Journee Footwear Designer- Product Developer

JOURNEE COLLECTIONAt 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.ResponsibilitiesCompile 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 sketchesStrong technical skills to make footwear corrections and problem solve with technicians in foreign officesProficient in creating CADs using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe IllustratorCreate and maintain detailed spec sheets including proto specs, salesman sample specs, and confirmation specsConduct thorough market research to identify customer needs, market trends and competitive landscape, providing insights to inform product development decisionsCreate detailed tech packs complete with construction detailsCommunicate daily with foreign offices regarding product developmentAbility to adapt quickly in the design process to address new projects that ariseResearch and present new and innovative design ideas as well as identify opportunities in the marketMeets pre-determined calendar deadlines to maintain x/fValue 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 targetsSupport brand-oriented technical development to sourcing partners in order to assess feasibility and timing of potential innovationsManage tech packs, BOMS, and costingPartner with all oversea teams to ensure samples are made according to specsMake 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 adjustmentsEnsure all styles are passed off and finalized before proceeding into productionUpdate the Marketing team upon receiving samples suitable for photographyProvide development information to the Marketing team to accurately market styles based on initial conception ideasRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Product Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field2-4 years of experience in Footwear design/product development or a similar roleStrong understanding of design/product development processes, from ideation to commercializationKnowledge of manufacturing processes, materials and cost optimization techniquesStrong business acumen and market awareness, with the ability to translate customer needs into product requirementsProficiency in product design software and toolsProficiency in using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) softwareStrong problem-solving and analytical skills, with attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality productsExcellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects and meet deadlinesA creative mindset and a passion for innovation and continuous improvementExcellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teamsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamHigh knowledge of the shoe industryTextile and PU knowledgeHigh attention to detailGreat communication skillsProject management skillsBenefitsGet 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 VisionShort-Term & Long-Term DisabilityMaternity & Parental LeaveCompetitive salary and bonus plansGenerous 401k package with employer matchingImpact Suites - Mental Health HelpPaid Time OffPaid HolidaysGym membershipMonthly MassagesDiscounted employee purchase programWork-life balance and flexibilityFully stocked kitchen with snacks and drinksRecreation areas for breaks and lunchesDog friendlyKNS Swag