Branded Footwear Designer/Developer
Global Leader in Sports & Lifestyle Apparel
Now Hiring in Melbourne
The Brand |
Our client is a globally recognised leader in action sports and lifestyle apparel, with a portfolio of iconic brands that have shaped youth culture for decades. Combining innovation, authenticity, and a deep connection to their consumer, they continue to push boundaries across product design, performance, and style.
As they continue to evolve their footwear category, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Footwear Designer to join the team and help create commercially successful collections for the SPAC region.
The Role |
Based in Melbourne, this role will see you play a key part in designing and developing innovative footwear collections that connect with consumers while aligning with brand direction and commercial objectives.
Working closely with the Product Development team, you will translate seasonal concepts into compelling product ranges, balancing creativity, technical execution, comfort, performance, and cost considerations. From initial concept development through to technical drawings and factory-ready artwork, you will be involved in every stage of the design process.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing and developing seasonal footwear collections across multiple categories
Researching consumer trends, competitor activity, and emerging market opportunities
Creating storyboards, presentations, and seasonal design concepts
Defining materials, colour palettes, constructions, and silhouettes
Producing technical drawings and artwork for manufacturing partners
Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure collections meet commercial and brand objectives
Staying abreast of global footwear trends, innovation, and sustainability developments
The Skillset |
We're looking for a creative and commercially minded designer who brings both technical expertise and a passion for product innovation.
You will bring:
5+ years' experience in Footwear Design
Experience within action sports, lifestyle, outdoor, fashion, or performance categories highly regarded
Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, fit, tooling, and manufacturing processes
Proven ability to develop original concepts and translate them into commercially successful products
Advanced Adobe Illustrator skills and proficiency across relevant design software
Strong understanding of consumer behaviour and footwear market trends
Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
Exceptional attention to detail, organisation, and project management capabilities
Relevant qualifications in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, or a related discipline
The Offer |
Opportunity to design for globally recognised brands with strong cultural relevance
Work within a collaborative and highly creative product team
Exposure to international markets, trends, and innovation
End-to-end involvement across the footwear design and development process
Melbourne-based role within a dynamic and growing category
The chance to create products that reach consumers across the region and beyond
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate Footwear Designer to contribute to iconic brands and help shape future collections within a fast-paced and innovative environment.
Apply with Lucy |
If this sounds like you, reach out to Lucy for a confidential chat.
lucy@thetalentmill.com.au
The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle and retail industries. With more than 10 years specialist expertise with luxury, lifestyle & fashion brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as a trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.
Recruitment – but make it ethical not transactional. Quality over quantity – always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace. We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support, and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition – one where we develop long term, meaningful connections, add value and deliver an unforgettable service.