Designer – Shoes & Sandals

About Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens is not just a brand but a global icon with over six decades of cultural influence, attitude, and heritage. As a dynamic and values-driven company, we are energized by diverse perspectives, courageous actions, and a culture where people bring their full selves to work. Our core values—Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care—guide our commitment to turning passion into progress.

Role Overview

Joining the Consumer & Brand team and reporting to the Senior Designer, the Designer position places you at the heart of innovative projects that define how we engage consumers now and in the future. You will be integral in advancing our consumer-centric strategy and enhancing the Dr. Martens experience globally through enabling teams, streamlining processes, influencing key decisions, and creating impactful moments for our audience.

Key Responsibilities

• Create seasonal footwear designs spanning multiple categories, ensuring alignment with brand identity, strategic priorities, and consumer insights.
• Communicate design concepts clearly using CADs, sketches, mood boards, and detailed specifications.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Designer to develop seasonal themes, shapes, material choices, and unique details, guaranteeing a consistent yet distinctive collection.
• Perform and compile trend, market, consumer, and competitor research to support creative and business-driven design choices.
• Work cross-functionally with Colour & Materials, Product Development, and Sourcing teams to review samples, maintain precise PLM data, and contribute actively to seasonal meetings and presentations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Comprehensive expertise in footwear design with deep understanding of lasts, pattern making, construction methods, materials, and comfort considerations.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to deliver accurate CADs and engaging visual presentations.
• Strong ability to design products that resonate both culturally and commercially on a global scale, reflecting brand and consumer sensibilities.
• Capability to balance creative innovation with commercial and technical constraints, including cost-effectiveness, durability, sustainability, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Highly organized and effective collaborator who partners with Senior Designers and cross-functional units (including Footwear, Colour & Materials, Accessories, Innovation & R&D) to manage and complete multiple seasonal projects on schedule.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• A complimentary pair of Dr. Martens footwear upon joining.
• Participation in the 'Buy as you Earn' share scheme.
• Generous discounts: 65% off all Dr. Martens products and 50% off accessories.
• Aviva pension scheme.
• Life assurance coverage.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Private healthcare benefits.
• Two paid volunteer days annually.

Inclusion and Diversity

Dr. Martens is dedicated to building a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic self and thrive. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all races, colors, religions, genders and identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, veteran statuses, disabilities, and genetic backgrounds. We believe diverse teams strengthen our brand and enable us to genuinely connect with our consumers.