Footwear Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Footwear Product Designer
Company: SCOTT Sports SA
Location: Giavera del Montello, Veneto, Italy
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Product Design / Footwear Design
Date Posted: 2025-10-24
Experience Level: 3+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of advanced, comprehensive product solutions for running & bike footwear collections, aligning with brand design philosophies and pushing industry innovation.
• Translate trend research, product development insights, and athlete feedback into compelling visual concepts, both physical and digital (2D/3D).
• Drive the entire product lifecycle from initial ideation and sketching to final product, ensuring cohesive design direction for target groups.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Managers, Developers, and Engineers to bring innovative footwear designs to life, integrating new technologies and manufacturing techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on footwear product design within the sports industry, specifically for running and biking categories. The emphasis is on innovation, performance, and cohesive collection development, requiring a strong blend of creative ideation and technical execution. The "advanced, comprehensive product solutions" implies a need for a designer who can think holistically about product, performance, and aesthetics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all design aspects for running and bike footwear collections, encompassing trend research, concept ideation, product development, and final product realization.
• Develop compelling visual concepts through sketching, design renderings, and 3D tooling designs that challenge performance boundaries.
• Coordinate design resources to establish a unique and cohesive footwear design direction tailored to specific target audiences.
• Gather insights through observation, product testing, and close collaboration with athletes and end-users to ensure designs meet real-world performance needs.
• Drive 3D development coordination and ensure alignment of footwear collections with apparel and sock offerings.
• Partner effectively with Footwear Product Managers, Developers, and Engineers throughout the product creation process.
• Lead the creation of cohesive collection overviews and dynamic colorway strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and manufacturing techniques, integrating them into future product designs to create innovative technology platforms.
• Collaborate with other Designers to develop shared toolbox solutions, including new technologies, construction techniques, and features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design ownership, from strategic trend analysis and concept generation to detailed 3D development and cross-functional team collaboration. The emphasis on "pushing performance boundaries" and "innovative technology platforms" indicates a need for a designer who is not only creative but also technically forward-thinking and results-oriented.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Product or Industrial Design, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: A minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience in product design, specifically within footwear.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional conceptual thinking and visual communication abilities.
• Proven skills in sketching, ideation, color theory, proportions, visual presentation, and layout.
• Extensive experience with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, composites, 3D printing, textiles).
• Technical proficiency in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and 3D modeling software (Solidworks, Rhino, or similar).
• Strong understanding of contemporary sports and fashion culture, trends, and consumer insights.
• Excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team player, take direction, and mentor junior team members.
• Proactive approach to identifying issues, seeking optimal solutions, and demonstrating commitment to quality.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the running and biking footwear segments.
• Familiarity with advanced 3D rendering software.
• Additional language proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative design acumen, technical expertise in materials and software, and a deep understanding of the sports industry. The requirement for 3+ years of hands-on experience suggests a mid-level role where candidates are expected to contribute independently and potentially mentor others. Proficiency in both Adobe Suite and specific 3D modeling software is crucial for translating concepts into manufacturable designs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of footwear design projects, highlighting the full product development lifecycle from concept to final product.
• Include detailed case studies demonstrating your ideation process, sketching techniques, 2D/3D renderings, and material/manufacturing considerations.
• Present examples of how you've incorporated trend research, athlete insights, and performance needs into your designs.
• Feature projects that demonstrate your ability to create cohesive collection overviews and dynamic colorways.
• Highlight your proficiency with Adobe Suite and 3D modeling software (Solidworks, Rhino, etc.) through visual examples of your work.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of footwear manufacturing processes (injection molding, composites, 3D printing, textiles) and how they inform design decisions.
• Illustrate your approach to cross-functional collaboration, particularly with Product Managers, Developers, and Engineers, to bring designs to fruition.
• Provide examples of how you've stayed current with new technologies and manufacturing techniques and applied them to product innovation.
• Showcase your ability to analyze market trends and consumer insights to drive design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, acting as tangible proof of design capability. It should not only display aesthetic skills but also the strategic thinking, technical knowledge, and collaborative approach required to develop successful footwear products. The emphasis on process documentation within the portfolio suggests a need to articulate how designs were developed, not just what was designed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Footwear Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in Italy, a salary range of €35,000 - €55,000 annually is estimated. This range can vary based on specific experience, negotiation, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off, including vacation days and public holidays.
• Potential for employee discounts on SCOTT Sports products.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Contribution to a pension scheme.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on average compensation data for similar roles in the Veneto region of Italy, considering the experience level and industry. Benefits are typical for full-time positions in established companies within the European sporting goods sector. The "on-site" work arrangement means standard office hours are expected, but project-driven flexibility is common in design roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods / Outdoor Apparel & Equipment. SCOTT Sports SA is a prominent player in the global sports industry, known for its innovation in cycling, winter sports, running, and motorsports.
Company Size: SCOTT Sports SA is a medium to large enterprise, employing several hundred to a few thousand individuals globally. This size typically offers a balance between structured processes and opportunities for individual impact.
Founded: SCOTT Sports was founded in 1958, bringing decades of experience and heritage to its product development and brand positioning. This long history suggests a culture that values expertise, quality, and a deep understanding of athletic performance.

Team Structure:

• The Footwear Product Design team likely operates within a broader Product Development or Design department.
• Designers will report to a Design Manager or Head of Footwear Design.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Developers, Engineers, Marketing, and Sales teams.
• The team structure likely fosters cross-functional synergy to ensure design concepts are technically feasible, market-relevant, and commercially successful.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by trend research, market analysis, athlete feedback, and product testing.
• Iterative design processes, involving concept development, prototyping, testing, and refinement.
• Emphasis on innovation and pushing the boundaries of performance and technology.
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and idea generation.
• Focus on creating cohesive collections that integrate across different product lines (e.g., footwear with apparel).

Company Website: https://www.scott-sports.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SCOTT Sports SA's established presence and diverse product lines suggest a professional environment that values performance, innovation, and a passion for sports. The company size indicates that while there are established processes, individual contributions are likely recognized and impactful. The culture likely embraces a commitment to quality and athletic excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level Product Designer position. It requires significant practical experience and the ability to work independently on complex design challenges, while also contributing to team goals and potentially mentoring junior designers.
Reporting Structure: The Footwear Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Designer, Design Lead, or Head of Footwear Design. They will work closely with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Development, Engineering, and Marketing.
Operations Impact: The Footwear Product Designer has a direct impact on the company's product innovation, brand perception, and market competitiveness. Successful designs contribute to revenue generation, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty by meeting consumer needs for performance, style, and durability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific footwear categories (e.g., performance running, trail running, cycling) or specific design areas (e.g., 3D modeling, material innovation).
• Senior Designer/Lead Designer: Progress to leading design projects, managing design teams, and having greater strategic input on collection direction.
• Product Management: Transition into a Product Management role, leveraging design expertise to define product strategy and roadmaps.
• Innovation/R&D: Move into roles focused on pioneering new technologies and materials for future product lines.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Explore opportunities in areas like brand marketing or sports marketing, applying design thinking to broader business initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Footwear Product Designer at a company like SCOTT Sports SA typically involves advancing within the design discipline or leveraging design expertise for broader product and business roles. The emphasis on innovation and performance within the company culture provides fertile ground for continuous learning and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based on-site at the company's offices in Giavera del Montello, Italy, likely within a modern, well-equipped design studio environment.
Office Location(s): Giavera del Montello, Province of Treviso, Veneto, Italy. This location is part of a region known for its strong industrial and manufacturing base, particularly in sports equipment.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative design studio setting with access to physical prototyping tools, material libraries, and digital workstations.
• Opportunities for hands-on interaction with product samples, prototypes, and manufacturing equipment.
• Regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, product developers, engineers, and product managers.
• A dynamic environment driven by product launch cycles and seasonal collections.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (e.g., 40 hours per week) is expected, with potential for project-driven adjustments to meet deadlines. The on-site nature facilitates direct collaboration and access to resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Giavera del Montello suggests a hands-on, collaborative work environment typical of product development teams in the sporting goods industry. Proximity to manufacturing and development resources is likely a key aspect of the workspace, facilitating the design process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a detailed walkthrough of a past project from their portfolio, focusing on problem-solving, ideation, and technical execution.
• Technical Interview: Discussion of materials, manufacturing processes, software proficiency, and understanding of performance requirements.
• Team & Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with the design team, product managers, and developers to evaluate collaborative skills and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, passion for the brand, and overall alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest footwear design projects that best represent your skills in ideation, 3D modeling, material application, and understanding of performance.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem/brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the final outcome. Use visuals extensively.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly showcase your sketching, rendering, 3D modeling (Solidworks/Rhino), and material knowledge within your project examples.
• Demonstrate Footwear Expertise: For this role, prioritize projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of footwear construction, anatomy, and performance characteristics for running and biking.
• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you collaborated with engineers or product managers to bring designs to fruition.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly analyze the target user, product category, and any technical constraints.
• Sketching & Ideation: Be prepared to rapidly sketch concepts and articulate your thought process.
• Material & Process Awareness: Think about how materials and manufacturing methods would impact your design.
• Presentation: Practice presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and visually. Be ready to justify your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio to demonstrate practical design skills and problem-solving abilities. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design philosophy, technical knowledge, and collaborative approach throughout the interview stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop (for rendering, image manipulation), Illustrator (for vector graphics, line drawings), InDesign (for presentations).
• 3D Modeling Software: Solidworks, Rhino (or similar CAD software) for creating precise 3D models, tooling designs, and digital prototypes.
• Rendering Software: Potential use of Keyshot or similar for high-quality product visualizations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, designers may use market research tools or internal sales data to inform design decisions and track product performance post-launch.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design role, but understanding how product information flows into PDM/PLM systems and ERPs can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and specific 3D modeling and rendering software is a core technical requirement for this role. The ability to create detailed digital assets is essential for communication with manufacturing and product development teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Constantly seeking new ideas, technologies, and approaches to create cutting-edge footwear.
• Performance Excellence: A commitment to designing products that enhance athletic performance and meet the rigorous demands of athletes.
• Quality & Durability: Upholding high standards for product quality, material integrity, and long-term performance.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared freely and cross-functional partnerships are valued.
• Passion for Sport: A genuine enthusiasm for cycling, running, and other sports that drives a deep understanding of user needs and product appeal.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with product managers to align designs with market needs and business objectives.
• Technical Partnership: Collaborating with developers and engineers to ensure designs are manufacturable and perform as intended.
• Open Feedback: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is given and received openly to refine designs.
• Shared Vision: Contributing to a collective vision for product collections that are cohesive and appealing to the target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely revolves around a passion for sports, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to quality. The collaborative style emphasizes teamwork and open communication to achieve high-performance product outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Designing cutting-edge products that are also manufacturable within budget and timeline constraints.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously anticipating and adapting to rapidly evolving sports and fashion trends.
• Meeting Diverse Performance Needs: Designing footwear that excels across different disciplines (running, biking) and user types.
• Global Market Demands: Catering to the varied preferences and requirements of a global customer base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Attending events to stay updated on the latest footwear technologies, materials, and design trends.
• Material & Manufacturing Workshops: Participating in training sessions to deepen knowledge of new production techniques and material science.
• Advanced Software Training: Pursuing certifications or advanced training in 3D modeling, rendering, or other relevant design software.
• Mentorship Programs: Learning from senior designers and industry veterans within SCOTT Sports SA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to product design in a fast-paced, competitive industry. Growth opportunities are geared towards continuous skill enhancement, staying at the forefront of industry advancements, and developing expertise within specialized areas of footwear design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new running shoe from concept to prototype." (Focus on ideation, material selection, performance considerations, and collaboration.)
• "How do you balance creative freedom with the technical and commercial constraints of product development?" (Highlight your problem-solving approach and ability to compromise effectively.)
• "Walk us through a challenging footwear design project from your portfolio. What were the key obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to articulate complex processes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about SCOTT Sports SA's product line, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand?" (Research the company's history, mission, and recent product launches.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers who may have different priorities?" (Showcase your communication skills and ability to find common ground.)
• "Where do you see the future of footwear design heading, particularly in running and cycling?" (Demonstrate your forward-thinking perspective and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the brief/problem, present your ideation and concept development, detail your execution (sketches, 3D, materials), and conclude with the final outcome and learnings.
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images, renderings, and diagrams. Ensure your 3D models are presented effectively.
• Concise Explanations: Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions rather than just the "what."
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss materials, manufacturing processes, and performance benefits in detail.
• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for footwear design and the SCOTT Sports brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of creativity, technical skill, and collaborative aptitude. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the footwear industry, specifically for running and biking categories.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Footwear Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive design portfolio through the SCOTT Sports SA careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight footwear design projects, emphasizing your experience with running and biking categories, and showcasing your skills in sketching, 3D modeling (Solidworks/Rhino), and material application.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 3+ years of direct footwear design experience, relevant software proficiencies, and any specific achievements in product innovation or performance enhancement.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and your understanding of footwear manufacturing and materials. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss past projects in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SCOTT Sports SA's brand, product range, design philosophy, and recent innovations to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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