At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe ... Director, Materials and Product Development The Opportunity At Designer Brands, we're passionate ...
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe ... Director, Materials and Product Development The Opportunity At Designer Brands, we're passionate ...
Sr. Director Real Estate
Columbus, OH ยท On-site +1
General Summary The Sr. Director, Real Estate leads global enterprise real estate growth and store portfolio (+700 stores), strategic roadmap, and execution including DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse ...
Sr. Director Real Estate
Columbus, OH ยท On-site +1
General Summary The Sr. Director, Real Estate leads global enterprise real estate growth and store portfolio (+700 stores), strategic roadmap, and execution including DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse ...
Inventory Control Specialist - Retail Stores
Jeffersonville, IN ยท On-site
$17.25 - $22.25/hr
The Inventory Control Manager under supervision of Director of Risk Management Location: River ... well-designed and comfortably appointed store environment. Shoe Sensation has 250+ stores in 22 ...
Inventory Control Specialist - Retail Stores
Jeffersonville, IN ยท On-site
$17.25 - $22.25/hr
The Inventory Control Manager under supervision of Director of Risk Management Location: River ... well-designed and comfortably appointed store environment. Shoe Sensation has 250+ stores in 22 ...
The Inventory Control Manager under supervision of Director of Risk Management Location: River ... well-designed and comfortably appointed store environment. Shoe Sensation has 250+ stores in 22 ...
The Inventory Control Manager under supervision of Director of Risk Management Location: River ... well-designed and comfortably appointed store environment. Shoe Sensation has 250+ stores in 22 ...
Director of Logistics
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $191K/yr
Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our ... designed to support your health and financial security. The targeted hiring range for this ...
Director of Logistics
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $191K/yr
Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our ... designed to support your health and financial security. The targeted hiring range for this ...
Director of Logistics
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $191K/yr
Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our ... designed to support your health and financial security. The targeted hiring range for this ...
Director of Logistics
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $191K/yr
Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our ... designed to support your health and financial security. The targeted hiring range for this ...
Director of Logistics
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our ... designed to support your health and financial security. The targeted hiring range for this ...
Quick apply
Director of Logistics
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St. Paul, where our ... designed to support your health and financial security. The targeted hiring range for this ...
NuOrder Coordinator-Remote
Columbus, OH ยท On-site +1
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe ... This role reports to the Supervisor, Wholesale and Vendor Compliance and does not have direct ...
NuOrder Coordinator-Remote
Columbus, OH ยท On-site +1
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe ... This role reports to the Supervisor, Wholesale and Vendor Compliance and does not have direct ...
Director, Global Safety & Security
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $192K/yr
Company Description Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St ... Proven success designing and implementing enterprisewide EHS and security strategies. * Experience ...
Director, Global Safety & Security
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $192K/yr
Company Description Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St ... Proven success designing and implementing enterprisewide EHS and security strategies. * Experience ...
Retail Associate (PT)
Dallas, TX ยท On-site
$15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Dallas, TX ยท On-site
$15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)-Bilingual Preferred
Oxnard, CA ยท On-site
$16.90 - $22.26/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)-Bilingual Preferred
Oxnard, CA ยท On-site
$16.90 - $22.26/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Sunset Valley, TX ยท On-site
$15 - $19.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Sunset Valley, TX ยท On-site
$15 - $19.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site
$15 - $19.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site
$15 - $19.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT)
West Valley City, UT ยท On-site
$15 - $19.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT)
West Valley City, UT ยท On-site
$15 - $19.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Director, Global Safety & Security
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $192K/yr
Company Description Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St ... Proven success designing and implementing enterprise-wide EHS and security strategies. * Experience ...
Director, Global Safety & Security
Red Wing, MN ยท On-site
$142K - $192K/yr
Company Description Red Wing Shoe Company is based in Red Wing, Minnesota, just 40 minutes from St ... Proven success designing and implementing enterprise-wide EHS and security strategies. * Experience ...
Retail Associate (FT)
Yuma, AZ ยท On-site
$15.15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT)
Yuma, AZ ยท On-site
$15.15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Waco, TX ยท On-site
$15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (PT)
Waco, TX ยท On-site
$15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT) - S. Port Avenue
$15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT) - S. Port Avenue
$15 - $20.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Full-Time Sales Associate
$15 - $21.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Full-Time Sales Associate
$15 - $21.50/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT)
Emeryville, CA ยท On-site
$19.90 - $22.26/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Retail Associate (FT)
Emeryville, CA ยท On-site
$19.90 - $22.26/hr
Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail store OTHER DUTIES AND ... Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values * Willingness to perform additional duties as required
Director Shoe Designer information
See salary details
$37K - $55.7K
8% of jobs
$55.7K - $74.5K
0% of jobs
$74.5K - $93.2K
7% of jobs
$108.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$93.2K - $111.9K
12% of jobs
The median wage is $129.4K / yr.
$111.9K - $130.6K
24% of jobs
$130.6K - $149.4K
16% of jobs
$159.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$149.4K - $168.1K
15% of jobs
$168.1K - $186.8K
11% of jobs
$186.8K - $205.5K
7% of jobs
$205.5K - $224.3K
0% of jobs
$224.3K - $243K
0% of jobs
$37K
$135.8K
$243K
How much do director shoe designer jobs pay per year?
Which designer is highly paid?
What is the highest paid designer job?
How much does a fashion creative director earn?
What is the difference between Director Shoe Designer vs Footwear Product Developer?
| Aspect | Director Shoe Designer | Footwear Product Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Design degree, portfolio, industry experience | Design or engineering degree, technical skills, industry experience |
| Work Environment | Creative studios, design teams, brand offices | Manufacturing facilities, design teams, product testing labs |
| Industry Usage | Fashion brands, luxury footwear companies | Shoe brands, sportswear companies, footwear manufacturers |
The main difference is that a Director Shoe Designer focuses on leading the creative vision and design process, while a Footwear Product Developer handles the technical development and production aspects. Both roles require industry experience and collaboration, but the Director emphasizes design innovation, whereas the Product Developer concentrates on feasibility and manufacturing.
What is the salary of a lead footwear designer?

Full-time
Medical, Retirement
Posted 27 days ago
Designer Brands rating
4.6
Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Director, Materials and Product Development
The Opportunity
At Designer Brands, we're passionate about bringing great design to life in a way that resonates with customers and stands the test of time. As the Director, Materials and Product Development, you will play a critical role in turning creative vision into products that are not only beautiful, but also practical, high-quality, and ready for the real world.
This role sits at the center of design, sourcing, and production-connecting ideas to execution. You'll lead the development of materials and product strategies across the lifecycle, helping teams make smart decisions that balance creativity, cost, quality, and sustainability. Your work will shape how our products come to life season after season. This position is HYBRID to our NYC office.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading End-to-End Development
- Lead materials and product development initiatives from concept through preproduction, ensuring alignment with brand DNA, quality standards, cost targets, and delivery timelines
- Manage the full lifecycle of development, balancing design intent with manufacturability and scalability
- Establish and maintain development calendars, milestone tracking, and sample management processes to support on-time execution
Bringing Design to Life
- Partner with Design to translate creative vision into technically feasible products and material solutions
- Guide teams in evaluating construction methods, performance needs, and aesthetic expectations
- Build and maintain global footwear materials and embellishment toolboxes in partnership with cross-functional teams
Driving Material Innovation
- Oversee research, development, selection, and commercialization of materials, including leathers, textiles, synthetics, trims, and embellishments
- Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer insights to inform product and materials direction
- Explore opportunities to enhance product through innovation and evolving material capabilities
Optimizing Quality, Cost & Execution
- Educate and support teams in understanding cost drivers, manufacturability, and margin implications early in development
- Ensure accurate, complete, and production-ready product and material documentation
- Collaborate with Global Sourcing and Production teams to align on vendor capabilities and ensure smooth transition to bulk production
Building Partnerships & Team Capability
- Build strong vendor relationships to support feasibility reviews, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement
- Lead and develop a team (3-7 direct reports), fostering collaboration, accountability, and growth
- Partner across functions and with senior leadership to influence decisions and drive aligned outcomes
What You'll Need
Core Expertise
- Excellent technical knowledge of leather and materials, constructions, and finishing
- Strong understanding of footwear or product construction and manufacturing processes
- Solid grasp of cost engineering, margin drivers, and commercialization requirements
Leadership & Collaboration
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional materials and product development teams
- Experience influencing stakeholders across functions and at senior levels
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ways of Working
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to translate creative design intent into practical, executable solutions
- Process-oriented mindset with experience driving standardization and continuous improvement
Qualifications
Minimum Experience
- 8-10+ years of experience in leathers, materials research and development, and product development
- Direct experience working with global vendors and manufacturing partners, including Asia
- 3-5+ years of people leadership experience
Minimum Education
- Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Engineering, Textile Science, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
Preferred
- Experience integrating sustainability initiatives into material and product development
- Footwear, apparel, or accessories industry background
- Exposure to digital material libraries, PLM systems, or 3D development tools
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.
About Designer Brands
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Designer Brands Inc. is one of North America's largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories. * Designer Brands Inc. operates a portfolio of retail concepts in nearly 1,000 locations under the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Shoe Warehouse brands and operates leased locations in the U.S through its Affiliated Business Group. * Designer Brands designs and produces footwear and accessories through Camuto Group, a leading manufacturer selling in more than 5,400 doors worldwide.
Industry
Retail
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Columbus, OH, US
Year founded
1969