Senior Footwear Designer (100%)

pINUIKII is a dynamic international footwear brand known for combining distinctive design with comfort, quality, and functionality. /p pThe Senior Footwear Designer is responsible for the creative development of seasonal footwear collections from initial concept through to final product together with CCO. The role combines strong creative vision, commercial understanding, footwear knowledge, and close collaboration with Product Development, Merchandising, and Production. /p pThe Senior Footwear Designer ensures that each collection reflects the brand identity while remaining relevant, innovative, commercially viable, and technically executable. /p h3Collection Design /h3 ul liDevelop seasonal footwear concepts in line with the brand’s creative direction and collection strategy. /li liTranslate trends, cultural influences, market insights, and brand DNA into relevant product concepts. /li liDesign new footwear styles while continuously evolving core and carry-over products. /li liCreate sketches, technical drawings, colorways, material combinations, and detailed design specifications. /li liDevelop seasonal color, material, sole, hardware, and detailing concepts. /li liEnsure a strong balance between creativity, commerciality, innovation, and brand recognition. /li /ul h3Product Development /h3 ul liWork closely with Product Development from first concept through prototype, sample development, and final confirmation. /li liReview prototypes and samples and provide clear design corrections. /li liEvaluate proportions, construction, materials, colors, comfort, and overall product appearance. /li liCollaborate with factories and suppliers on new constructions, soles, materials, components, and techniques. /li liEnsure design intent is maintained throughout the development process. /li liDeliver designs and corrections according to the seasonal critical path. /li /ul h3Collection Management /h3 ul liCollaborate with Merchandising and CCO to build a balanced and commercially relevant assortment. /li liUnderstand the role of Core, Carry-Over, Commercial, Fashion, and Statement products within the collection. /li liConsider target price, margin, market requirements, and production feasibility during the design process. /li liAnalyze previous-season performance and incorporate relevant learnings into future collections. /li liIdentify opportunities to develop new product families and strengthen successful existing ones. /li liContinuously monitor footwear, fashion, lifestyle, consumer, and cultural trends. /li liResearch new materials, constructions, technologies, and manufacturing techniques. /li liMaintain strong knowledge of competitors and the international footwear market. /li liProactively propose new concepts and product opportunities rather than relying solely on given briefs. /li /ul h3Cross-Functional Collaboration /h3 ul liWork closely with CCO, Product Development, Merchandising, Production, Marketing, and Sales. /li liPresent concepts and collections clearly during internal reviews. /li liCommunicate effectively with international factories, suppliers, and development partners. /li liSupport Sales and Marketing with relevant product knowledge and collection storytelling when required. /li /ul h3Qualifikation /h3 ul li6–8+ years of professional design experience, preferably within premium, contemporary, or fashion footwear. /li liStrong portfolio demonstrating both creative and commercially successful footwear. /li liExcellent understanding of footwear construction, materials, lasts, soles, components, and manufacturing processes. /li liStrong sketching and technical drawing capabilities. /li liProficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with 3D footwear design tools is an advantage. /li liGood understanding of costing, target pricing, and production feasibility. /li liStrong knowledge of international footwear and fashion markets. /li liExperience working directly with European and/or Asian footwear manufacturers is highly desirable. /li liFluent English; additional languages are an advantage. /li liCreative Vision — Creates distinctive products while protecting and evolving the brand DNA. /li liCommercial Awareness — Understands that successful design must combine creativity with sell-through potential, pricing, and margin. /li liTechnical Expertise — Understands how footwear is constructed and can communicate effectively with developers and manufacturers. /li liOwnership — Takes responsibility for designs from initial idea through final approved product. /li liSpeed Organization — Works effectively within demanding seasonal timelines and manages multiple developments simultaneously. /li liCollaboration — Works constructively across Design, Development, Merchandising, and Production. /li liAttention to Detail — Maintains a high standard across proportions, materials, colors, construction, and finishing. /li liA diverse and dynamic role in a growing Swiss fashion brand /li liFlat hierarchies and room to shape your area of responsibility /li liA creative, international environment based in the heart of Zürich /li liEmployee discount on all INUIKII products /li /ul pINUIKII is a dynamic, fast-growing international footwear brand entering its next phase of growth. As we scale, the strength of our footwear design becomes more critical than ever: product that captures our brand identity, translates cleanly into wearable, sellable collections, and holds up from concept sketch to finished shoe. We're building a leaner, more connected structure across design, product development, and production, and this role sits at the center of it. As Designer, you'll have real ownership from day one, close collaboration with our leadership team, and the chance to shape how a growing brand designs and evolves its collections as it matures. /p #J-18808-Ljbffr