Head Designer - Footwear in Hoboken

Head Designer

Our client, a footwear company, is looking for a Head Designer to join their team in NYC!

Responsibilities:

• Lead the creative direction and design vision for athletic footwear across men's, women's, and kids' categories, from concept through final product execution.
• Drive seasonal concept development, including color, material, silhouette, and storytelling, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.
• Oversee and review design samples, providing clear direction on aesthetics, construction, and fit to achieve best-in-class product.
• Conduct ongoing market research and trend analysis to inform innovative and competitive design solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with product development, merchandising, and production teams to ensure design intent is executed accurately and efficiently.
• Present design concepts, seasonal strategies, and final collections to internal leadership and external partners with clarity and impact.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in athletic footwear design, with strong leadership experience at a senior or head-of level.
• Proven track record of leading design from concept through production, delivering commercially successful and innovative product.
• Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, and performance-driven design principles.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator; 3D design experience is a plus.
• Highly trend-driven with a strong eye for color, detail, and storytelling within the athletic market.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams.
• Strong ability to balance creative vision with business objectives and market demands.
• Experience working with performance or athletic brands required; exposure to apparel is a plus.