Senior Footwear Designer

*This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ near Portland, OR. In-office expectation is 3 days a week*.

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The SOREL Senior Footwear Designer conducts research for worldwide trends in the design of new footwear products, specifically in the sneaker and sneaker lifestyle category. Interprets and applies information as it applies to customers. Conceptualizes and performs a wide variety of product design tasks in the development of new footwear products including the selection of components and colors. Provides liaison support for the product development department throughout the manufacturing process.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Researches the worldwide marketplace for trends in new product design as they relate to assigned product category. Includes researching color, materials, components, and design concepts and collecting information and feedback from sales representatives on customer needs. May require attending special promotional events and trade shows.

• Designs new in-line and special-make products and updates carryover styles from sketch through line-drawing, including computer-generated line art.  Selects colors, materials, and components and source findings for line including trim.

• Works up all color combinations for new products in the product line and provide color direction.

• Works with product development department throughout the prototype-development process. Includes issuing sample requests, attending fit sessions, and following through to final approval.

• Finalizes product mix for new line.  Assembles show lines, presentation materials, and computer-generated colorways.

          

YOU ARE 

• A strong team player.

• Passionate about footwear design and creating amazing product for SOREL

• Able to build strong relationships and key strategic partnerships both internal and external.

• Able to wear a lot of hats and have a no task is too small an attitude.

    

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor’s degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience

• Typically requires 5-8 years of professional experience and strong competency with the various tools, systems, or procedures required to accomplish the job.

• Extensive knowledge of, and specifically, sneaker and lifestyle trends, design, and construction techniques.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or related field.  Associate’s degree with 2-3 years related work experience acceptable in lieu of bachelor’s degree.

• 5-8 years experience in Product Design and Development with an emphasis on sneaker footwear categories preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of computer design software as well as the talent and ability to perform free hand drawings. 

• Experience and knowledge of 3D software, including modeling and printing, as well as AI is preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of footwear design, materials and production techniques

• Ability to write technical material for clear product presentation and marketing As well as the ability to write highly technical material and a thorough understanding of the work, and the ability to clearly express complex concepts in written form. 

• Strong ability to conduct complex interpersonal interactions with employees and customers, troubleshoot, design, perform college level mathematics.

• Coordinate and perform special task/projects simultaneously, make decisions, operate independently and with discretion, and work effectively under pressure

• Experience working with prototype production operations. 

• Must have excellent eyesight free from any color impairment. 

• Portfolio link required in application or resume

#LI-JC1

#Hybrid

#SOREL

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.