee discounts on Tecovas products. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered around specific project deadlines and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Austin, TX, particularly within the specialized footwear industry. The benefits package is robust, with a significant employer contribution to health insurance and comprehensive coverage for dental and vision, which are attractive perks for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Footwear, Apparel, Leather Goods, E-commerce, Retail. Tecovas operates within the Western wear market, a niche with deep historical roots, aiming to modernize and expand its appeal to a broader audience. This involves blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary consumer expectations.

Company Size: Tecovas is a rapidly growing company, established in 2015. While specific current employee numbers aren't provided, the description as "certainly growing" and having stores "from coast to coast" suggests a mid-to-large size organization with significant operational scale. This implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact.

Founded: 2015. This indicates a relatively young company, likely characterized by agility, innovation, and a less rigid corporate structure than older, more established brands.

Team Structure:

• The Footwear Design team likely consists of the Senior Designer (this role), a Footwear Designer, and potentially design assistants or interns, all reporting to the Head of Product.

• This role will involve close collaboration with Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, Materials, Apparel Design, and Marketing teams.

• The structure suggests a functional matrix, where individuals contribute expertise across various product lines and initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging market analysis, consumer insights, and sales performance to inform design and product strategy.

• Emphasis on a blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation in product development.

• Agile product development cycles to respond quickly to market trends and consumer demand.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core methodology, ensuring alignment across all stages of product creation.

• Focus on storytelling and brand authenticity in product marketing and design.

Company Website: www.Tecovas.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Tecovas positions itself as a modern brand revolutionizing a traditional category. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and customer-centric, with a strong emphasis on product quality and brand storytelling. The growth trajectory suggests a culture that values initiative, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Designer position, indicating a significant level of expertise and responsibility. It sits above a standard Designer role and implies leadership potential, strategic input, and the ability to mentor others. The role is pivotal in shaping the future of Tecovas' men's footwear line.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer reports directly to the Head of Product. This provides a direct line of communication to senior leadership and allows for significant influence on product strategy and vision.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to the success of the men's footwear collection, a core product category for Tecovas. Successful designs contribute significantly to revenue, brand perception, and market share. The ability to identify new opportunities and evolve existing product lines directly influences the company's growth and competitive positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Design Director or Head of Footwear Design role as the company continues to scale.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term product vision and design language for a rapidly growing brand in a unique market segment.

• Skill Development: Exposure to end-to-end product lifecycle management, advanced material sourcing, and global manufacturing processes.

• Mentorship Expansion: Opportunity to build and lead a design team, developing talent and fostering a strong design culture.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding of merchandising, marketing, and business strategy through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing company, moving from a senior individual contributor role to potential leadership positions. The direct reporting line and emphasis on strategic input mean that contributions will be highly visible and impactful.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires being based in Austin, TX, suggesting an on-site or hybrid work environment within a company office. Tecovas has physical stores, indicating a retail presence that likely influences the office environment, potentially fostering a connection to the end consumer and product.

Office Location(s): Austin, TX. This is the company headquarters, suggesting a central hub for design, marketing, and operations.

Workspace Context:

• Likely a collaborative office space designed to foster creativity and teamwork, with access to design resources, material libraries, and prototyping tools.

• Proximity to other design, merchandising, and product development teams will facilitate strong cross-functional collaboration.

• The Austin location offers a vibrant city environment with a growing tech and creative scene.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with the understanding that the fast-paced nature of product development may require occasional adjustments to meet seasonal deadlines or project milestones. Flexibility is noted in the benefits, suggesting a balance between structured work and project-driven needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for Austin, TX, underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement with the company's physical product and retail environment. This is common for design roles where tactile interaction with materials and prototypes is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with Tecovas' brand aesthetic and values.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Head of Product) to discuss experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit. This stage often involves a high-level overview of the candidate's portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on problem-solving, design process, technical execution, and commercial viability. This is a critical step for evaluating design thinking and execution.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Product Development, and potentially other design disciplines to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the broader product lifecycle.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and final cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best demonstrate your skills in men's footwear design, especially Western styles.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the research undertaken, material choices, technical challenges overcome, and the commercial outcome or potential.

• Highlight Western Expertise: Emphasize any experience with Western boot construction, leathers, and heritage elements. Showcase how you blend this with modern design sensibilities.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio includes clear technical sketches, construction details, and BOM examples where appropriate. Demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Commercial Acumen: Show how your designs meet business objectives and consumer needs. Quantify success where possible (e.g., sales impact, positive customer feedback).

• Digital Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a PDF or a digital platform.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Tecovas: Research the brand's history, current product lines, target audience, and competitive landscape. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with theirs.

• Anticipate Design Briefs: If a challenge is provided, thoroughly analyze the brief. Focus on understanding the underlying business or consumer problem.

• Structure Your Response: Whether presenting a case study or a design challenge, use a clear structure: Problem -> Research -> Concept -> Development -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Focus on Process: Interviewers will be keen to understand how you arrive at your designs, not just the final output. Be ready to explain your decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a senior design role emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate a design process. The design challenge is a key differentiator, testing not only creativity but also problem-solving skills and commercial understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is essential for creating technical drawings, renderings, and design presentations.

• 3D Design Software (Preferred): Experience with CAD or 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, Gravity Sketch, CLO 3D) can be a significant advantage for visualizing and developing footwear concepts.

• PLM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management software (e.g., Centric PLM, PTC FlexPLM, or similar) for managing product data, BOMs, and development timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how to interpret sales data, market trend reports, and consumer feedback is crucial for informing design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design function, but awareness of how design impacts sales and marketing efforts is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements for this role revolve around design software and product data management. Proficiency in Adobe Suite is non-negotiable, while experience with 3D modeling and PLM systems will set candidates apart.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A deep commitment to the art of making high-quality footwear, respecting traditional methods while embracing innovation.

• Authenticity: Maintaining the heritage and spirit of the West in product design and brand messaging.

• Customer Obsession: Designing with the end consumer in mind, prioritizing their needs, fit, and experience.

• Humility & Positivity: Approaching work with a collaborative, optimistic, and team-oriented mindset.

• Grit & Speed: A drive to execute quickly and effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with Merchandising, Product Development, and Sourcing to ensure seamless product creation from concept to delivery.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared freely, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and constructive feedback is integral to the design process.

• Shared Ownership: Working collectively towards common product goals, understanding that design success is a team effort.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tecovas emphasizes values like humility, positivity, grit, and speed, which are indicative of a startup or high-growth company culture. The focus on craftsmanship and authenticity is directly tied to their product category. Collaboration is key, suggesting a need for a designer who can work effectively across departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Heritage and Modernity: Evolving iconic Western designs to appeal to a broader, contemporary market without alienating the core customer base.

• Rapid Growth: Keeping pace with Tecovas' rapid expansion by consistently delivering innovative and commercially viable designs that meet increasing demand.

• Material Innovation: Sourcing and integrating new materials and techniques that enhance product performance and aesthetics while maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Global Supply Chain Management: Navigating the complexities of working with overseas factories and suppliers to ensure consistent quality and timely production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Material & Construction Techniques: Deepen knowledge through factory visits, supplier collaborations, and industry research.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Gain comprehensive experience across the entire product development spectrum, from ideation to market.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Develop team leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of the design department.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Understand how design contributes to overarching brand narratives and market positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges for this role involve navigating the delicate balance between tradition and innovation within the Western footwear market, alongside the demands of a high-growth environment. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to shape a brand's aesthetic and develop leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new line of work boots that incorporate modern comfort features while maintaining a rugged, authentic Western aesthetic?" (Focus on process, material research, and understanding of both categories.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from merchandising, product development, and marketing on a footwear design. How did you resolve it?" (Emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making.)

• "Tecovas is known for its heritage. How do you see yourself evolving that heritage through design while staying true to the brand's core values?" (Showcase understanding of brand identity, market trends, and your design philosophy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Tecovas' mission and its position in the Western wear market?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and research into the company.)

• "How do you embody Tecovas' values of grit, speed, humility, and positivity in your work?" (Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these in past roles.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to developing talent?" (Highlight leadership and team-building capabilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": For each project, begin by explaining the problem or opportunity it addressed.

• Showcase the Process: Walk through your research, ideation, sketching, CAD, prototyping, and collaboration phases. Use visuals to illustrate each step.

• Highlight Technical Details: Clearly explain construction methods, material choices, and any unique technical innovations.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, share any data on sales, customer feedback, or market reception for your designs.

• Connect to Tecovas: Explain how your designs and approach align with Tecovas' brand, target customer, and market position.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural alignment. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase the entire design process and its impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Designer, Men's Footwear position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature men's footwear designs, with a strong emphasis on Western styles, technical construction, and commercial viability. Include detailed case studies that illustrate your end-to-end design process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your 8+ years of footwear design experience, specific achievements in product development, proficiency in Adobe Suite, and any experience with Western footwear or premium brands.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale behind your design decisions, and how you approach collaboration and mentorship. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to Tecovas' values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Tecovas, its brand ethos, product lines, and market positioning. Understand the competitive landscape and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with the company's growth trajectory.

⚠️ 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.

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