Lead Designer, Footwear Materials Design

Placement Type:

Temporary

Salary:

$45-50 Hourly

up to $50.00/hr

Start Date:

Jun 29, 2026

This is a creative and purpose-driven design environment where innovation meets storytelling. It's a place for builders, boundary-breakers, and vision-setters-people who move with conviction, think originally, and create work shaped by real experience and cultural depth. The team thrives when imagination, discipline, and collaboration come together. We look for leaders who bring their full creative voice, understand the communities that inspire product direction, and are driven to shape the future for the next generation of athletes and consumers.

Who You'll Work With

As a Lead Materials Designer within the Kids + Core Footwear Design team, you'll partner closely with footwear, color, and graphic design teams to build cohesive and compelling product stories. You will collaborate cross-functionally with technical development, materials development, product management, and merchandising partners. This role reports directly to the Design Director, Color + Materials, Kids + Core.

What You'll Do

You will lead the creation and development of innovative footwear material solutions across Kids + Core product lines. Your work will help define seasonal narratives, elevate existing franchise materials, and contribute to new model innovation.

You will:

• Develop material concepts and seasonal storytelling for footwear product
• Collaborate across design and development teams to bring concepts to life
• Push innovation in materials, construction, and methods of make
• Balance performance needs with trend relevance and emotional storytelling
• Support sustainability-forward material exploration and execution
• Ensure design intent is carried through from concept to prototype

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Footwear Materials Designer with deep experience in footwear design and material development. This is a highly creative, collaborative, and hands-on role focused on delivering product that resonates with younger athletes while elevating the brand's design language.

The ideal candidate is a fearless, calculated risk-taker with a strong point of view on materials, construction, and storytelling. They understand how to translate consumer insights and cultural trends into meaningful product solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in footwear design, materials design, or product design
• Strong experience in footwear-specific design (not apparel-focused)
• Deep understanding of materials such as leathers, knits, synthetics, and performance textiles
• Experience building and developing footwear concepts from ideation through prototype
• Ability to create accurate 2D technical drawings and tech packs
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and material construction
• Experience presenting concepts and seasonal narratives to cross-functional teams
• Bachelor's degree in Design or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)

Technical Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) - required
• Aurora - required
• Keynote / PowerPoint / Acrobat - experience required
• 3D design tools, cobbling, and prototyping experience are a plus

Additional Requirements

• Prior experience within a large global footwear or performance product organization strongly preferred
• Strong references preferred
• Must demonstrate high levels of resilience, accountability, and creative determination
• Local candidates only

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Kids + Core footwear, where innovation, culture, and performance intersect. You'll play a key role in developing materials that define new product directions while evolving iconic silhouettes. Your work will directly influence how the next generation experiences footwear through materials, storytelling, and design craft.

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Client Description

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.