Job Description
Assistant Footwear Designer
We are looking for a creative and commercially aware Assistant Footwear Designer to join our womenswear footwear team. This is an exciting opportunity to work across multiple footwear categories, supporting the development of trend-led, fashion-forward collections for our customer.
Key Responsibilities
* Research and design seasonal womenswear footwear ranges across casual, occasion and trend-driven product categories.
* Identify emerging trends, key silhouettes and new product opportunities, translating catwalk, street style, social media and cultural influences into commercially relevant designs.
* Create inspiring mood boards, colour palettes and seasonal concept presentations to support range direction and product development.
* Work closely with Buying and Merchandising teams to react to sales performance, customer insights and market trends, helping to shape balanced and commercially successful collections.
* Develop detailed design packs and communicate clearly with suppliers and factories on product construction, materials, trims and finishes.
* Source new fabrics, components and trims to ensure the range remains innovative, trend relevant and competitive within the market.
* Build strong working relationships with suppliers and support the product development process from initial concept through to final sample approval.
* Manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to the critical path, ensuring all deadlines are met and product is developed in line with key trading periods.
* Support the wider design team with market research, competitor analysis and preparation for seasonal sign off meetings.
Skills & Experience
* Previous experience within footwear design, ideally within a fashion retail or womenswear brand environment.
* Strong trend awareness with a commercial eye and understanding of the womenswear footwear market.
* Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work at pace in a fast-moving environment.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills when working cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers.
* Passionate about fashion, product and emerging trends.
Working Conditions
* Office-based
* Full time - 40 hours per week
* Performance-driven environment with KPIs
Benefits
* Free lunch on Monday
* Free on-site parking
* Pension Scheme
* Health shield (health cash back scheme)
* Benenden health (Private healthcare after 1 year Service)
* 28 days annual leave, incl. Bank Holidays
* Birthday day off
Ability to commute
* Romford RM3 8UJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)