Designer - Boots (women's)

The Designer (Boots) leads seasonal design direction and activities for the women's division. Drives seasonal development documentation for Exclusive Brands Design team, across multiple brands.

In addition, the Designer communicates and builds internal partnerships with product development teams and externally with domestic and overseas vendors.

Ensure design aesthetic and function meets consumer fashion and lifestyle needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Partner with design, production and merchandising teams to develop and execute seasonal design strategies that meet financial goalsEstablish and lead design process for categories and brands as assigned;
• present design options for review according to seasonal calendarsMay lead associate and assistant designers for assigned categories, providing daily direction, feedback and ensuring work meets expectationsProvide brand and category direction to associate designers to product CAD's, graphics, and pattern work as requestedEnsure team completes tech packs prior to milestone deadline with all necessary information;
• communicate with factories ensuring relevant details are provided to produce samples and meet productionCreate and manage Presentation Boards, Line Sheets and Tech packs, including sketch, colorways, construction details, and specification sheetFollow most recent branding guidelines and corporate branding standardsOversee new style fittings, and prepare evaluation documents noting both overall fit confirmation or concerns, and specific comfort issuesEnsure designs target price-points, categories, and silhouettes in accordance with margin requirementsParticipate and prepare for PD process milestone meetingsReview all assortments to deliver consistent color, trend, and creative direction across targeted lifestyle to ensure premium brand positioningPartner with design leadership in seasonal concept to create commercially viable product;

work with design leadership with seasonal trend and color analysisReview return goods with the sourcing teams identifying material or design flaws, and suggesting product improvementsDevelop collection that is consistent with brand and collaborating with the Design Director to meet margin targetsFollow seasonal merchandising plan by delivery and review with Design team to translate and support business needsCreate, publish, and maintain the Seasonal Line List for review by Exclusive Brands leadershipPartner with vendor, designer, and project management to ensure materials, design details, and footwear are within cost parameters while providing value to the seasonal lineDemonstrate high degree of professionalism in communication, interactions and teamwork with customers, peers and leadersAdhere to all local, federal and state laws in addition to Company policies, procedures, and practicesQualifications :

Bachelor's Degree in industrial design or equivalent experience in footwear design and product developmentMinimim 3+ years in footwear design, boots strongly preferredProficient knowledge of footwear construction with ability to read blueprintsProficient knoweldge of MS Office, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, WebPDM and PLMMust be well organized, able to lead multiple projects / seasons effectivelyStrong problem-solving skills, with an innovative approach to designStrong communication skills with the ability to give feedback and directionStrong presentation skillsAbility to travel internationally