Associate Designer, Women’s Brand

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Since 1973, Vida Shoes International has committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. We design, produce and market quality branded footwear using our international resources, drawing on the diversity of our brands and successful products.

Job Title: Associate Designer, Women’s Brand

Compensation: $60k-80k

Summary: Vida Shoes International seeks an experienced Associate Footwear Designer to help develop our women’s brands.

Key

Job Responsibilities:

• Interpret design intent, offer alternative solutions, and act as a technical resource.
• Write product specs and construction standards.
• Work with development centers and factories to ensure and improve manufacturability.
• Manage design conceptualization to commercialized finished product.
• Partner with brand-specific merchandiser.
• Keep cost, target price and duty structures in mind throughout the design and development cycle.
• Research and forecast fashion, materials and market trends.
• Sketch, CAD work and create specs and tech packs for the manufacturing team overseas.
• Contribute to both the development and sampling of new collections.
• Aid in the production process.
• Order and track samples requested.
• Understand and focus on specific customer needs depending on the brand and product category.
• Create and manage seasonal brand line sheets.
• Setup and maintain CAD approval on web portal for either/both company or licensed assigned brand.
• Find or create white‑space opportunities.
• Exposure to line‑building process while working closely with directors and merchandisers.
• Coach young designers and expose them to basic footwear design and development process.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (domestic and international).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Design or related design experience (2 to 4 years).
• Basic understanding of project management and problem‑solving concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and be a self‑starter.
• Understanding of the product development creation process.
• Exposure to sample development is key, plus materials manufacturing knowledge is essential.
• Ability to build product to targeted price.
• Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
• Hand‑sketching ability and quick ideation capability.
• Ability to research market trend information.
• Self‑motivated with a strong work ethic and discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Motivated and eager to learn in a fast‑paced industry.

Vida Shoes International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. At this time, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Direct applicants only, no third‑party staffing inquiries, please.