Full-Time

Footwear Designer II

Posted on 4/17/2024

Brooks Running

Brooks Running

1,001-5,000 employees

Creates running shoes and apparel

Consumer Goods

Compensation Overview

$105,173 - $153,260Annually

+ Annual Bonus + Product Discounts + Fitness Discounts + Volunteer and Donation Benefits

Mid, Senior

Seattle, WA, USA

Required Skills
CAD
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides
Requirements
  • 4-year college or university degree in industrial, graphics, apparel, or footwear design
  • 5+ years of experience creating color/material/textile programs and future vision in a retail/manufacturing environment
  • Thorough knowledge of art and design with a clear understanding of visual design or any design-related environment
  • Proven experience creating and leading the execution of vision and strategy
  • Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually
  • Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment
  • Ability to build and foster relationships in a team environment
  • Ability and desire to push themselves, others, and the brand forward
  • Ability to influence and collaborate with key business partners
  • Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while still seeing the big picture and understanding how all of the pieces fit together and affect one another
  • Demonstration of innovation and initiative
  • Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities is a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community
  • Mastery of Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop
  • Competent using Apple Mac Operating system
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • 3D is not required, but a plus
  • Embraces and lives the Brooks values
  • Travel 10% (Domestically/Internationally)
Responsibilities
  • Own key product designs of performance footwear by creating and presenting upper, midsole, and outsole sketches for inline product based on direction provided by CRAFTED BEAUTY briefs
  • Ensure that all product design meets organizational quality standards, leadership, function/technology, and seasonal timelines from concept through go-to-market - where it applies
  • Influence briefs/concepts and direction of work with your design POV on story-telling, color, material, and finishes to grow the appeal of Brooks Running footwear
  • Work on a diverse scope of inline and pre-season product designs by applying identity principles to maximize perceived value in order to drive superior aesthetic competitiveness
  • Create design solutions based on limited information, precedent, and adapt existing approaches to resolve issues that shape and inform templates for CRAFTED BEAUTY briefs
  • Organize and deliver product design presentations, both physical and digital work including exploratory process, using your evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select the right course of action
  • Respond to design critique with multiple design solutions
  • Partner with a product creation team on a wide range of complex projects and products to deliver industry-leading products and stories
  • Partner with the Advanced Design Team to ensure a constant flow of information
  • Collaborate with the Advanced Design team, influencing Pre-season projects and design concepts
  • Provide feedback and guidance to Associate Designers and Designer 1; Seek mentorship from more tenured Designers
  • Work closely with the 3D CAD Design Team to ensure a constant flow of information
  • Work closely with the Color-Material & Trend Design Team to integrate seasonal color and trend concepts
  • Influence direction of work with various footwear team experts in Product Color & Trend, Product Materials, Product Development, Product Line Management and Product Assessment
  • Utilize their reportings to inform our design approach to assume a team lead role for the work group
  • Work closely with the development teams in Asia and our overseas production sites
  • Maintain calendar/timelines/deadlines that result in a timely completion of each project
  • Shape and form templates for CRAFTED BEAUTY and SEASONAL BEAUTY in partnership with senior design staff
  • Answer critique with a curious mindset – propose alternative options after more design exploration
  • Have a strong understanding of the design jet stream to keep informed on what’s trending and how this may influence our design
  • Knowledge of prototyping and ability to use handmade models to demonstrate proof of ideas
  • Conduct visits to our factories and material suppliers to gain insights and continue to grow a high level of understanding of the footwear manufacturing process
  • Travel as necessary to Asia, Europe, trade shows, races, retailers, or other external events

Brooks Running specializes in creating running shoes and apparel with nitrogen-infused midsoles, aiming to make running inclusive and accessible for all. Their main technologies include nitrogen-infused midsoles for lighter-weight shoes and more plush cushioning.

Company Stage

M&A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Seattle, Washington

Founded

1914

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

6%

2 year growth

22%

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

PPO and high deductible health plan options

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

10 paid holidays + your birthday

Parental leave