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Senior Footwear Designer

Overview

The Senior Footwear Designer helps drive the creative heartbeat of Obōz—designing innovative, performance-ready footwear that connects people with the outdoors. Partnering with the Footwear Design Director, Footwear Team, and cross-functional partners, you’ll help shape the product vision from concept through creation, building on Obōz’s legacy of purposeful, trail-performance design.

From sketches to samples, you’ll translate ideas into detailed tech packs, collaborate closely with developers, and provide clear design intent throughout multiple rounds of prototyping. This role blends imagination with discipline—balancing creativity, technical execution, and a multi-seasonal workload across diverse product categories.

We’re looking for someone who brings curiosity, precision, and a genuinely grounded, team-first mindset to our collaborative, close-knit crew—someone who thrives on problem-solving and designing gear built to perform.

Accountability: Seasonal Footwear Design (In-line & Innovation)

•            Ideate and design multiple footwear concepts across categories each season, blending creativity with functional performance.

•            Translate design vision into detailed technical drawings, 3D models, and tech packs for both uppers and molded tooling.

•            Specify materials, constructions, and components that balance end-use performance, manufacturability, cost, and Obōz’s commitment to sustainability.

•            Partner with Product Management, Development, and Design Engineering to ensure design intent, feasibility, and execution throughout the process.

•            Create and present compelling seasonal concept stories and visual presentations that inspire teams and help sell in product direction.

•            Conduct trend, material, seasonal color themes, and consumer research—including market travel—to inform future product direction.

•            Participate in prototype reviews, pattern and tooling revisions, and on-foot testing to refine fit, function, and performance.

•            Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment with brand positioning and market opportunities.

•            Proactively drive future innovation by ideating new concepts and evolving existing in-line styles.

•            Deliver all design milestones on time and in accordance with the Obōz product creation calendar.

Accountability: Core Skills & Mindset

•            Bring strong creative problem-solving skills and a keen eye for design excellence to every project.

•            Confidently present ideas and design solutions through clear sketches, prototypes, and presentations that engage diverse stakeholders.

•            Interpret creative briefs effectively and translate direction into actionable design outcomes that meet performance and aesthetic goals.

•            Manage multiple projects and timelines with strong organization, communication, and follow-through in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.

•            Thrive both independently and collaboratively—maintaining initiative, curiosity, and openness to feedback.

•            Embrace the Obōz culture and outdoor spirit: staying curious, grounded, and inspired by life in a small mountain town.

Qualifications & Experience

•            Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).

•            5+ years of professional experience in footwear, industrial design, or performance equipment.

•            Strong sketching and drafting skills—digital and traditional—with the ability to communicate multiple concepts efficiently within set timelines.

•            Proficiency in Mac-based design software including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, and Sketchbook Pro, plus experience with 3D modeling and rendering tools.

•            Deep understanding of materials, fabrications, and production techniques specific to outdoor footwear.

•            Proven ability to take designs from concept to final product, including cost engineering and performance validation.

•            Skilled at balancing creative design needs with project management requirements in a fast-paced environment.

•            Proven ability to build trust and foster strong team camaraderie within a collaborative, creative environment.

•            Strong portfolio showcasing innovative, performance-driven work.

•            Passion for outdoor activities and a commitment to sustainable, responsible design practices.

•            Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.