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Footwear Design Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tecovas

Junior Designer, Men's Footwear

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Reporting directly to the Design Director, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional ... globally relevant concepts. * Assist in developing upper designs, outsoles, trims, and ...

Altra Running

Altra: Footwear Designer II

Denver, CO · On-site

Position: Footwear Designer II What will you do? A day in the life of a Footwear Designer II at ... Seek out new Design resources, materials and technologies to assist in the development of leading ...

Tecovas

Junior Designer, Men's Footwear

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$65K - $70K/yr

Reporting directly to the Design Director, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional ... globally relevant concepts. * Assist in developing upper designs, outsoles, trims, and ...

Vfc

Altra: Footwear Designer II

Denver, CO · On-site

Position: Footwear Designer II What will you do? A day in the life of a Footwear Designer II at ... Seek out new Design resources, materials and technologies to assist in the development of leading ...

VF Corporation

Altra: Footwear Designer II

Denver, CO · On-site

Position: Footwear Designer II What will you do? A day in the life of a Footwear Designer II at ... Seek out new Design resources, materials and technologies to assist in the development of leading ...

VF Corporation

Altra: Footwear Designer II

Denver, CO · On-site

Position: Footwear Designer II What will you do? A day in the life of a Footwear Designer II at ... Seek out new Design resources, materials and technologies to assist in the development of leading ...

Vida Shoes International

Footwear Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

We are dedicated to designing, producing, and marketing quality branded footwear using our ... Knowledge of CAD systems to assist in ideation and creative process * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

Vida Shoes International

Footwear Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Footwear Designer Compensation: $85k - $100k Key Responsibilities * Sketch (hand sketch & CAD/AI ... Knowledge of CAD systems to assist in ideation and creative process * Proficiency in Microsoft ...

Zumiez

TEMP Technical Design Assistant

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$41K - $48K/yr

... apparel, footwear, accessories, skateboards, and snowboards for customers who express their ... Position Purpose The Temp Assistant Technical Designer supports the Technical Design team in the ...

Cole Haan

Product Developer, Men's Footwear

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This role bridges the gap between design intent and factory execution through daily communication ... * Assist with product confirmation reviews by organizing and pulling relevant samples, materials ...

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Footwear Design Assistant information

What is a footwear design assistant?

Footwear Design Assistants are entry-level professionals who support footwear designers in creating new shoe styles and collections. Their responsibilities typically include researching fashion trends, preparing design sketches, sourcing materials, and helping with technical specifications. They also assist in organizing prototypes, maintaining design documentation, and collaborating with other teams such as production and marketing. This role is an essential starting point for those looking to build a career in footwear or fashion design.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a footwear design assistant?

A Footwear Design Assistant should have a solid background in design principles, an understanding of fashion trends, and relevant qualifications such as a degree in fashion, footwear, or industrial design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD systems, as well as experience with prototyping tools, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help individuals stand out in this collaborative and trend-driven field. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting the design process, ensuring accuracy, and contributing innovative ideas to footwear collections.

What challenges do footwear design assistants face when working with cross-functional teams?

Footwear Design Assistants often collaborate closely with product developers, marketing professionals, and production teams. A common challenge is balancing creative vision with practical constraints like material costs, manufacturing capabilities, and tight deadlines. Clear communication and adaptability are essential to ensure that initial design concepts can be effectively translated into market-ready products. Being proactive in seeking feedback and understanding each team's priorities helps foster smoother collaboration and leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Footwear Design Assistant vs Footwear Designer?

AspectFootwear Design AssistantFootwear Designer
CredentialsRelevant fashion or design certifications, portfolioAdvanced design degree or extensive portfolio
Work EnvironmentAssist in design process, collaborate with teamsLead design projects, create original footwear concepts
Industry UsageEntry to mid-level role in footwear companiesSenior or lead role in footwear companies

The main difference between a Footwear Design Assistant and a Footwear Designer lies in responsibility and experience. The assistant supports the design team with research, sketches, and sample development, while the designer leads the creative process and makes final design decisions. Both roles require relevant certifications and industry experience, but the designer typically has a more advanced portfolio and higher level of responsibility.

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Footwear Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Footwear Design Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Vice President, Global Footwear Design & Innovation

ARC'TERYX

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Arc'teryx rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Your opportunity at Arc'teryx:
As Vice President, Global Footwear Design & Innovation, you are the architect of the creative and technical future of Arc'teryx Footwear. You define and lead an integrated vision that unites design, innovation, performance, and sustainability-shaping footwear that is industry leading from both an aesthetic and technical perspective.
This role sits at the intersection of human-centered design, athlete-led innovation, materials science, and brand storytelling. You set the long-term creative and innovation agenda, translating insight into differentiated footwear platforms that elevate performance, express our design ethos, and scale across seasons and categories.
From early-stage exploration through handoff to partners in Supply Chain, you ensure that innovation moves fast, design is uncompromising, and the story is clear-advancing both the brand and the business. You lead a world-class global team and partner deeply across Design, Product Management, Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Merchandising, and Brand to deliver footwear that redefines what's possible in the outdoors.
Meet your future team:
The Arc'teryx Global Footwear team creates innovative, beautiful product that exceeds the core mountain athlete's needs in the outdoors across climbing, hiking, and trail running categories. We are builders, problem solvers and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Fueled by curiosity, we take an immersive approach to identifying our athlete's future needs then build, test, and validate products that solve for real functional challenges. We are a passionate collective with a focus on collaborative teamwork, and our vision is to redefine the industry.
If you were in the Vice President, Global Footwear Design & Innovation role now, here are some of the core activities you would be responsible for:
  • Define and own a unified global vision for footwear design and innovation, aligned to Arc'teryx brand strategy and long-term business objectives
  • Establish and drive a multi-year creative and innovation roadmap, balancing breakthrough thinking with commercial rigor
  • Identify emerging opportunities across performance, biomechanics, materials science, sustainability, and digital product creation
  • Create, champion, and evolve the end-to-end design ethos and visual identity of Arc'teryx Footwear across form, materials, colour, and graphics
  • Inspire world-class design concepts grounded in athlete insight, consumer relevance, and technical performance
  • Ensure a cohesive and elevated design expression that connects footwear across categories and aligns with the broader Arc'teryx creative vision
  • Lead the creation of scalable innovation platforms-including cushioning systems, tooling architectures, upper constructions, and material solutions
  • Drive early-stage exploration, experimentation, prototyping, and validation while ensuring innovations deliver clear performance and consumer value
  • Ensure innovation is scalable, manufacturable, and integrated seamlessly into inline product
  • Embed Arc'teryx sustainability objectives into both design and innovation decisions from the outset
  • Advance circular design, responsible material choices, and lower-impact construction methods
  • Partner closely with Product Management, Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Merchandising to execute seasonal line plans in alignment with long-term vision
  • Collaborate with Brand Marketing to shape compelling, authentic innovation and design stories across evergreen and seasonal launches
  • Represent Footwear Design & Innovation in executive forums, milestone reviews, and strategic planning discussions
  • Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing global team of designers, innovators, and technical creators
  • Foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, inclusivity, disciplined risk-taking, and accountability
  • Develop top talent, set clear expectations, and create space for bold thinking, learning, and growth

Here are some of the things you could be working on in the future:
  • Leading the build of next-generation footwear platforms that re-define performance categories
  • Leading advanced digital product creation, simulation, and rapid prototyping capabilities
  • Leading breakthrough sustainability solutions in materials, processes, and circular design
  • Forging strategic external partnerships with universities, startups, and industry leaders

Are you our next Vice President, Global Footwear Design & Innovation?
  • You have 15+ years of leadership experience in footwear innovation, design, engineering, or advanced product creation
  • You have a bachelor's degree in Industrial or Product Design, or the equivalent industry experience
  • You have a proven track record in developing and leading the execution of a multi-year product strategy
  • You have a deep understanding of the design, commercialization, and industrialization of high-performance outdoor footwear
  • You set a clear vision, align your team around common objectives, and foster commitment to these objectives
  • You have strong business acumen with the ability to lead in a complex matrix business environment
  • You have proven people leadership skills and the ability to build, coach and guide a diverse and high performing team
  • You have strong influential leadership, with the ability to drive alignment across diverse cross-functional stakeholders at all levels of the business
  • You believe in continuous self-improvement, and you lead with empathy, compassion and teamwork
  • You are a proficient user of design software such as the Adobe Suite (Illustrator/Photoshop) and 3D Software
  • You are willing and able to travel globally as required

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is USD$224,000 - USD$336,000
Total Rewards
Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow your craft, your collaborations, and your impact at Arc'teryx. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility.
We're committed to fair, equitable, and competitive pay, reviewed regularly to ensure internal alignment and market relevance. Transparency is part of how we follow through on our commitments and how we honour the value you bring to our team.
In addition to base pay, Arc'teryx supports people through benefits designed to sustain both work and life:
  • Health & wellbeing - Extended health, dental, and vision coverage, including mental health support, fertility benefits, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Financial wellbeing - Immediately vested 401(k) retirement savings plan matching, eligibility for Arc'teryx Annual Incentive Plan and access to Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP) where applicable.
  • Time & Flexibility - Paid time off and No Wasted Day program (dedicated paid days to get outside & explore).
  • Family support - Parental leave for birthing and on-birthing parents, including an option to ease the transition back to work.
  • Growth, community & gear- Professional development opportunities, Arc'teryx Academies (outdoor skill-building events),Employee Belonging Councils, and access to employee discounts and Pro Deals (exclusive discounted pricing on gear).

*Eligibility for certain programs may vary by role.
Equal Opportunity
Arc'teryx is committed to actively creating and fostering a culture of inclusivity where voices are heard, people are seen, and values are respected. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and guests, and we do so in a safe space fueled by curiosity and acceptance.
Creating an inclusive workplace is connected to our core value Do Right while also having the added benefit of helping make our business better. We believe inclusion helps us to create a healthier, happier workplace, drive creativity and innovation, and reflect the communities where we operate.
All applicants, employees, and guests can expect equality of opportunity and fair treatment in alignment with our values.
Leave it Better
We believe that the mountains transform us, that how we adventure matters, and that there's always a better way.
Join us in creating positive change in ourselves, our communities, and the world.
Live it. Get out there - the mountains make us better
Disruptive evolution. In pursuit of better. Always.
Commit. We set bold objectives and see them through.

What Arc'teryx employees say

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About ARC'TERYX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Apparel manufacturing and apparel and accessories stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

North Vancouver, BC, CA

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