Design Manager, Footwear Sportstyle - W/M

Salomon
Full-timeParis, France

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: Salomon

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Development (Footwear Operations)

Date Posted: September 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Spearhead the design strategy and artistic direction for Salomon's Sportstyle footwear collection, ensuring brand consistency and market relevance.

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

  • Drive the end-to-end creative process from concept ideation and brief creation to design validation and final product execution.

  • Champion the integration of modern design tools, digital workflows, and innovative methodologies to enhance efficiency and creative output in footwear design.

  • Act as the guardian of the brand's creative vision, translating market insights, trend analysis, and business needs into compelling footwear collections that resonate with urban aesthetics and sneaker culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for bridging the gap between creative vision and operational execution in footwear product development. The "W/M" designation indicates that the company is an equal opportunity employer seeking candidates of any gender. The focus on "Sportstyle" implies a blend of performance-driven design with lifestyle and fashion appeal, requiring a deep understanding of sneaker culture and urban trends.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Define and Lead Design Strategy: Develop and articulate a clear, inspiring, and differentiating design vision for the Sportstyle footwear category, ensuring alignment with Salomon's brand identity and market positioning.

  • Drive the Creative Process: Collaborate closely with Offer Management to create comprehensive briefs for concepts, innovations, and products, defining necessary resources, planning, budget, and designer allocation.

  • Oversee Design Validation: Organize and lead design validation sessions, guiding and challenging teams on 2D/3D concepts, color proposals, and material selections to ensure quality and brand fit.

  • Embody Artistic Direction: Translate the brand's vision into concrete creative guidelines covering shapes, colors, materials, graphics, and branding elements for footwear collections.

  • Inspire and Influence: Stay ahead of trends, cultural insights, and usage-driven influences to inspire the design team and ensure both short-term relevance and long-term artistic vision.

  • Deploy and Evolve Design Strategy: Oversee the continuous evolution of footwear lines, ensuring stylistic coherence and consistency across all collections, and promoting the adoption of modern design tools.

  • Promote Digital Transformation: Advocate for and facilitate the adoption of AI, digital design, and innovative workflows to modernize the design process and enhance efficiency.

  • Lead and Develop the Design Team: Set clear direction, define priorities, and support individual objectives for designers across multiple locations, fostering an environment of initiative, experimentation, and skill development.

  • Ensure Cross-Functional Alignment: Work in synergy with all Softgoods teams, including 3D and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) specialists, to ensure seamless integration and collaboration throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Manage Resources and Budget: Define and manage the design team's budget and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of personnel and financial resources to meet project deadlines and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on managing a distributed team (Paris/Annecy) highlights the need for strong remote leadership and communication skills, even though the role itself is on-site. The responsibility for "Design validation sessions" points to a crucial operational step in the product development pipeline, requiring rigorous assessment and decision-making.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Design (Bac +5) preferred.

Experience:

  • 10 years of professional experience in footwear product design and development.

  • Proven experience in direct management of creative teams. Required Skills:

  • Footwear Design Expertise: Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative and commercially successful designs.

  • Creative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to define and articulate a compelling design vision, lead creative teams, and inspire innovation.

  • Design Strategy Development: Proven experience in translating market insights, consumer trends, and business objectives into actionable design strategies for footwear collections.

  • Artistic Direction: Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to define and maintain creative guidelines related to shapes, colors, materials, graphics, and branding.

  • Team Management & Mentoring: Proven experience in managing creative professionals, including performance management, skill development, and fostering a positive team culture across different locations.

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

  • Digital Design Tools Proficiency: Strong command of 2D and 3D design software, with a keen interest in adopting modern tools like AI and innovative digital workflows.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Offer Managers, 3D designers, CMF specialists, and other Softgoods teams to ensure product coherence and timely execution.

  • Fluent English: Mandatory for communication within the international environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in Sportstyle Footwear: Specific background in designing for lifestyle, urban, and sneaker-focused product lines.

  • Global Market Understanding: Familiarity with key international markets (Asia, US, Europe) and their respective design preferences and trends.

  • Experience with Manufacturing Sites: Prior experience working with manufacturing partners, particularly in Asia, to understand production constraints and opportunities.

  • Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery within budget.

  • CMF Expertise: Understanding of Color, Material, and Finish applications in footwear design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10 years of professional experience" combined with a "Master's degree" indicates this is a senior-level management position, requiring strategic thinking and a proven track record. The mandatory fluent English, coupled with the Paris location, suggests a highly international and collaborative work environment. The emphasis on both "sneaker culture" and "technical codes of performance footwear" implies a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between lifestyle appeal and functional excellence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Comprehensive Design Showcase: A robust portfolio demonstrating a range of footwear designs, with a strong emphasis on Sportstyle, urban aesthetics, and sneaker culture. Include concept sketches, 2D renderings, 3D visualizations, and final product images.

  • Brand Consistency Examples: Showcase projects where you successfully maintained or evolved a brand's artistic direction and ensured stylistic coherence across a collection.

  • Process Documentation Samples: Include examples of design briefs, trend analysis reports, or mood boards that illustrate your strategic thinking and ability to translate insights into design directions.

  • Team Leadership Evidence: If possible, provide examples or descriptions of how you have guided, mentored, or managed design teams, showcasing your leadership style and impact.

  • Innovation & Digital Workflow Integration: Highlight projects where you incorporated new design tools, digital workflows, or innovative methodologies to enhance the design process or product outcome.

Process Documentation:

  • Design Brief Development: Examples of well-structured design briefs that clearly outline project objectives, target consumer, market context, and creative direction for footwear.

  • Creative Process Flow: Visual representation or detailed description of your approach to managing the footwear design process from ideation through to final design handover, including key decision points and validation stages.

  • Trend Research & Application: Documentation of how you conduct market and trend research, and how these insights are synthesized and applied to inform design decisions and strategies.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Evidence of how you collaborate with other departments (e.g., Product Development, Marketing, Sales) to ensure design alignment and successful product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior management nature of this role and its focus on strategy and team leadership, the portfolio should not just showcase individual design talent but also strategic thinking, process management, and leadership capabilities. Demonstrating an understanding of how design integrates with business objectives and operational workflows will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in a major European city like Paris, within the sporting goods and apparel sector, the estimated annual salary range is €75,000 to €100,000 gross. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the specific industry expertise required (footwear design, sneaker culture), and the responsibilities of managing a creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on research of comparable roles in the sporting goods and fashion design industries in Paris, France, considering the company's standing as a reputable global brand. Factors such as specific bonus structures, stock options, and the candidate's precise experience and negotiation skills could influence the final offer.

Benefits:

  • Permanent Contract: Full-time, permanent employment status offering job security.

  • Creative Hub Environment: Opportunity to work in a new, modern creative hub in Paris, fostering an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere.

  • International Exposure: Involvement in global projects, travel to manufacturing sites in Asia, key markets (Asia, US, Europe), and attendance at Fashion Weeks, providing broad industry exposure.

  • Product Discounts: Potential for employee discounts on Salomon and other Amer Sports brands (Arc'teryx, Peak Performance, Atomic, Wilson).

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

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career growth within a leading sporting goods company.

  • Competitive Leave Policy: Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.

  • Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses may be offered.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time working hours, typically around 35-40 hours per week, with flexibility expected based on project demands, seasonal peaks, and travel requirements. The role involves significant international travel, including to manufacturing sites and market events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of travel to manufacturing sites and fashion weeks indicates that the "standard" working hours may be exceeded during these periods, requiring a flexible and dedicated approach from the Design Manager.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods & Apparel Manufacturing. Salomon is a key brand within Amer Sports, a global leader in sporting goods with a portfolio of well-recognized brands. The company has a strong heritage in mountain sports, with a growing presence in lifestyle and urban wear.

Company Size: Amer Sports is a large enterprise, with Salomon operating as a significant division. This implies a structured organizational framework with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within a specific brand. The presence of a "new Creative Hub" in Paris suggests investment in innovation and talent attraction.

Founded: Salomon was founded in 1947 in the French Alps, giving it a rich history and deep roots in mountain sports. This heritage influences its brand identity, emphasizing performance, innovation, and a connection to nature, which are now being integrated into its Sportstyle offerings.

Team Structure:

  • Design Team: The Design Manager will lead a team of footwear designers split between Annecy and Paris. This distributed structure requires strong remote leadership and clear communication protocols.

  • Softgoods Department: The role sits within the Softgoods team, implying close collaboration with designers and specialists in apparel and accessories.

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Manager will work closely with Offer Managers, Product Developers, CMF teams, Marketing, and potentially Sales teams to ensure cohesive product strategy and execution.

  • Reporting Line: Likely reports to a Head of Design, Director of Product, or a senior leader within the Softgoods or Footwear division.

Methodology:

  • Performance-Driven Design: Salomon's core philosophy translates into designs that prioritize function and innovation, even within the lifestyle Sportstyle category.

  • Inspiration from Nature and Mountain Sports: The brand's heritage provides a unique source of inspiration, influencing aesthetics and material choices.

  • Consumer-Centric Approach: Understanding market dynamics, consumer needs, and cultural trends is crucial for developing relevant Sportstyle collections.

  • Sustainability Commitment: Salomon is committed to sustainability, which may influence design choices regarding materials and production processes.

  • Digital Integration: The company is actively promoting the adoption of modern digital tools and workflows to enhance creative and operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong mountain sports heritage is a key differentiator. The Sportstyle footwear line leverages this by infusing performance-inspired design and durable aesthetics into lifestyle products. The establishment of a new Creative Hub in Paris signifies a strategic move to tap into urban design talent and trends.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, overseeing a critical function within the Sportstyle footwear division. It represents a significant step up from individual contributor design roles, requiring strategic oversight, team leadership, and cross-functional influence. The role is positioned to shape the future direction of a key product category.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level executive within the Softgoods or Footwear division, such as a Director of Product or Head of Design. They will manage a team of designers, potentially including junior and senior roles, across two different locations.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's decisions have a direct impact on Salomon's revenue and market share within the highly competitive Sportstyle footwear segment. By defining the artistic direction and ensuring product consistency, they influence brand perception, consumer appeal, and ultimately, sales performance. Their ability to translate market trends into successful product lines is paramount.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader design leadership roles, overseeing multiple product categories or entire brand design functions within Amer Sports.

  • Strategic Product Development: Opportunities to contribute to higher-level product strategy, innovation roadmaps, and new market exploration.

  • Global Design Network: Exposure to and potential leadership within Salomon's global design operations, including international travel and collaboration with diverse teams.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, digital design transformation, or advanced material innovation within footwear.

  • Brand Management: Develop a strong understanding of brand equity and how design contributes to overall brand strategy, potentially leading to roles with broader brand responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for an experienced footwear designer looking to transition into a strategic leadership position. The dual location management and focus on bridging performance heritage with lifestyle trends offer unique challenges and significant growth potential within the dynamic sporting goods industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Paris within a "new Creative Hub." This suggests a modern, well-equipped office environment designed to foster creativity and collaboration. It is likely to be an open-plan or hybrid office layout, with dedicated spaces for design work, brainstorming, and team meetings.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. The specific location within Paris is not detailed, but as a Creative Hub, it is likely situated in an accessible area that attracts creative talent.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Design Space: The environment is expected to be conducive to creative collaboration, with ample space for sketching, mood boards, material libraries, and digital design tools.

  • Access to Modern Tools: As a "new Creative Hub," it is anticipated that the workspace will be equipped with state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and potentially digital prototyping tools.

  • International Team Interaction: The Paris office will likely house a diverse team, offering opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and learning, alongside collaboration with the Annecy-based design team.

  • Inspiration and Trend Immersion: Being based in Paris, a global fashion capital, provides direct access to urban culture, fashion trends, and inspirational environments relevant to Sportstyle footwear.

Work Schedule: While the core working hours are full-time (around 35-40 hours/week), the nature of the role, especially with international travel and the need to stay abreast of global trends and market events (like Fashion Weeks), implies a flexible and demanding schedule. The emphasis on leading teams across different sites also necessitates proactive time management and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "new Creative Hub" in Paris indicates a significant investment in the design function, suggesting a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced setting that blends creative exploration with rigorous operational demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications. Candidates with strong portfolios and relevant experience will be shortlisted.

  2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Manager's direct supervisor (e.g., Head of Design/Product) to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with the team's vision.

  3. Design Team & Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key members of the design team (both in Paris and Annecy) and representatives from related departments (e.g., Product Development, Marketing) to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the product lifecycle.

  4. Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting key projects, design process, and leadership experiences. A specific design challenge or case study related to Sportstyle footwear may be presented, requiring candidates to outline their strategic approach, design direction, and rationale.

  5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Product) to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in Sportstyle footwear design. Emphasize your role in defining vision, leading teams, and influencing product direction.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem or opportunity, your strategic approach, the creative process, the challenges faced, your leadership contribution, and the resulting business impact (e.g., market reception, sales performance, brand perception).

  • Highlight Process & Tools: Detail your design process, including how you utilize research, trend analysis, 2D/3D software, and collaboration tools. Demonstrate your understanding of modern digital workflows.

  • Showcase Team Management: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you have mentored, guided, or managed design teams, focusing on outcomes and team development.

  • Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you stay current with trends, your approach to managing diverse teams, and how you balance creative vision with business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Sportstyle Context: Deeply research Salomon's current Sportstyle offerings, competitor landscape, and emerging trends in sneaker culture, urban fashion, and athleisure.

  • Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to outline a design strategy for a hypothetical product line or collection, considering target audience, brand positioning, and market opportunities.

  • Process & Innovation: Think about how you would approach integrating new technologies or sustainable practices into the design process.

  • Leadership & Collaboration: Consider scenarios where you might need to guide a team through creative blocks, resolve conflicting design opinions, or collaborate with non-design departments.

  • Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, focusing on strategic rationale and potential business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review and case study are critical components. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design skills but also strategic leadership, an understanding of the business impact of design, and the ability to articulate complex ideas persuasively. The mention of "creative hub" and "new offices" suggests an emphasis on innovation and modern methodologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • 2D Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) is standard for concept development, mood boards, and final renderings.

  • 3D Design Software: Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering tools such as Rhino, Alias, Blender, or similar platforms is essential for visualizing and iterating on footwear designs.

  • PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: Familiarity with PLM software (e.g., Centric PLM, PTC FlexPLM) used for managing product data, specifications, and workflows throughout the development cycle.

  • Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing team tasks, deadlines, and project timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Trend Forecasting Platforms: Access to and utilization of platforms like WGSN, Fashion Snoops, or similar trend forecasting services for market insights.

  • Internal Sales & Market Data: Ability to interpret internal sales reports, market research data, and consumer feedback to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly managing CRM, an understanding of how design specifications feed into CRM or ERP systems for product management and sales is beneficial.

  • Familiarity with digital collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) for managing distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite" and "Strong command of Design software (2D/3D)." The emphasis on "modern tools: AI, digital design, innovative workflows" suggests that candidates with experience in or a strong aptitude for these emerging technologies will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Performance & Progression: A drive to push boundaries in both product performance and personal/team development, reflecting Salomon's heritage in demanding sports.

  • Innovation & Creativity: A culture that encourages new ideas, experimentation with materials and design techniques, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

  • Collaboration & Synergy: Strong emphasis on working together across functions and locations (Paris/Annecy), sharing knowledge, and supporting collective goals.

  • Brand Passion & Authenticity: A deep appreciation for mountain sports and an authentic connection to the brand's values and heritage, translated into Sportstyle products.

  • Sustainability & Responsibility: A commitment to making environmentally conscious choices in design and production processes.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Offer Management, Product Development, CMF, Marketing, and Sales to ensure designs are feasible, commercially viable, and align with brand strategy.

  • Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is openly exchanged, design challenges are discussed constructively, and ideas are shared freely across the Paris and Annecy teams.

  • Mentorship & Empowerment: A leadership style that empowers designers, encourages initiative, and provides constructive guidance for skill development and career progression.

  • Trend-Informed Dialogue: Regular discussions and knowledge sharing around emerging trends, cultural shifts, and consumer insights to keep the design direction relevant and forward-looking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated value of "Diversity" is crucial. The Design Manager will be responsible for fostering an inclusive environment for a team split across locations, likely with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing a Distributed Team: Effectively leading and inspiring a design team located across two sites (Paris and Annecy) requires strong communication, trust-building, and remote management strategies.

  • Balancing Heritage and Lifestyle: Translating Salomon's strong performance-oriented mountain sports heritage into relevant, fashionable Sportstyle footwear that appeals to urban consumers.

  • Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of fast-moving trends in sneaker culture, fashion, and urban aesthetics while maintaining brand integrity and long-term vision.

  • Integrating New Technologies: Successfully implementing and scaling the adoption of AI, digital design tools, and innovative workflows within a traditionally creative, yet often process-driven, department.

  • Global Market Nuances: Catering to diverse consumer preferences and market dynamics across Asia, Europe, and the US within the Sportstyle category.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to develop strategic leadership skills, manage larger teams, and influence global product strategies within Amer Sports.

  • Digital Design & Innovation: Deepen expertise in emerging design technologies, AI applications in design, and advanced digital prototyping techniques.

  • Brand Strategy & Management: Gain a comprehensive understanding of brand building, market positioning, and the role of design in driving brand equity.

  • Sustainability in Design: Opportunities to lead initiatives in sustainable material sourcing, eco-friendly design processes, and circular product development.

  • Industry Exposure: Attending global fashion weeks, trade shows, and market visits provides unparalleled exposure to the broader fashion and sports industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of managing a distributed team is significant and requires specific leadership competencies. The opportunity to blend deep heritage with cutting-edge lifestyle trends is a unique proposition for design leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your approach to defining and executing a design strategy for a lifestyle footwear category like Sportstyle. How would you ensure it aligns with Salomon's heritage and brand values?"

    • Preparation: Focus on your process for market analysis, trend forecasting, translating business objectives into creative briefs, and ensuring brand consistency.
  • "How would you lead and motivate a design team split between two locations (Paris and Annecy)? What communication and collaboration strategies would you implement?"

    • Preparation: Discuss your experience with remote team management, fostering team cohesion, utilizing digital collaboration tools, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all team members.
  • "Walk us through a time you successfully navigated the integration of new design tools or digital workflows into a creative team. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

    • Preparation: Be ready to share specific examples of implementing new technologies, focusing on change management, team buy-in, and the tangible benefits achieved.
  • "How do you balance the fast-paced nature of sneaker culture and fashion trends with the need for long-term artistic vision and product durability, especially for a brand with a performance heritage?"

    • Preparation: Articulate your understanding of trend forecasting, brand longevity, and how to create designs that are both timely and timeless, drawing on examples from your portfolio. Company & Culture Questions:
  • "What excites you most about Salomon's Sportstyle footwear and its position in the market?"

    • Preparation: Research Salomon's current Sportstyle offerings, its competitors, and the broader market. Show genuine enthusiasm and insight.
  • "How do you see your design philosophy contributing to Salomon's values, particularly regarding innovation, performance, and sustainability?"

    • Preparation: Align your personal design ethos with Salomon's stated values and demonstrate how you would embody these in your leadership and design decisions.
  • "Describe your experience working in diverse and international teams. How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative environment?"

    • Preparation: Provide examples of how you have successfully worked with and led individuals from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing respect and open communication. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
  • Structure Your Narrative: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically by project or thematically by skill (e.g., strategy, leadership, innovation).

  • Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic contribution, your leadership role, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your design decisions.

  • Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you guided teams, mentored designers, made critical decisions, or influenced product direction.

  • Demonstrate Process: Explain your design process, from initial concept and research to final execution, emphasizing how you utilize tools and collaborate with others.

  • Be Conversational and Engaging: Present confidently, be open to questions throughout, and engage in a dialogue rather than a monologue.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely involve a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit, in addition to design expertise. Candidates should prepare to discuss their management style, their vision for Sportstyle footwear, and how they integrate innovation into their work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects that demonstrate leadership in Sportstyle footwear design, strategic vision, and team management. Ensure it highlights your ability to blend urban aesthetics with brand heritage.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 10+ years of footwear design experience, your proven managerial skills, and your proficiency with 2D/3D design software and digital workflows. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, leadership impact, and strategic rationale. Be ready to articulate your vision for Salomon's Sportstyle footwear.

  • Research Salomon: Deeply understand Salomon's brand, its history, its current Sportstyle offerings, and its competitors. Familiarize yourself with Amer Sports' other brands as well.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 10 years of professional experience in footwear design and proven experience in managing creative teams. A Master's degree in Design is preferred, along with a strong understanding of sneaker culture and contemporary design methodologies.