Senior Footwear Designer / Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Footwear Designer / Design Director

Company: Vida Shoes International

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end creation of seasonal footwear collections, from initial creative concepts through to final approved prototypes, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and market demands.

• Drive design innovation by conducting thorough trend forecasting and market research, translating insights into competitive product lines that meet customer business needs and internal margin expectations.

• Develop detailed technical specifications, including sketches (hand, Illustrator, CAD/AI) and tech packs, for overseas manufacturing teams, ensuring clarity and accuracy in production.

• Foster a collaborative environment, working cross-functionally with Product Development, Sales, Production, and Licensor Merchandising teams to build cohesive and commercially viable collections.

• Present seasonal collections, trend insights, and strategic viewpoints with confidence and clarity to senior management, licensing partners, sales teams, and retail clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Design Director," the responsibilities lean towards a senior design role with leadership potential within the design function, rather than a broad operational director overseeing multiple departments. The emphasis on hands-on design, technical packs, and prototype development points to a senior individual contributor or team lead within the design department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development of comprehensive seasonal footwear lines, guiding the process from initial creative concept ideation to the finalization of approved prototypes.

• Execute detailed footwear designs using hand sketching and digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator, CAD, and AI, generating precise specifications and tech packs for overseas manufacturing partners.

• Contribute to the strategic vision for the product line by identifying and integrating competitive product strategies, quality components, and emerging trend concepts that align with brand objectives.

• Conduct in-depth design forecasting and continuous market trend research to identify opportunities and inform seasonal collections, ensuring relevance and commercial appeal.

• Actively shop for inspirational designs and analyze the competitive landscape each season to inform creative direction and product differentiation.

• Collaborate with the design team to curate and organize seasonal color palettes, prints, and material selections, ensuring a cohesive and trend-aligned aesthetic.

• Develop and present mood boards and trend boards to effectively communicate seasonal themes and design directions during team proto review meetings.

• Deliver compelling and confident presentations of product lines, trend insights, and strategic viewpoints to senior management, licensing partners, sales teams, and key retailers.

• Manage effective communication and coordination with overseas offices and manufacturing facilities to ensure seamless product development and production processes.

• Undertake necessary travel to overseas factories for product development, fit sessions, and manufacturing oversight as required.

• Write detailed production specifications and actively assist in fit approvals to ensure the successful commercialization of footwear designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on the entire product lifecycle from concept to commercialization, with a significant component of cross-functional collaboration and external stakeholder communication. The mention of "internal margin expectations" suggests a need to balance creative design with commercial viability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: College design degree highly preferred.

Experience: 8+ years of footwear design experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in footwear design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the design process from concept to prototype.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating detailed sketches, illustrations, and design mock-ups.

• Strong hand sketching abilities, capable of quickly translating ideas into visual concepts.

• Experience in creating detailed tech packs and production specifications for footwear manufacturing.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct market research and design forecasting to identify and interpret fashion trends.

• Solid understanding of synthetic materials and leathers used in footwear construction.

• Technical aptitude for fit correction and understanding of footwear construction principles.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain a high level of attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, for communication, data management, and presentation preparation.

• A definitive fashion sense coupled with a passion for trends and the ability to translate these into commercially viable designs for a broad audience.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and execute effectively in a highly fluid and fast-paced work environment.

• Strong self-motivation, a driven work ethic, and the capacity to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CAD systems, with knowledge of AI technology being a significant advantage.

• Familiarity with the development process and experience working directly with overseas factories and international customers.

• Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to senior management, licensing teams, sales departments, and retailers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative talent, technical design proficiency, market awareness, and strong communication and organizational abilities. The preference for CAD/AI and overseas factory experience suggests a role that values both creative execution and practical manufacturing knowledge. The "8+ Years" experience level indicates a need for someone who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and potentially mentor junior designers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 8 years of professional footwear design experience, highlighting a diverse range of projects and design styles.

• Demonstrations of the complete design lifecycle, from initial concept sketches and mood boards to detailed tech packs, material specifications, and final product renderings.

• Case studies of successful product lines or individual shoe designs, illustrating the design process, market considerations, and commercial outcomes.

• Examples of technical drawings and specifications created for overseas manufacturing, showcasing accuracy and clarity in communicating design intent.

• Evidence of trend research and forecasting, including how insights were translated into tangible design proposals and collections.

• Visuals of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., product development, sales) and how design decisions were influenced by business needs and margin expectations.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of the footwear development process, including stages like ideation, prototyping, fit sessions, and commercialization.

• Showcase the ability to create and manage detailed tech packs and production specifications, reflecting a structured approach to design documentation.

• Include examples that illustrate how market research and trend analysis were integrated into the design workflow, demonstrating a systematic approach to design strategy.

• Evidence of collaboration with overseas factories, potentially through documentation of communication protocols or problem-solving scenarios related to manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to present a robust collection of work that not only displays creative talent but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the end-to-end footwear development process, technical execution, market relevance, and collaborative capabilities. The "Senior" and "Director" aspects imply a need for strategic thinking and leadership examples within the portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $130,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Vida Shoes International offers a comprehensive benefits package, which typically includes:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Providing robust coverage for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off: Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, to support work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) plan, often with a company match, to support long-term financial planning.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance, reflecting a commitment to rewarding success.

• Employee Discount Programs: On company products, offering value to employees.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including training, workshops, and potential for conferences to support career growth in footwear design.

Working Hours: Full-time employment, likely aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM EST) with flexibility expected for project deadlines and overseas communication needs. The role is designated as "ON SITE," requiring the employee to work from the New York office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($80,000 - $130,000 USD) is typical for a Senior Footwear Designer or Design Director in a major metropolitan area like New York City, reflecting the experience level and responsibilities. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US apparel/footwear industry, with an emphasis on health and financial planning. The "ON SITE" designation is crucial, indicating no remote work option.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Footwear Manufacturing and Design. Vida Shoes International has been a significant player in the footwear industry since 1973, focusing on designing, producing, and marketing quality branded footwear through extensive international resources. This longevity suggests a stable, established company culture that values experience and market knowledge.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the mention of "expansive international resources" and working with "overseas factories" implies a medium to large-sized enterprise with a global operational footprint.

Founded: 1973. This long history indicates deep industry experience and established processes within the company.

Team Structure:

• The role will collaborate closely with Product Development, the Sales Team, Production, and Licensor's Merchandising teams, suggesting a matrixed or highly cross-functional team structure.

• The Senior Footwear Designer / Design Director will likely lead or be a key member of the design team, working alongside other designers and potentially reporting to a Head of Design or Product Management.

Methodology:

• Design is driven by a combination of creative concept, market trend research, and commercial viability ("internal margin expectations," "customer's business needs").

• Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on working effectively with internal departments and external licensors/retailers.

• Production relies on established international resources and overseas factories, requiring strong communication and process management for global supply chains.

• A growth-minded perspective is sought, indicating a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.

Company Website: [Vida Shoes International Company URL] (Assuming it's vidagroup.com based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of established industry expertise and a forward-looking approach, valuing both creative innovation and strong commercial acumen. The emphasis on collaboration and international operations is a key characteristic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Footwear Designer / Design Director, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires substantial experience (8+ years) and the ability to lead design initiatives, develop seasonal collections, and present strategic concepts. The "Director" aspect suggests potential leadership responsibilities within the design function or a path towards higher leadership roles.

Reporting Structure: The role requires collaboration with various teams (Product Development, Sales, Production, Licensor Merchandising) and the ability to present to senior management. This suggests the designer will report to a higher-level design manager or director, and will be responsible for guiding design projects that involve multiple stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Senior Footwear Designer / Design Director has a significant impact on revenue by creating commercially successful footwear lines that meet market demands and brand objectives. Their ability to forecast trends, develop appealing designs, and ensure product quality directly influences sales performance, brand perception, and profitability through margin expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to advance into a full Design Director role, overseeing larger teams and strategic design direction across multiple brands or categories.

• Product Strategy: Opportunity to influence broader product strategy by leveraging market insights and design expertise to shape future collections and brand positioning.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop deeper expertise in product development, sales strategy, and international production, opening doors to roles in product management or global operations.

• Trend Innovation: Become a recognized authority on footwear trends and design innovation within the company, potentially leading R&D initiatives.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior designers, honing leadership and team-building skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" and "Director" titles suggest a role with significant responsibility and a clear path for career advancement within the product design and development sphere of the footwear industry. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and strategic input points to opportunities for broader business impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description explicitly states "(ON SITE)" and that the role is based in New York. This indicates a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): New York, New York (Postal Code: 10007). This is a prime location in Manhattan, likely offering a dynamic and collaborative workspace within a major fashion and business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with various internal teams (Design, Product Development, Sales, Production) and external partners (Licensors, Retailers), suggesting an open or team-oriented workspace designed to facilitate communication and brainstorming.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite, CAD/AI) and potentially physical resources for sketching, material samples, and trend research will be available.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow designers, product developers, sales representatives, and management is expected, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

• Industry Exposure: Being located in New York City provides proximity to industry events, trade shows, and potential for networking within the broader fashion and footwear ecosystem.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours are expected (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM), but the nature of design and global production may require flexibility to meet deadlines, attend international calls, or prepare for presentations. The "ON SITE" requirement means a consistent presence in the New York office is mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is clearly on-site in New York City, emphasizing collaboration and access to creative tools. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced, interactive setting typical of a design-focused role within the fashion industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with job requirements.

• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a presentation of selected work, to evaluate design aesthetic, technical capabilities, trend interpretation, and process understanding. This stage will likely involve key members of the design and product development teams.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with representatives from Sales, Product Development, and Production teams to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate design with business and manufacturing needs.

• Leadership/Management Interview: Discussion with senior management (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit. This may include scenario-based questions related to design direction, problem-solving, and team management.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or executive to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 8-10 of your strongest projects that best showcase your 8+ years of footwear design experience, covering a range of styles, categories, and complexities.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design brief, your creative process (from ideation to final prototype), the tools used (e.g., hand sketch, Illustrator, CAD), and the outcome (e.g., commercial success, margin achievement).

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include detailed examples of tech packs, spec sheets, and construction drawings, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with overseas factories.

• Demonstrate Trend Acumen: Present examples of how you have researched, interpreted, and applied market trends to create relevant and competitive product lines.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, margin contributions, positive retailer feedback).

• Presentation Ready: Prepare a concise and engaging presentation of your portfolio, practicing your narrative to clearly articulate your design thinking and problem-solving approach. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail and answer questions about your decision-making.

• Tailor to Vida: Research Vida Shoes International's brand aesthetic, target market, and existing product lines. Highlight projects in your portfolio that demonstrate an understanding of their brand and potential to contribute to their success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for design challenges that may involve sketching concepts for a given brief, developing a mini-collection based on specific trends or market needs, or providing feedback on existing designs.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially under timed conditions.

• Understand how to balance creative vision with commercial constraints, such as cost targets and production feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process will heavily focus on practical design skills, technical execution, market awareness, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a business-oriented environment. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell" their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating detailed product sketches, line drawings, and graphic elements for footwear designs.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for creating mood boards, color palettes, material renderings, and presentation visuals.

• Hand Sketching: A fundamental skill for rapid ideation and concept development, expected to be a core competency.

• CAD Systems (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear): While not explicitly required, knowledge of CAD systems like AI technology (likely referring to AI-assisted design tools or advanced CAD) is a significant plus, indicating a move towards 3D design and digital prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: For managing material lists, cost breakdowns, sales data analysis, and potentially tracking development timelines.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating presentations for internal reviews, sales meetings, and retailer pitches, showcasing design concepts and market insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Outlook: For professional communication, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence with internal and external stakeholders.

• Project Management Tools (Implied): While not specified, efficient management of multiple projects and timelines suggests familiarity with or ability to adapt to project management software or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and strong hand-sketching skills are non-negotiable. The mention of CAD/AI technology as a "big plus" indicates that candidates with 3D design or AI-assisted design experience will have a competitive edge. Standard Microsoft Office tools are expected for daily operations and communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, encouraging the development of fresh, trend-setting designs that push boundaries while remaining commercially viable.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for working effectively across departments (design, sales, product development, production) and with external partners to achieve collective goals.

• Customer Focus & Business Acumen: Designs must meet customer business needs and internal margin expectations, demonstrating an understanding of commercial realities and market demands.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to producing high-quality footwear, evident in attention to detail in design, material selection, and fit.

• Growth & Adaptability: A desire for continuous learning and adaptation to evolving fashion trends, market dynamics, and design technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with sales to understand market needs, product development for feasibility, and production for execution, fostering an integrated approach to product creation.

• Open Communication: Encourages clear and confident communication, especially during presentations to senior management and external stakeholders, and effective dialogue with overseas offices.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture where design concepts are reviewed by various teams, suggesting an environment open to constructive feedback for refining designs and ensuring alignment.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: The need to work cross-functionally to solve challenges related to design, development, and production implies a proactive and solution-oriented approach to teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of creative excellence and commercial pragmatism, emphasizing teamwork and clear communication. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to translate creative ideas into marketable products that meet business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Commercial Demands: The primary challenge will be to innovate and create exciting designs while strictly adhering to customer business needs, internal margin expectations, and production feasibility.

• Navigating Global Supply Chains: Effectively communicating design intentions and managing feedback with overseas factories can be complex due to cultural differences, time zones, and language barriers.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying ahead of fast-moving fashion trends and translating them into timely and relevant footwear collections requires constant market vigilance and agile design processes.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and consensus from diverse teams (sales, product development, production, licensing) on design direction can be challenging.

• Fit and Production Issues: Addressing technical challenges related to shoe fit, material performance, and manufacturing execution requires strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunity to gain or deepen expertise in CAD/AI technologies for 3D footwear design and virtual prototyping, enhancing efficiency and innovation.

• Trend Forecasting Mastery: Further development in trend research methodologies, potentially attending industry trade shows, conferences, and workshops to stay at the forefront of global fashion.

• Product Management Integration: Deeper understanding of product lifecycle management, sales strategy, and market analytics through close collaboration with sales and product development teams.

• Leadership Development: For those aspiring to higher roles, opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead specific projects, and contribute to strategic design planning.

• International Exposure: Potential for increased travel to overseas factories, offering hands-on experience with global manufacturing processes and supply chain management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges that are typical of senior positions in the fashion industry, requiring a strategic mindset and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals seeking to advance their careers in design leadership and product strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your design philosophy and how you approach creating a footwear collection that balances creativity with commercial viability." (Prepare to discuss your process, inspiration sources, and how you ensure market relevance.)

• Trend Translation: "How do you stay ahead of footwear trends, and can you provide an example of how you successfully translated a trend into a commercially successful product?" (Be ready with specific examples and data if possible.)

• Cross-functional Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a sales team or production team to achieve a design objective. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and problem-solving.)

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a challenging fit issue you encountered and how you resolved it. What was your process for working with overseas factories on revisions?" (Demonstrate your technical expertise and communication skills with manufacturers.)

• Design Direction: "If you were to lead the design for Vida Shoes International's next seasonal collection, what would be your initial approach to establishing the mood and key themes?" (Showcase your strategic thinking and understanding of brand positioning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Vida Shoes International and this specific Senior Footwear Designer/Design Director role?" (Research the company's history, brands, and market position.)

• "How do you see your design aesthetic and experience aligning with Vida Shoes International's brand identity?" (Connect your portfolio and experience to the company's established style.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative workspace." (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation explicitly showcases your hand sketching, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, tech pack creation, trend forecasting, and any CAD/AI experience.

• Quantify Success: Use data (sales figures, margin improvements, positive feedback) to demonstrate the commercial impact of your designs.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you arrived at your design solutions, not just what the final product looks like. This demonstrates your problem-solving ability and strategic thinking.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific designs, material choices, construction techniques, and your decision-making process.

• Engage Your Audience: Maintain eye contact, speak clearly and confidently, and be enthusiastic about your work. Make it a conversation rather than a lecture.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Vida Shoes International's product categories and target market.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills. Candidates need to be ready to articulate their design process and the business impact of their work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Footwear Designer / Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Trakstar platform.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your most impactful footwear design projects, ensuring they highlight your 8+ years of experience, technical skills (sketching, Adobe Suite, tech packs), trend interpretation, and commercial success. Tailor your selection to showcase relevant work for Vida Shoes International.

• Optimize Your Resume: Clearly articulate your experience, focusing on achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description. Use keywords such as "footwear design," "tech packs," "Adobe Illustrator," "trend forecasting," and "product development." Quantify accomplishments where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio, ready to discuss specific projects, your design process, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to answer questions about your technical skills and collaborative approach.

• Research Vida Shoes International: Understand their brand ethos, target market, product categories, and recent collections. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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.