ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Footwear Jobs in Nashville, TN (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFootwear JobsFootwear Jobs in Nashville, TN

Footwear information

See Nashville, TN salary details

$10

$13

$19

How much do footwear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for footwear in Nashville, TN is $13.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.07 and $15.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Footwear Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Footwear Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, materials knowledge, and an understanding of footwear construction, often supported by a degree in fashion design or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you stand out when collaborating with teams and interpreting market trends. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating innovative, functional, and marketable footwear that meets consumer needs.

What is the difference between Footwear vs Shoe Designer?

AspectFootwearShoe Designer
CredentialsTypically requires footwear-specific training or certifications in shoe manufacturing or designRequires design education, often with a focus on footwear or fashion design
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, design studios, retail settingsDesign studios, fashion houses, freelance work
Industry UsageUsed broadly for all types of shoe products, including athletic, casual, and formal footwearSpecifically refers to the creative role of designing shoes

Footwear refers to the actual products, including manufacturing and sales, while Shoe Designer focuses on the creative process of designing shoes. Both roles are interconnected but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in the footwear industry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in the footwear industry often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing fashion trends, ensuring quality control across manufacturing processes, and balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainability. Collaboration between design, production, and marketing teams is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying informed about new materials and manufacturing technologies, as well as building strong relationships with suppliers, can help footwear professionals remain competitive and innovative.

What are footwear professionals?

Footwear professionals are individuals who specialize in the design, production, repair, or sale of shoes and other types of footwear. They may work as designers, manufacturers, sales associates, or repair specialists within the footwear industry. Their responsibilities can include selecting materials, creating prototypes, ensuring product quality, and helping customers find the right fit and style. These professionals play a crucial role in both the fashion and function aspects of footwear.
Footwear jobs near you
Senior Footwear Design Manager - Johnston & Murphy

Senior Footwear Design Manager - Johnston & Murphy

Genesco

Nashville, TN

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Genesco rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 102 rated fashion retailers

Job description

The Ideal Candidate
The Senior Design Manager supports the growth and profitability of the Johnston & Murphy men's footwear business by leading the design and development of key categories aligned with business objectives and brand strategy. This highly creative and collaborative leader works in close partnership with Product Line Management and Development, as well as cross-functional teams across Retail and Wholesale Merchandising, and our Supply Chain. This role ensures the delivery of cohesive, compelling, and commercially successful men's footwear collections.
How You Will Make an Impact
  • Partner with the Design Director and Product Line Manager to execute the strategic and creative vision for the men's footwear line each season.
  • Help lead the seasonal design direction of key categories, informed by consumer insights, fashion forecasts, and market trends, from initial inspiration to commercialization hand-off.
  • Ensure timely execution and delivery of new concepts, from initial ideation through sample development and commercialization handoff.
  • Partner with product development and costing to ensure new concepts are interpreted correctly by the factory, any issues are resolved, and meet target pricing and margin requirements.
  • Build strong cross-functional partnerships within the PD team, commercialization/sourcing, with our suppliers/factory partners, and with adjacent teams across the brand.
  • Support the selection of seasonal lasts, materials, components, and color palettes to meet design, performance, and commercial goals.
  • Help drive innovation across product design and development-advancing comfort technologies and constructions, while also continuously improving team processes and ways of working.

Experience and Skills You'll Need to Have
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field of study.
  • Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in men's fashion footwear design and development.
  • Proven expertise managing the end-to-end product creation lifecycle, including product briefs, ideation, design execution, technical packages, cost management, prototyping, and overseas development.
  • Comprehensive working knowledge of modern footwear manufacturing methods, with the ability to oversee and direct all design and development processes.
  • Highly creative with a passion for fashion design and a deep understanding of leather, textiles, components, and color concepts.
  • Demonstrated success building effective partnerships across an organization, with factory partners, and with suppliers.
  • Experience leading a footwear design team, balancing structured process management with a creative culture that encourages innovation and new ideas.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to adapt quickly and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong blend of analytical, decision-making, and creative problem solving skills.
  • Domestic and international travel required.

#LI-JS2
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Genesco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Genesco logo

About Genesco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Genesco Inc., based in Nashville, TN, US, is a publicly owned specialty retail company operating in the footwear, apparel, and accessories industry. The company was initially founded in 1924 as Jarman Shoe Company before eventually transitioning to its current name in 1959. Currently, it operates numerous retail stores in the US and Puerto Rico, including popular brands like Journeys, Johnston & Murphy, and Lids Sports Group. Genesco's mission is to be the leading specialty retailer in the footwear, headwear, and sports apparel industries through providing high quality products and demonstrating excellent customer service. Some of the company's notable achievements include the successful ownership and growth of multiple well-known fashion brands and a significant retail footprint in North America.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Nashville, TN, US

Year founded

1924

Social media

TwitterInstagram

View All Genesco Jobs

Apply