Creative Head - Footwear Design

Role Overview

We are looking for an innovative and forward-thinking Design Head to lead the footwear design division for Cult Sport. This key leadership role involves establishing the design vision for our footwear range, aligning it with brand strategy, and ensuring it resonates with current consumer trends. The ideal candidate will collaborate across various teams to guide collections from initial concept through to final product launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the seasonal design themes, color palettes, and material narratives that reflect brand identity and market trends.
• Drive the entire footwear design process, creating compelling collections from conceptual sketches to finished prototypes.
• Utilize trend forecasting tools such as WGSN and competitor research to curate trend-appropriate collections.
• Coordinate with marketing, content creation, and product development teams to maintain design integrity and cohesive storytelling across all consumer channels.
• Supervise development of detailed 2D CAD designs and tech packs necessary for precise sampling and production.
• Apply hands-on expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other design software to aid concept visualization and team presentations.
• Engage directly with factories, vendors, and sample production teams to ensure timely prototype development and commercial sample delivery.
• Lead and mentor a small team of designers, encouraging creativity and high-quality execution.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 to 10 years’ experience in footwear design, including at least 2 years in senior or leadership roles.
• A robust portfolio demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of footwear design and development.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and essential design tools.
• Strong insight into footwear construction, materials, and fit parameters.
• Experience leveraging trend forecasting platforms and consumer insights for product design.
• Exceptional communication, project management, and leadership capabilities.