Lead Designer - Footwear (3 days per week, 9 month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer - Footwear (9 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Company: Vivienne Westwood

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Operations / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of Footwear collections, ensuring alignment with seasonal creative direction and brand standards.

• Drive innovation and commercial success through concept development, technical specification, and material research within the footwear domain.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration, acting as a key liaison between design, merchandising, and production teams.

• Enhance design processes and workflows to improve efficiency, clarity, and consistency across the Accessories Design team.

• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of seasonal footwear ranges, balancing creative vision with market relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a "Lead Designer," the context of "Design Operations" is inferred due to the emphasis on process improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and the delivery of products within defined timelines and commercial objectives, which are core to operations functions within a creative industry. The fixed-term nature and maternity cover aspect also highlight a need for immediate operational efficiency and robust process management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and development of Footwear collections for Men's and Women's categories, from initial concept ideation through to final product approval, in strict adherence to the Design Director's seasonal creative briefs.

• Generate compelling design concepts, detailed sketches, mock-ups, and precise technical specifications, ensuring the highest standards of creativity, technical accuracy, and brand integrity are met for sampling and production.

• Guarantee that all footwear designs meet stringent creative, technical, quality, and brand requirements before their submission for further development.

• Cultivate design consistency and cohesion across all Footwear product lines, supporting clear seasonal narratives and a unified collection aesthetic.

• Conduct comprehensive research for Footwear collections, leveraging the Vivienne Westwood archive, brand heritage, global fashion trends, innovative materials, and competitor analysis to inform design direction.

• Develop seasonal concepts, influential mood boards, and compelling narratives that effectively communicate and support the footwear design vision.

• Actively participate in range planning discussions with the Merchandising team, ensuring that collections are strategically balanced, commercially viable, and perfectly aligned with seasonal design briefs.

• Prepare and deliver impactful commercial and technical presentations, utilizing Photoshop visuals, detailed commentary, proto-retouching, layouts, and comprehensive technical documentation to effectively communicate design concepts and final developments to Directors and internal stakeholders.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Footwear-related matters within the broader Accessories Design team, providing expert guidance, constructive feedback, and essential support throughout the entire design and development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the prioritization and optimization of workflow within the design team, ensuring the efficient delivery of seasonal deadlines and adapting to evolving business requirements.

• Proactively identify and implement improvements to existing design processes, templates, and working methodologies to enhance overall team efficiency, clarity, and consistency.

• Lead and manage special projects, high-profile collaborations, and footwear design initiatives specifically for fashion shows, as required by the brand's strategic objectives.

• Undertake any other ad hoc tasks or responsibilities as reasonably requested to meet the operational demands of the role and the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational aspects of design leadership, such as managing workflows, process improvement, and cross-functional liaison, which are critical for a "Lead" role and for a fixed-term contract where immediate impact is key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Fashion Design, Footwear Design, or a related creative field is highly advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in footwear design, with a significant portion of that time spent in a lead or senior design capacity within the fashion industry. Demonstrable experience in managing the full design lifecycle from concept to production is essential.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in hand sketching, translating creative ideas into tangible visual concepts.

• Expert-level skills in CAD software for footwear design and development.

• Competency in 3D design software such as CLO 3D, for virtual prototyping and visualization.

• Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for visual presentations, mood boards, and technical drawings.

• Proven expertise in developing detailed technical specifications for footwear, ensuring accuracy for manufacturing.

• Strong technical knowledge of footwear construction methodologies, materials science, and global production processes.

• A deep understanding of the complete design and development lifecycle, from initial concept ideation through to final product delivery and sampling.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to and effectively shape creative direction, resulting in innovative, brand-aligned, and commercially successful product outcomes.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a proven capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet stringent deadlines within fast-paced seasonal timelines.

• Confident and articulate communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts and development updates clearly and persuasively to senior management and internal stakeholders.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse departments and international teams, fostering alignment, facilitating problem-solving, and ensuring efficient project delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious material sourcing within footwear design.

• Familiarity with archive research methodologies and leveraging historical design elements.

• Knowledge of global footwear trends and market intelligence gathering.

• Experience in leading or contributing to footwear showpiece design and development.

• Proficiency in CLO 3D for advanced virtual prototyping and fit analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level has been inferred from the "Lead Designer" title and the responsibilities, aligning with typical mid-to-senior level roles in fashion design. The emphasis on technical skills and lifecycle management suggests a need for someone who can hit the ground running.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of the footwear design lifecycle, from initial concept sketches to finalized technical packs.

• Evidence of innovative design thinking and the ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products.

• Examples of technical specifications and construction details demonstrating a deep understanding of footwear manufacturing processes.

• Case studies highlighting successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., merchandising, production) to bring designs to market.

• Visuals demonstrating proficiency in CAD, CLO 3D, and Adobe Creative Suite, applied to footwear design challenges. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to documenting design processes, including workflow mapping and the creation of templates for technical specifications and mood boards.

• The ability to articulate how they have improved design workflows for efficiency and clarity will be highly valued.

• Examples of how they have utilized system-based approaches for managing design feedback and approvals will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead" title and emphasis on process improvement, a strong portfolio demonstrating not just design output but also process ownership and efficiency is expected. This section outlines what a compelling operations-focused design portfolio might include.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum (pro-rated for a 3-day week)

Benefits:

• Staff discounts on Vivienne Westwood products.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing support, including:

  • Private Medical Health Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Gym Discounts
  • Access to Financial Planning Services

• Perkbox platform offering a wide range of discounts and a Wellness Hub.

• Cycle to Work scheme, promoting sustainable commuting.

• Generous annual leave allowance (pro-rated for a 3-day week).

• Pension Scheme contributions.

• Opportunities for training and hands-on experience to develop new skills and gain valuable industry knowledge.

Working Hours: This is a full-time role, but it is structured as a 3-day per week position over a 9-month fixed-term contract. Specific working days will be agreed upon with the successful candidate, offering some flexibility within the operational needs of the Design team. The standard full-time equivalent is approximately 40 hours per week, so this role would typically involve around 24 hours of work per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary has been directly extracted and pro-rated for the 3-day week. The working hours have been clarified to reflect the 3-day per week structure within a full-time contract context. The pro-rating for benefits like annual leave has been noted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Fashion Retail and Manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on heritage, innovation, and activism. Vivienne Westwood is a globally recognized brand known for its distinctive design aesthetic and commitment to sustainability and social causes.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Vivienne Westwood is a well-established international fashion house, suggesting a medium to large organization with dedicated departments for design, merchandising, production, and retail. This implies a structured environment where operational efficiency is crucial for success.

Founded: Vivienne Westwood was founded in 1971, giving it a rich heritage and a deep archive of design inspiration. This history contributes to a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Footwear Designer will be part of the Accessories Design team, reporting to the Head of Design and working closely with the Design Director.

• This team likely collaborates extensively with Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and Production departments to ensure seamless execution of designs.

• The role requires interaction with international teams, indicating a global operational footprint. Methodology:

• Vivienne Westwood's design process is characterized by a blend of creative exploration, archival research, trend analysis, and rigorous technical development.

• The company emphasizes quality over quantity and is committed to sustainable practices, which influences material selection and production methods.

• Data-driven insights from merchandising and commercial performance are integrated into range planning and design decisions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferences about company size and team structure are made based on the brand's global recognition and the nature of the fashion industry. The core values (Gaia, Quality not Quantity, Activism, Culture & Heritage) are integrated to explain the operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the design function, specifically leading footwear design. It requires a blend of advanced creative skills and strong operational management capabilities, focusing on delivering projects within defined parameters and contributing to process improvements.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer - Footwear will report directly to the Head of Design and work closely with the Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchy and direct influence on seasonal collections. They will also act as a lead for footwear within the broader Accessories Design team, implying a degree of team coordination or mentorship.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the commercial success and brand integrity of Vivienne Westwood's footwear collections. Effective design delivery, adherence to brand standards, and efficient process management are critical for meeting sales targets, managing production timelines, and upholding the brand's reputation for quality and innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in footwear design, materials, and 3D design technologies.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Contribute significantly to refining and optimizing design workflows, potentially leading to broader operational roles within the design department.

• Project Leadership: Gain experience managing complex projects, including collaborations and show collections, which can prepare for larger design leadership roles.

• Brand Insight: Develop a profound understanding of a heritage luxury brand's operational and creative nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Growth Opportunities" section focuses on how this design role can contribute to an operations-oriented career path, emphasizing process, project management, and strategic contribution rather than just creative output.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Vivienne Westwood Head Office in London. This implies a professional, design-focused studio environment.

Office Location(s): 9 Elcho Street, London, SW11 4AU, United Kingdom. This location is in Battersea, South West London.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with other designers, merchandisers, and product developers.

• Access to design tools, software, and potentially material libraries is assumed.

• The hybrid nature (3 days in office) suggests a balance between collaborative in-office work and focused remote work.

Work Schedule: The role is a 9-month fixed-term contract, working 3 days per week. While the core hours will align with business needs, the hybrid model offers some flexibility. The demanding nature of fashion seasons means that adherence to deadlines is critical, even within a part-time structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" and "Work Schedule" are framed to highlight how the environment supports operational efficiency and collaboration, crucial for a hybrid, part-time role in a fast-paced industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess design skills, technical knowledge, and relevant experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the Head of Design or a senior member of the design team to discuss design philosophy, technical expertise, and previous project experience.

• Second Interview/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their approach to footwear design challenges, and potentially undertake a small design task or case study related to concept development or technical specification. This stage will assess creative thinking, technical acumen, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Design Director or a senior executive, focusing on cultural fit, alignment with brand values, and strategic contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Footwear: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest footwear design projects, showcasing a range of styles and technical complexities.

• Demonstrate Process: Include examples of your design process, from initial sketches and mood boards to CAD renderings, technical packs, and material selections. Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project.

• Highlight Technicality: Showcase your understanding of footwear construction, materials, and production methods. Detailed technical specifications are crucial.

• Show Commercial Viability: Include designs that demonstrate an understanding of market trends and commercial appeal, alongside creative innovation.

• Address Brand Alignment: Research Vivienne Westwood's aesthetic, heritage, and values. Tailor your presentation to show how your design approach aligns with the brand.

• Prepare for a Case Study: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a specific footwear design brief, considering concept, technical execution, and commercial objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Interpretation: Practice dissecting and interpreting design briefs to ensure all requirements are met.

• Concept Generation: Be prepared to brainstorm and articulate creative concepts quickly.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about footwear construction, material sourcing, and manufacturing challenges.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and design ideas concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review sections are tailored to a design role but emphasize the operational aspects expected of a "Lead" position, such as process understanding and strategic contribution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for visual presentations, mood boards, technical drawings, and retouching (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• CAD Software: For creating precise 2D and 3D footwear designs and technical drawings.

• CLO 3D: For advanced 3D design, virtual prototyping, fit analysis, and creating realistic renderings.

• Hand Sketching: Fundamental for initial concept ideation and conveying design intent.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how to interpret sales data, trend reports, and merchandising feedback will be crucial for range planning and commercial alignment. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets and specifications are managed within PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) or PDM (Product Data Management) systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific design software and tools relevant to footwear design, with a nod to how data might inform the design process indirectly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality over Quantity: A core principle that emphasizes craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design over fast fashion cycles. This translates operationally into meticulous attention to detail and a focus on long-term product value.

• Activism & Sustainability: Vivienne Westwood is deeply committed to environmental and social causes. This influences material sourcing, production methods, and brand messaging, requiring designers to be mindful of ethical considerations in their work.

• Culture & Heritage: Respect for the brand's rich history and its role in subcultures and fashion movements. Designers are expected to draw inspiration from this heritage while innovating for the future.

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push boundaries and create distinctive, avant-garde designs that challenge norms. This requires a culture that encourages experimentation and bold ideas.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with merchandising, product development, and production teams to ensure designs are feasible, commercially viable, and efficiently produced.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture of constructive feedback exchange is essential for refining designs and resolving technical challenges throughout the development process.

• Global Alignment: Working with international teams requires clear communication and an understanding of diverse market needs and operational contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" are directly linked to the company's stated core values, explaining their practical application in a design and development context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Heritage with Modern Trends: Effectively drawing inspiration from the Vivienne Westwood archive while creating contemporary, commercially relevant footwear designs.

• Technical Complexity of Footwear: Navigating the intricate construction, material science, and manufacturing processes inherent to footwear design.

• Fixed-Term Contract Pressure: Delivering high-quality work and making a significant impact within a 9-month timeframe, especially as maternity cover.

• Hybrid Work Coordination: Maintaining seamless communication and workflow efficiency while working a hybrid schedule.

• Sustainability Integration: Increasingly incorporating sustainable materials and practices into designs while meeting aesthetic and performance standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Footwear Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of advanced footwear construction techniques, material innovations, and sustainable sourcing.

• Brand Heritage Immersion: Becoming an expert on the Vivienne Westwood archive and its influence on design.

• Process Optimization Experience: Contributing to and learning from the refinement of design and development workflows within a luxury fashion house.

• Cross-Functional Project Exposure: Working closely with diverse teams to understand the end-to-end product lifecycle from a commercial and operational perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to highlight operational hurdles and growth areas relevant to a design professional stepping into a role with significant process and deadline responsibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a footwear collection from initial concept to final spec, referencing a past project where you managed this lifecycle." (Focus on process, documentation, and stakeholder management.)

• "How would you balance Vivienne Westwood's iconic heritage with the need for contemporary, commercially successful footwear designs?" (Focus on brand understanding and strategic design thinking.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to collaborate with merchandising or production to overcome a design or technical challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Quality not Quantity' mean to you in the context of footwear design and production?" (Focus on understanding core values and operational implications.)

• "How do you integrate sustainability considerations into your design process?" (Focus on brand activism and ethical production.)

• "What excites you most about the Vivienne Westwood brand and its design ethos?" (Focus on cultural fit and genuine interest.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story, guiding the interviewers through your design journey for each project.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 strong footwear projects that best demonstrate your skills in concept development, technical execution, and commercial awareness.

• Emphasize Process and Collaboration: Clearly articulate your role, the process you followed, and how you collaborated with others in each case study. Use visuals to show technical specs and mood boards.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention the commercial success or positive feedback received for your designs.

• Brand Resonance: Conclude by explaining how your design approach aligns with Vivienne Westwood's aesthetic and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe operational thinking, process management, and brand alignment, crucial for a lead role in a structured environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design operations position:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a compelling portfolio, through the provided link on the Vivienne Westwood careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight your footwear design expertise, showcasing projects that demonstrate your ability to manage the full design lifecycle from concept to technical specification. Include examples of process documentation and collaborative efforts.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience in footwear design, your proficiency with relevant software (Adobe Suite, CAD, CLO 3D), and any experience in process improvement or cross-functional project leadership. Use keywords relevant to design operations and product development.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, technical knowledge, and collaborative experiences. Prepare specific examples for strategic, technical, and cultural fit questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is concise, impactful, and clearly demonstrates your operational capabilities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Vivienne Westwood's brand history, core values (especially sustainability and activism), and recent collections. Understand their design philosophy and how your skills can contribute to their ongoing success.

⚠️ 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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