Senior Footwear Design Lead

Job description

Our client is a globally recognised fashion brand with heritage, known for its modern, functional aesthetic and strong urban identity. Positioned in the premium lifestyle space, the brand blends craftsmanship, innovation, and utility-driven design with a contemporary edge.

With a loyal international customer base and strong retail presence, they are now looking to appoint a Senior Footwear Design Lead to drive the next phase of footwear growth.

Looking for a Senior Designer with experience in casual and outdoor fashion sneaker, sandals, boots and Low Shoes.

The Opportunity

This is a senior, hands-on creative leadership role focused on delivering a refined yet commercially strong footwear vision.

The initial focus will include:

• Men’s Core Line – Premium sneakers, casual boots, vulcanised silhouettes
• Women’s Line – Urban streetwear styles using sustainable materials and subtle signature detailing
• Canvas and outdoor-inspired lifestyle footwear capsules

You will play a key role in shaping seasonal direction and building a cohesive, globally relevant range.

Key Responsibilities

• Research seasonal trends, materials, constructions and silhouettes within lifestyle and utility-driven footwear
• Create compelling direction boards (themes, colour palettes, material stories) for SS26
• Design and develop original footwear concepts, sketches and technical drawings
• Lead the creative process from concept through to final sample
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Design to build a commercially viable range plan
• Build detailed tech packs and spec sheets
• Liaise with factories to ensure execution accuracy
• Support fit sessions and implement technical refinements

Candidate profile:

• Minimum 5+ years’ footwear design experience
• Strong background in canvas, casual, sneaker or lifestyle categories
• Deep understanding of lasts, materials, and footwear construction for both men’s and women’s lines
• Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop and CAD tools
• Experience managing full design cycles independently
• Commercially aware with a strong eye for brand identity and market positioning
• Confident working in a fast-paced, international environment

Excellent salary and high potential career growth.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-03-2026

Profession type

Retail

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English