The Senior Designer is a passionate leader with the creative ability to lead a team in designing innovative product true to the brand DNA. Leads and manages the design process in a collaborative work environment translating design briefs and knowledge of market trends into innovative, commercial designs. Develops and implements design themes and concepts that capture new markets and increases consumer demand.
Works with the design leadership to implement brand vision, design language and product direction.
Lead presentations with strong verbal and visual execution, while clearly communicating design vision.
Lead, delegate, manage, and drive multiple design projects from conceptualization to finished product, adhering to calendar deadlines.
Lead and mentor designers through clear and consistent coaching and development.
Build and support a collaborative and innovative culture for direct reports and peers.
Collaborate with peers to ensure season runs smoothly.
Travel with the team to factories across the globe, sales meetings, select tradeshows, and significant retail regions/districts.
Partner with innovation team & Manager, Trend, Color & Materials to incorporate new concepts into seasonal themes and designs
Apply market research, trend insight, and knowledge to interpret business briefs from the product team to select materials, and actively creates and presents new innovative concepts
Develop and create product design stories and themes, providing direction to design team
Create illustrations and technical drawings for new design concepts and digital renderings of materializations in Photoshop and Illustrator, detailing concept, materials, and development specifications based on UGG brand design guidelines
Manage and drive multiple design projects from conceptualization to finished product adhering to calendar deadlines while completing digital template guidelines
Review and approve prototypes in a timely manner and update tech packs to reflect agreed upon changes and modifications
Ensure collaboration with the development team to design products within specific pricing goals
Create and manage timely execution of tech/design packages ensuring all level of detail is accurate
Collaborate and clearly communicate with Product and design team to ensure design objectives are reflected in the creation and execution of the product
Prepare, present, and delegate design projects, clearly communicating design vision
Ensure adherence to design deadlines in order to meet Critical Path (CP) dates; Liaise with Product Operations, Product Development, and category product teams throughout product creation lifecycle
If a People Manager, all of the above and:
Train and develop team members based on individual talents. Support internal career path and development.
Mentor and provide regular feedback to team members that foster skill development and performance improvement including tough conversations.
Recognize and reward behaviors that align with and support the division’s and company’s initiatives.
Ensure team adheres to company policies and procedures.
Establish formal communication protocol through regular team meetings and 1:1 meetings with direct reports.
Continually monitor team processes to ensure ongoing innovation and efficiency.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in design related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
5 – 10 years related footwear and/or apparel design experience
If a People Manager, all of the above and: 1 – 2 years management experience
Demonstrated Skills/Programs/Knowledge/Behavior:
Mastery of Microsoft Applications, MAC OS, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop, Romans CAD
Advance-level ability to prepare and present information and respond to questions from management, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Expert ability to create technical footwear drawings, and demonstrate knowledge in current trends and the ability to interpret trends.
Strong understanding of and experience employing product design, construction techniques, and appropriate use of materials, including extensive knowledge and full understanding of product design including outsole construction techniques, last making, materials, color, etc.
Complete knowledge of interdependency between design and development processes, and ability to drive collaboration between groups; ability to conceptualize and translate from 2D to 3D
Highly motivated team player and self-starter; ability to motivate and inspire others
Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills and problem-solving abilities, Strong story-telling skills, with ability to create compelling design stories and themes
Experience working effectively in complex global organizations, satisfying the needs of diverse constituents, and often working under the pressure of competing and sometimes conflicting priorities.
Strong project management and organizational skills, ability to lead and multi-task in a fast paced environment, deadline and process driven, and exceptional attention to detail.
Advanced understanding of footwear design, construction techniques, and CAD capabilities, and understanding of color and materials
Ability to train and develop team members based on individual talents, and support internal career path and development
Experience mentoring and providing regular feedback to team members that foster skill development and performance improvement including tough conversations
Ability to prioritize, manage, and delegate work across a creative design team
Ability to deliver constructive feedback on design and creative concepts
*LI-DC