About Designer Brands
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
Designer, Footwear (Vince Camuto)
The Opportunity
At Designer Brands, great design starts with curiosity, creativity, and a passion for understanding what consumers want next. As a Designer, you'll play a key role in bringing innovative footwear concepts to life, translating brand vision into compelling, market-relevant products that resonate with customers.
This role offers the opportunity to influence product direction from concept through commercialization, blending trend insights, consumer needs, and creative problem-solving to create designs that are both inspiring and commercially successful. You'll partner closely with cross-functional teams around the globe, contribute to seasonal product strategies, and help shape the future of the brand through thoughtful, innovative design. Depending on business needs, you may also have the opportunity to mentor and develop junior design talent.
What You'll Be Doing
Design & Creative Development
- Translate seasonal brand direction, trend insights, consumer research, and market opportunities into innovative footwear concepts.
- Research trends, materials, colors, and consumer preferences to inform design decisions.
- Partner with the Design Director to select and apply materials, colors, and finishes across seasonal product lines.
- Create original product concepts that align with brand identity and business objectives.
Technical Design & Product Creation
- Develop illustrations, technical drawings, CADs, and digital renderings using Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Create and maintain design specifications, tech packs, and development documentation.
- Ensure all design assets and digital templates are completed accurately and aligned with established guidelines.
- Update technical documentation to reflect approved design revisions and product changes.
Product Development & Execution
- Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from initial concept through finalized product.
- Review prototypes and samples, providing timely feedback and design updates.
- Partner with production teams to deliver products that align with target pricing, quality expectations, and market positioning.
- Anticipate project needs and proactively manage timelines to meet key milestones and seasonal deadlines.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with overseas development partners, including leather and fabric teams, throughout the product development process.
- Collaborate with design, production, merchandising, and sales partners to bring products to market successfully.
- Present design concepts, product stories, and seasonal developments with clarity and confidence.
- Support cross-functional teams to help ensure a smooth and successful season.
Leadership & Industry Engagement
- Coach and guide one or two Assistant Designers when applicable.
- Participate in domestic or international travel as needed, including trade shows, sourcing activities, and other industry events.
What You'll Need
Design Expertise
- Ability to use market research, trend forecasting, and industry insights to contribute to design strategy and seasonal development.
- Ability to sketch, create CADs, and apply foundational design principles to footwear concepts.
- Experience creating technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Collaboration & Organization
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and functions.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Professional and customer-focused approach to partnership and communication.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience
- 5+ years of related footwear design experience.
- Experience creating technical drawings, tech packs, CADs, and merchandising boards.
Minimum Education
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
