Free People - Associate Designer, Footwear

Job Title 

Free People – Associate Designer, Footwear

Position Overview 

The Associate Footwear Designer works collaboratively with the Free People team to actively design, create and execute the vision of the brand.  The Associate Designer has a firm understanding Free People's brand DNA and brings a strong point of view and fresh ideas to the design of wholesale and retail Free People Collection Footwear and some working experience in the footwear industry.   

Responsibilities: 

• Provide insights into Footwear trends and competitive space and translate into innovative and trend forward Footwear Designs across a variety of categories for Free People Collection Footwear retail & wholesale on a seasonal basis
• Provide knowledge of materials, trims, hardware and trends in Footwear and support in sourcing efforts with suppliers and factory base
• Work with Senior team members to merchandise and prepare for all design presentations to show creative vision for each collection
• Create both stylized and technical sketches for designed product
• With strong understanding of technical constructions, create technical packs for factories to execute design vision
• Create digital CADs of footwear designs for internal design meetings and sales teams
• Actively attend footwear fittings to ensure successful aesthetic and technical execution of product
• Drive organization of physical materials and communication related to designed product on-site with team

Qualifications 

• 3+ years professional footwear design experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of the Free People customer and competitive space
• Ability to research and report on industry trend direction, color direction, trim, hardware and material innovations approximately 9-12 months ahead of season
• Working knowledge of footwear manufacturing techniques and processes
• Ability to sketch or to communicate design ideas in technically accurate and compelling ways
• Fluency with Adobe Creative Suit: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightbox
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with partners in Merchandising, Production, and Design
• Ability to respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions
• Ability to clearly communicate to overseas vendor
• Willing to relocate to Philadelphia, PA  

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion or Footwear Design or related field preferred.

Location

On-site Philadelphia, PA

Travel

Some travel may be required. 

 #FreePeople #JA-LI1

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