Job Posting/Description:

Since 1973, Vida Shoes International has been committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. We are dedicated to designing, producing, and marketing quality branded footwear using our expansive international resources. Our wealth of knowledge stems from the diversity of brands and successful products we have produced year after year.

Job Title:  Associate Designer/Designer, Kids

Compensation: $60-70k

Summary:  

Vida Shoes International is looking for an experienced Associate Footwear Designer to design and develop for our Kids brands.   

You will be required to coordinate a development calendar that keeps all parties’ needs in mind (Product development, Sales/ Merchandise, Marketing, & Brand).

You must be able to work on various brands or collections. All styles need to be made sure there is on-time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specification.  Collaborate with Merchandising & Marketing to effectively execute on product development goals & deliverables. In partnering with brand-appointed merchandisers the development matrix must meet the proposed adoption rate agreed upon by brand.

You will also create and revise Tech Packs for assigned styles and ensure all appropriate development documentation is maintained, including product specs and prototype notes. In addition, you will participate in fit and construction standards for a category or product group to ensure consistency. You will track and facilitate prototyping for styles; identify and address key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• ·       Interpret design intent, offer alternative solutions, and act as a technical resource
• ·       Write product specs and construction standards
• ·       Work with development centers & factories to ensure and improve manufacturability
• ·       Manage design conceptualization to commercialized finished product
• ·       Partner up with brand specific merchandiser
• ·       Keep cost, target price, & duty structures in mind while design and development process thru entirety of design & development cycle
• ·       Research and forecast fashion, materials and market trends
• ·       Sketch, CAD work and create specs and tech packs for the manufacturing team overseas
• ·       Contribute to both the development and sampling of new collections
• ·       Aid in the production process
• ·       Order and track samples requested
• ·       Understand and focus on specific customer needs depending on the brand and product category needed
• ·       Create and manage seasonal brand line sheets
• ·       Setup and maintain CAD approval on web portal for either/both company or licensed assigned brand
• ·       Find or create white space opportunities
• ·       Exposure to line-building process while working closely with directors and merchandiser
• ·       Coach young designer and expose to basic footwear design and development process
• ·       Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (domestic and international)

Qualifications:

• ·       Bachelor’s Degree in Design or related design experience 3 to 4 years
• ·       Must have a basic understanding of project management and problem-solving concepts
• ·       Ability to manage multiple projects and must be a self-starter
• ·       Understanding of the product development creation process
• ·       Exposure to sample development is key, plus materials manufacturing knowledge is essential to this role
• ·       Ability to manage multiple projects & must be a self-starter
• ·       Must be able to understand how to build product to targeted price
• ·       Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign software
• ·       Hand sketching ability and quick ideation capability
• ·       Ability to research market trend information
• ·       Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and discipline
• ·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• ·       Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook
• ·       Must be motivated and eager to learn in a fast-paced industry

PLEASE APPLY WITH RESUME AND COVER LETTER, & PROVIDE A DIGITAL PORTFOLIO OR LINK TO YOUR WORK

Thank you in advance for your interest in this opening. Vida Shoes International, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. At this time, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Direct applicants only, no third-party staffing inquiries, please.

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