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Associate Footwear Designer

The Associate Designer has 0-2 years of experience in footwear design or a related field.  An enthusiastic learner, the Associate Designer is willing to try new things and take on new challenges. They will work with the broader team to research competitive brands, marketplace shifts and runway trends.  The Associate Designer will have design projects of their own, commensurate with their creative ability, passion and technical skill level.  The opportunity for broadened responsibility is available as the Associate Designer proves their ability to: work both collaboratively and independently; follow a brief and create product concepts across a range of categories; understand multiple footwear constructions; understand fit and proportion; design for the target consumer in alignment with the Clarks brand ID.

What You'll Do:

• Shops the market throughout the season and utilizes resources like WGSN, Peclers and Social Media to stay on top of marketplace trends.
• Collaborates with Color, Materials and Trend Designer on materials and colors for the season.
• Designs and develops new uppers on existing constructions working with Product Line Management, Engineering and Materials Team to drive innovation and meet commercial requirements of the brief.

• Creates product concept boards to visually communicate design solutions and seasonal direction.

• Participates in team meetings, design reviews and presentations.
• Meet all deliverable and timeline requirements according to business strategy and seasonal calendar.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial/Fashion Design or equivalent
• 0-2 years of work experience in footwear design
• Proven creative ability demonstrated through portfolio of work projects
• Proficient ability to sketch with accurate scale and proportion
• Proficient 2D CAD rendering skills
• Proficient presentation and storytelling skills
• Eager to learn about footwear constructions, costing and fit
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office including Illustrator, Photoshop and Powerpoint
• Demonstrates drive, passion, enthusiasm
• Receptive to constructive feedback and willingness to learn
• High energy, takes initiative, works pro-actively
• Meticulous and detail-oriented, takes pride in doing quality work
• Proficient organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at once
• Proficient time management skills: working to a deadline, working independently
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative team player
• Eager to grow and take on new responsibilities
• Happy to embrace change and new challenges as marketplace shifts and consumer needs evolve
• 3D CAD proficiency a plus
• Technical drawing skills a plus

About Clarks

Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when brother James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. At the time it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive of more than 22,000 pairs that have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and Launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognizable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks.

This season, we're proud to introduce the Clarks Collective: five incredible activists championing authentic social change. From mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights to greater racial equality, these trailblazers are committed to creating a brighter future for us all-bringing to life Clarks' new global campaign, for the World Ahead. Through spotlighting their stories and supporting their chosen charities and initiatives, we're ready to lead the way. After all, we're the originators, not imitators. It's who we are, who we've always been. And to change the world of tomorrow, we're doing things differently today.

As a global employer, Clarks is committed to embracing diversity throughout our workforce by creating an inclusive environment that reflects the many cultures and locations where we work. We strive to create a productive environment which everyone has an equal chance to succeed at all levels through the organization. We will not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, disability, marital status, color, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment', complying with local legislative requirements. 

Actual compensation within a pay range will be based on factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, performance, Clarks’ business needs, internal equity and any statutory obligations. The pay range for this role may be modified by Clarks at any time in the future.