Freelance Footwear Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tecovas was founded with the simple goal of making the world's best western boots, apparel and leather goods - and selling them at a fair price. We are a brand revolutionizing a category and welcoming first-time boot buyers and western enthusiasts alike.

Tecovas is looking for a Senior Designer, Men's Footwear to create the next generation of iconic Western footwear. From concept to commercialization, you will lead the design of products that balance heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation, ensuring every style embodies the Tecovas brand. Reporting directly to the Head of Product, you will influence the future of the category through exceptional design, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of construction, materials, fit, and storytelling

This role is required to be based in Austin, TX. Candidates must either be currently located in or willing to relocate to Austin, TX.

What you'll do:

• Lead the design and development of Tecovas Men's Footwear from concept through commercialization, ensuring every product reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality.
• Drive seasonal design direction by identifying new opportunities across Western, work, and adjacent footwear categories while evolving our iconic franchises.
• Lead all aspects of the design process, ensuring deliverables are met for seasonal milestone meetings, prototype reviews, line freeze, and production deadlines.
• Conduct seasonal research through market analysis, trend exploration, competitive shopping, consumer insights, and historical brand references to inspire new product concepts.
• Create innovative footwear concepts through sketching, digital rendering, prototyping, and close partnership with Product Development and Sourcing.
• Partner with Merchandising to translate consumer insights, business objectives, and assortment strategies into compelling product solutions.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Materials, and Sourcing to identify new leathers, constructions, components, finishes, and manufacturing techniques that elevate the product.
• Own color, material, leather, hardware, and construction direction for seasonal collections while ensuring cohesion across the broader product assortment.
• Build and maintain accurate design specifications, BOMs, and PLM data throughout the development process.
• Participate in prototype reviews, wear testing, fit evaluations, and commercialization meetings, providing thoughtful design direction throughout the product lifecycle.
• Mentor and develop the Footwear Designer through regular coaching, constructive feedback, and meaningful development opportunities, helping build the next generation of design talent.
• Partner closely with Apparel and Accessories Design to create cohesive seasonal stories, color direction, and brand-right product collections.
• Manage freelance or external design resources as needed.
• Travel domestically and internationally for inspirational research, factory visits, supplier meetings, leather development, and product reviews.

Experience we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of footwear design experience, preferably within premium footwear, Western, outdoor, work, or lifestyle brands.
• Demonstrated experience designing technically sound, commercially successful footwear collections.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, patterning, fit, materials, leather, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Exceptional sketching, concept development, rendering, and storytelling abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop
• Experience partnering directly with overseas factories and suppliers throughout the product development process.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring designers is preferred.

What you bring to the table:

• You have a deep appreciation for Western craftsmanship and are passionate about preserving and evolving the category.
• You balance creativity with commercial thinking, designing products customers love while achieving business objectives.
• You are a natural mentor who enjoys developing talent and helping others reach their potential.
• You bring curiosity and a constant desire to explore new ideas, materials, construction techniques, and product innovation.
• You have exceptional attention to detail and hold yourself and others to a high standard of product excellence.
• You are customer obsessed and consistently advocate for the end consumer throughout the design process.
• You build strong cross-functional relationships and thrive in a collaborative environment.
• You communicate ideas clearly, welcome diverse perspectives, and are open to thoughtful feedback.
• You are energized by fast-paced environments and enjoy turning great ideas into exceptional products.

Full Time Benefits & Perks: 

• We offer insurance plans that pay 79-90% of your health premium coverage and 100% of your dental & vision insurance coverage for your family/dependents
• 401(k) match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible PTO policy
• Corporate wellness program
• Competitive salary - $150,000-165,000/annum (commensurate with experience)
• Eligibility to participate in Corporate Bonus Program
• Generous employee discounts!

About Us:

Based in Austin, TX, Tecovas brings the spirit of the West to the modern consumer. Handcrafting the best Western footwear, workwear, apparel, and accessories, Tecovas has grown rapidly since its founding as the first digitally native Western brand in 2015, serving customers through www.Tecovas.com, Tecovas Stores from coast to coast, and select wholesale partners. We're certainly growing- and hiring passionate, humble, positive, and talented people determined to help us continue to grow!

 Important note: We strive to hire values-aligned people because we believe it takes each and all of us to be successful, and lead with grit, speed and a clear vision of where we're headed. In a remote setting, interviewing at Tecovas may include phone interviews, virtual "on-site" interviews, and on-the-job mock cases. We are committed to run a thorough process for candidates with whom we identify a potential match, and we will do our best to follow-up with each and every applicant! If you're on the fence, just give it a try! 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply! Information collected during the application process is subject to our privacy policy. Please note: Offers of employment may be conditional pending the completion of standard onboarding procedures.