Design Manager, Footwear Sportstyle - W/M

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Footwear Sportstyle - W/M

Company: Salomon

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Product Design (Footwear)

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the strategic vision and artistic direction for Salomon's Sportstyle footwear collections.

• Manage and mentor a creative design team distributed across Paris and Annecy, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

• Drive the end-to-end creative process, from concept briefs and trend translation to final product consistency and brand expression.

• Integrate modern design tools, digital workflows, and innovative methodologies to enhance design efficiency and creative output.

• Bridge the gap between fashion, sport, outdoor cultures, and technical footwear requirements, with a keen eye for urban aesthetics and sneaker culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Sportstyle division of Salomon, a brand known for its performance-driven design in outdoor sports. The "W/M" designation indicates that the position is open to all genders. The emphasis on a "new Paris offices" and a "Creative Hub" suggests a dynamic, forward-thinking environment with a strong focus on design innovation and cross-functional collaboration. The core of this role is strategic creative leadership within footwear design, requiring a blend of artistic vision, people management, and an understanding of market trends.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Design Vision: Develop and articulate a clear, inspiring, and differentiating design vision for the Sportstyle footwear perimeter, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market positioning.

• Creative Process Management: Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from contributing to concept and innovation briefs to guiding 2D/3D concept development, color proposals, and material selections in collaboration with Offer Managers.

• Artistic Direction & Brand Consistency: Define and embody the artistic direction through creative guidelines for shapes, colors, materials, graphics, and branding, ensuring consistent brand expression across all footwear projects.

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a geographically dispersed design team, setting priorities, encouraging initiative, providing feedback, and fostering talent growth.

• Innovation & Digital Adoption: Champion the adoption of modern design tools, AI, digital design, and innovative workflows to optimize the design process and push creative boundaries.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work in close synergy with Offer Management, 3D design, CMF (Color, Material, Finish) teams, and other Softgoods teams to ensure alignment, coherence, and successful product launches.

• Market & Trend Integration: Translate business needs, market insights, consumer behaviors, and cultural influences (fashion, sport, street trends) into structured design directions and product innovations.

• Resource Management: Contribute to defining required resources, including planning, budget allocation, and designer assignment for design projects.

• Design Validation & Feedback: Organize and lead design validation sessions, providing constructive guidance and challenges to the design team.

• Oversee Line Evolution: Ensure the stylistic evolution of Footwear lines, maintaining coherence and advancing the brand's aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic creative leadership and hands-on team management. The emphasis on "translating business needs and market insights into structured design directions" and "contributing to the creation of briefs (concepts, innovations, products)" signifies that this role is not purely aesthetic but deeply integrated with product strategy and commercial objectives. The mention of managing teams across "Paris and Annecy" and potential travel to "manufacturing sites in Asia" and "key markets" indicates a global scope and the need for strong organizational and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Design (Bac +5) or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in footwear product design and development, with a significant portion in a leadership or management capacity.

Required Skills:

• Footwear Design Expertise: Deep understanding of footwear design principles, construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Creative Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in directly managing and mentoring creative teams, fostering talent, and driving a collaborative work environment across multiple locations.

• Design Strategy & Vision: Ability to define, articulate, and execute a clear and differentiating design strategy aligned with brand objectives.

• Artistic Direction: Strong aesthetic sensibility and the ability to translate brand vision into compelling creative guidelines for shapes, colors, materials, and graphics.

• Trend Analysis & Cultural Insight: Sharp sense of urban aesthetics, sport-lifestyle, sneaker culture, and the ability to navigate fashion, sport, and street trends.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with Offer Management, 3D Design, CMF, and other departments.

• Digital Design Proficiency: Strong appetite for and understanding of modern design tools, AI, digital workflows, and innovative design methodologies (e.g., 2D/3D design software).

• Project & Resource Management: Ability to contribute to planning, budget allocation, and resource management for design projects.

• Language Proficiency: Fluent English is mandatory for international communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the outdoor or performance sports industry.

• Familiarity with sustainability principles in product design.

• Experience with digital design tools such as CLO3D, Browzwear, or similar 3D visualization software.

• Knowledge of AI-driven design tools.

• Experience managing international teams and working with manufacturing partners in Asia.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10 years of professional experience" requirement, combined with the "Master's degree in Design (Bac +5) preferred," indicates a senior-level position. The emphasis on "managerial skills" and "proven experience in direct management of creative teams" is critical, suggesting that candidates must demonstrate a track record of leading and developing designers. The "Sportstyle Knowledge" section, particularly the mention of "sneaker culture" and "urban aesthetics," points towards a need for a candidate who understands contemporary lifestyle trends as much as technical product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Footwear Design Case Studies: Showcase a range of footwear projects, highlighting the design process from initial concept and research to final product. This should include mood boards, sketches, 2D renderings, and ideally 3D visualizations.

• Creative Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of leading design initiatives, managing projects, and guiding teams to successful outcomes. This could include project management examples or team collaboration highlights.

• Trend Integration: Demonstrate how market insights, cultural trends, and brand strategy were translated into compelling design directions and product collections.

• CMF & Material Innovation: Illustrate experience with color, material, and finish selection, showcasing an understanding of material properties, sustainability, and aesthetic impact.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you have structured and optimized design workflows, particularly for footwear development, including collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Innovation Integration: Showcase how you have introduced and implemented innovative design tools, digital workflows, or new methodologies within a design process.

• Performance Measurement: Evidence of how design outcomes were measured against business objectives, market reception, or brand consistency goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. The emphasis on "digital transformation" and "innovative mindset" suggests a portfolio that includes examples of leveraging modern tools or processes. Applicants should be prepared to discuss how their designs contributed to business goals and brand expression, not just how they look.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated annual salary range for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Paris, France, within the sporting goods industry, is between €70,000 and €100,000 gross. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in major European fashion and sports hubs, considering the cost of living in Paris and the specialized nature of footwear design management.

Benefits:

• Permanent Contract: Secure, full-time employment with a leading global sports brand.

• Creative Hub Environment: Work in a new, state-of-the-art creative hub in Paris, fostering innovation and collaboration.

• Global Travel Opportunities: Potential for travel to manufacturing sites in Asia, key international markets (Asia, US, Europe), and fashion weeks, offering broad exposure.

• Employee Discounts: Discounts on Salomon and Amer Sports brands (Salomon, Arc'teryx, Peak Performance, Atomic, Wilson).

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement within the Amer Sports group.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a company-sponsored retirement savings plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and holiday leave.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 35-40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the creative nature of the role and potential travel requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for senior roles in Paris can vary significantly based on exact experience, negotiation, and specific company compensation structures. This estimate is a benchmark. The benefits listed are typical for a company of Salomon's stature and global reach. The travel requirements are substantial and should be a key consideration for applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods / Outdoor & Lifestyle Apparel and Footwear. Salomon is a key brand within the Amer Sports group, which comprises internationally recognized sporting goods companies.

Company Size: Amer Sports is a large global company, with Salomon itself having a significant international presence. This implies a structured corporate environment with global reach and resources, while maintaining a distinct brand identity.

Founded: Salomon was founded in 1947 in the French Alps, giving it a rich heritage in mountain sports and a deep understanding of performance-driven design.

Team Structure:

• Softgoods Team: The role is part of the Softgoods team, indicating a focus on apparel and footwear.

• Design Department: The Design Manager leads a team of footwear designers.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Offer Management, 3D Design, CMF, and other Softgoods teams, suggesting a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure.

• Geographical Distribution: The design team is split between Annecy and Paris, requiring strong remote management and communication skills.

Methodology:

• Performance-Driven Design: Salomon's core philosophy is rooted in creating products that enhance performance in mountain sports.

• Innovation Focus: The company emphasizes converting new ideas into action and expanding the limits of possibility through innovative design.

• Sustainability Commitment: Salomon is responsibly committed to the outdoors through its sustainability program, influencing design and material choices.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Diversity is one of Salomon's five values, signifying a commitment to an inclusive environment for all employees.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply tied to mountain sports, innovation, and performance. The recent establishment of new offices in Paris suggests a strategic investment in design and creativity, potentially signaling a shift or expansion into more lifestyle-oriented products within the Sportstyle segment. The emphasis on sustainability and diversity indicates a modern, responsible corporate ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Management position, overseeing a critical product category (Sportstyle Footwear) and managing a creative team. It sits at the intersection of creative vision, product development, and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Director of Product Creation, or a similar senior role within the Softgoods or Product division. They will manage a team of Footwear Designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences Salomon's market competitiveness, brand perception, and revenue generation within the Sportstyle footwear category. Successful design strategies can lead to increased market share, enhanced brand loyalty, and the introduction of innovative, commercially successful products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Head of Design / Director Roles: Progression to leading larger design departments or overseeing multiple product categories (e.g., all Footwear, all Softgoods).

• Product Line Management: Transitioning into a broader product management role with P&L responsibility for specific product lines.

• Brand Strategy: Moving into roles focused on overall brand direction and creative strategy.

• Global Leadership: Opportunities to take on leadership roles with broader international scope within the Amer Sports group.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, digital design innovation, or advanced material research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized sports brand. The emphasis on digital transformation and innovation suggests that individuals who embrace these areas will be well-positioned for future growth. The dual locations (Paris/Annecy) and international travel also provide exposure to diverse markets and operational aspects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Salomon's new Creative Hub offices in Paris. This suggests a modern, well-equipped workspace designed for creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. Specific details about the office's accessibility (public transport, amenities) would be beneficial but are not provided. The mention of Annecy as another design hub indicates a distributed team environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The "Creative Hub" designation implies an environment that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and cross-pollination of ideas among designers and other creative professionals.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design software (2D/3D), potentially AI tools, and other digital resources necessary for contemporary footwear design.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Paris-based design team and virtual collaboration with the Annecy-based team. Proximity to fashion and urban culture in Paris can also be an inspiration.

Work Schedule: Typically standard office hours (e.g., 35-40 hours per week) within the French work week structure. However, the role may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend events (like Fashion Weeks), or accommodate international team schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Paris Creative Hub likely offers a stimulating and inspiring work environment, reflecting the brand's commitment to design and innovation. The distributed team structure necessitates a strong emphasis on virtual collaboration tools and effective remote management practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, leadership style, strategic vision, and understanding of the Sportstyle market. This may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates present their work, detailing their design process, creative rationale, leadership contributions, and how they’ve driven innovation and brand consistency. Expect to discuss specific projects and their outcomes.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., Offer Managers, 3D Designers) and potentially other department heads to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a higher-level executive to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and understanding of the Sportstyle market (urban aesthetics, sneaker culture, sport-lifestyle).

• Highlight Process & Impact: Don't just show final designs. Detail your design process, research methodologies, how you translated briefs, managed your team, and the impact your designs had (e.g., commercial success, brand elevation).

• Showcase Digital Fluency: Include examples of your use of modern design tools (2D/3D software, AI where applicable) and innovative workflows.

• Be Ready to Discuss Vision: Articulate your perspective on the future of Sportstyle footwear design, current trends, and how you would shape Salomon's direction.

• Tailor to Salomon: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Salomon brand, its heritage, and its position in the market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Case Study: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a design strategy for a new Sportstyle footwear collection or evolving an existing line.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing creative conflict, motivating a distributed team, or developing junior designers.

• Trend Forecasting: Be ready to discuss current and future trends in footwear, fashion, and lifestyle relevant to the Sportstyle segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be a critical component of the assessment. Candidates should prepare a presentation that clearly articulates their strategic approach to design, their leadership capabilities, and their understanding of the Sportstyle market. Demonstrating an ability to leverage digital tools and drive innovation will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software (2D/3D): Proficiency with industry-standard design software for sketching, rendering, and 3D modeling is essential. This may include Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), and specialized 3D footwear design software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear, Gravity Sketch, Rhino, SolidWorks).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard proficiency for reporting, presentations, and general office tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how to interpret market data, consumer insights, and sales performance to inform design decisions is crucial. Familiarity with tools that provide such insights may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how design integrates into broader product development and go-to-market processes is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite" and "Strong command of Design software (2D/3D)." The emphasis on "digital transformation & innovative mindset" strongly suggests that familiarity with or a willingness to adopt advanced digital design tools, potentially including AI-assisted design platforms, will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance & Innovation: A drive to create high-performing products and push creative boundaries through innovation.

• Passion for Mountain Sports: A genuine connection to and understanding of the outdoor and sports world that Salomon serves.

• Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to creativity.

• Responsibility: A dedication to sustainable practices and responsible product development.

• Excellence: A pursuit of high standards in design, execution, and team collaboration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Emphasis on working seamlessly with Offer Management, CMF, 3D Design, and other Softgoods teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• Mentorship & Development: A culture that supports the growth and skill development of team members.

• Initiative & Experimentation: Encouragement for designers to take initiative, experiment with new ideas, and challenge conventional approaches.

• Global Mindset: Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders across different geographies and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a blend of high-performance sports ethos and a modern, creative design studio environment. The values of diversity and sustainability are increasingly important and integrated into the company's operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Performance & Lifestyle: Effectively merging the technical demands of performance footwear with the aesthetic and cultural trends of the Sportstyle segment.

• Managing Distributed Teams: Ensuring seamless communication, collaboration, and creative alignment between design teams in Paris and Annecy.

• Pace of Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving fashion, sneaker, and lifestyle trends while maintaining brand consistency.

• Integrating Digital Tools: Championing and implementing new digital design technologies and workflows within a traditional design process.

• Global Travel Demands: Managing frequent travel to manufacturing sites in Asia, key markets, and industry events while maintaining team oversight.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Technologies: Opportunity to lead the adoption and integration of cutting-edge digital design tools, AI, and innovative workflows.

• Global Market Exposure: Deepen understanding of diverse international markets through travel and collaboration.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Contribute to the broader strategic direction of the Salomon Sportstyle brand.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities for leadership training and advancement within the Amer Sports group.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Direct exposure to fashion weeks, industry trade shows, and key market developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing a complex, multi-faceted creative role that spans strategic vision, team leadership, and an understanding of dynamic market trends, all within a global context. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals looking to advance their careers in design leadership within the sports and lifestyle industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and communicate a design strategy for Salomon's Sportstyle footwear that balances brand heritage with contemporary trends?"

• "Describe your approach to managing and motivating a creative design team spread across different locations."

• "Given the rapid evolution of sneaker culture, how do you ensure your designs remain relevant and innovative while staying true to the Salomon brand?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of Salomon's position in the Sportstyle market, and how would your design philosophy contribute to its growth?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a design team?"

• "Discuss your experience with sustainability in footwear design and how you would integrate it into Salomon's Sportstyle collections." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around key projects, telling a story that highlights your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership impact.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or examples to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., market reception, sales impact, brand perception shifts).

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring designers, and driving projects to completion.

• Demonstrate Digital Fluency: Highlight your use of 2D/3D design tools and any innovative digital processes you've implemented.

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your work and vision to Salomon's brand identity, heritage, and future aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who possesses not only exceptional design talent but also strong strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of the Sportstyle market and Salomon's brand. Be prepared to discuss both your creative process and your management philosophy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to showcase footwear design projects that align with Salomon's Sportstyle aesthetic, including urban trends, sneaker culture, and sport-lifestyle influences. Highlight any experience with performance footwear if relevant.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 10+ years of footwear design experience, emphasizing leadership roles, team management achievements, and your strategic contributions to design initiatives. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design vision, leadership approach, and understanding of the market. Prepare a compelling presentation of your portfolio, focusing on process, impact, and innovation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Salomon's brand, its history, current product lines, sustainability efforts, and its position in the Sportstyle market. Understand the company's values and culture.

⚠️ 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.