Footwear Designer

Are you a creative and passionate footwear designer with a love for all things equestrian? Do you have a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of equestrian performance needs and a knack for translating them into stylish and functional footwear? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Position: Footwear Designer, Company: LeMieux, Location: Romsey, Hampshire.

About us: At LeMieux, we are dedicated to crafting top-quality equestrian products with our aim to become the ultimate destination for equestrians around the world. Built with quality at its heart, we want to be accessible, yet aspirational for both new and existing customers.

We believe in the power of design to enhance performance, comfort and style and we’re looking for a talented Footwear Designer to drive development for a new category within our brand. The range is in early stages of development and covers a variety of different footwear types, focused on servicing the needs of our passionate equestrian customer.

Key responsibilities:

• Design Concept Development: Collaborate with the design team to brainstorm, research, and conceptualise new footwear designs that align with the brand's vision, target market, and current trends in equestrian fashion.
• Product Design: Create detailed sketches, technical drawings, and digital renderings of footwear designs, considering factors such as comfort, functionality, durability, and style. Ensure that designs meet the brand's quality standards and manufacturing feasibility.
• Material Selection: Identify and source suitable materials, including leather, synthetic fabrics, and specialised equestrian-specific materials, that are both aesthetically appealing and capable of withstanding the demands of equestrian activities.
• Prototyping and Testing: Work closely with the product development team to create prototypes of footwear designs for testing and evaluation. Collaborate on fit sessions, making necessary adjustments to improve comfort, performance, and overall quality.
• Trend Research: Stay up-to-date with the latest equestrian fashion trends, market insights, and emerging technologies in footwear design. Apply this knowledge to develop innovative and competitive products that meet the needs and desires of equestrian consumers.
• Quality Control: Work closely with the quality assurance team to review and evaluate samples and finished products, ensuring they meet the brand's design and quality standards. Provide guidance and feedback for continuous improvement.
• Brand Alignment: Maintain a deep understanding of the brand's identity, target audience, and overall aesthetic. Ensure that all footwear designs align with the brand's values, image, and market positioning.
• Industry Engagement: Attend trade shows, fashion events, and equestrian competitions to gather inspiration, build industry connections, and keep abreast of market trends. Represent the brand as a knowledgeable and passionate footwear designer.

The successful candidate will have the following attributes:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, or a related field. (Equivalent relevant work experience may be considered).
• Proven experience as a footwear designer, preferably within a related sports sector.
• Strong knowledge of footwear design principles, construction techniques, and materials.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and 3D modeling tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, production limitations, and cost implications.
• Excellent sketching and technical drawing skills to effectively communicate design ideas.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on quality, fit, and functionality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Passion for equestrian sports and a deep understanding of the specific needs and preferences of equestrian consumers.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Romsey: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• fashion/product design: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person