At Journee Collection, we are dedicated to making the search for the perfect shoe effortless, empowering and celebrating women at every step. At the heart of our mission is the creation of footwear that seamlessly blends style and fit, honoring each moment and milestone. We're looking for individuals to join us in this commitment, to design not just shoes, but symbols of support and celebration for every step a woman takes.
Join us as we redefine what it means to find the perfect shoe.
The Footwear Designer/Product Developer will be instrumental in creating and developing innovative, market-leading footwear for our women's fashion brand. This role demands a strategic eye for trends and a deep understanding of the footwear development process. The ideal candidate will drive the creation of new products from inception to launch, ensuring alignment with the brand's vision and market demands.
Key responsibilities include conceptualizing and designing footwear, overseeing the entire product development lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting market research, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. A keen eye for detail, a passion for delivering exceptional products, and a strong problem-solving aptitude are essential for success in this role. The ability to understand manufacturing capabilities, anticipate potential issues, and offer timely resolutions is crucial.
Responsibilities
Compile trend research for upcoming seasons from industry trend forecasting, competitor analysis, current sales data, and customer tendencies.
Evaluate the current assortment of styles and make informed decisions on styles to be retained or terminated based on sales performance and emerging trends.
Create visually compelling seasonal design boards outlining trend directions for colors, materials, and silhouettes for the upcoming season.
Construction knowledge of fashion footwear; Diverse construction skills i.e. cement, injection, Strobel, etc.
Ability to create technical sketches and hand sketches
Strong technical skills to make footwear corrections and problem solve with technicians in foreign offices
Proficient in creating CADs using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
Create and maintain detailed spec sheets including proto specs, salesman sample specs, and confirmation specs
Conduct thorough market research to identify customer needs, market trends and competitive landscape, providing insights to inform product development decisions
Create detailed tech packs complete with construction details
Communicate daily with foreign offices regarding product development
Ability to adapt quickly in the design process to address new projects that arise
Research and present new and innovative design ideas as well as identify opportunities in the market
Meets pre-determined calendar deadlines to maintain x/f
Value engineer to ensure company margins are met; Work with suppliers and manufacturers to source components, materials and production processes that meet quality standards and cost targets
Support brand-oriented technical development to sourcing partners in order to assess feasibility and timing of potential innovations
Manage tech packs, BOMS, and costing
Partner with all oversea teams to ensure samples are made according to specs
Make decisions on design details, hardware, hardware colors/materials, and outsoles relevant to the upcoming season.
Communicate finalized colorways for each specific style and provide feedback on received colors, making necessary changes for optimal aesthetics.
Keep records of all samples received, including 1st, 2nd, and final samples.
Travel overseas and collaborate with our sourcing teams, vendors, and factories on sample development and pattern design adjustments
Ensure all styles are passed off and finalized before proceeding into production
Update the Marketing team upon receiving samples suitable for photography
Provide development information to the Marketing team to accurately market styles based on initial conception ideas
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field
2-4 years of experience in Footwear design/product development or a similar role
Strong understanding of design/product development processes, from ideation to commercialization
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials and cost optimization techniques
Strong business acumen and market awareness, with the ability to translate customer needs into product requirements
Proficiency in product design software and tools
Proficiency in using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality products
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
A creative mindset and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
High knowledge of the shoe industry
Textile and PU knowledge
High attention to detail
Great communication skills
Project management skills
Benefits
Get ready to experience a unique work environment where talent is rewarded, and the sky is the limit! Here at KNS International, you will discover a culture of creative and business-minded individuals who come together to create a high-functioning work environment that prides itself on providing an optimal work/life balance and abundant opportunity for growth.
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Maternity & Parental Leave
Competitive salary and bonus plans
Generous 401k package with employer matching
Impact Suites - Mental Health Help
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Gym membership
Monthly Massages
Discounted employee purchase program
Work-life balance and flexibility
Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks
Recreation areas for breaks and lunches
Dog friendly
KNS Swag
Location: Draper, UT - Candidates must be willing to relocate if not currently local.
Work Schedule: Hybrid position requiring in-office work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.