Footwear Designer
At TAFT
Salt Lake City, UT
About the team:
TAFT is about building confidence through bold style and unique, high-quality product. Our team is small but mighty and ever growing. We are looking for like-minded people with high energy, optimism and a problem-solving attitude to join the team. Our business is shoes/boots, so the first Footwear Designer outside of our founder will be an important and impactful role. You will need to stay close to the consumer, gathering insights that inform the future of TAFT’s line, but all while leading with a creative and unique design sensibility that isn’t for the faint of heart.
About the role:
TAFT is looking for a talented Footwear Designer with 3-7 years of experience in footwear to join our Product team. As our first Footwear designer, you’ve worked at a fashion/lifestyle brand and have the ability to fully understand the TAFT consumer. You will work collaboratively with Design leadership, Marketing, Operations, and Customer Experience to bring to life bold new footwear designs. You’ll be hands-on in the process of design; applying the proper construction techniques, the appropriate materials, and thinking thoroughly through the ins and outs of our shoes and boots. We’re looking for someone with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills who fully understands fashion, trends, product markets, and consumer expectations.
What you’ll do:
- Lead, manage, and drive multiple design projects from conceptualization to finished product
- Adhere to calendar deadlines set by the Merchandising and Marketing team
- Collaborate with design leadership and cross-functional teams to manage workloads to meet deadlines while achieving the highest level of quality and accuracy
- Contribute ideas for construction, materials, and components to enhance functionality, aesthetics, fit and margin - we don’t design boring stuff! If you aren’t able to think outside the box, please don’t apply
- Proactively research market and fashion trends and provide insights on the seasonal direction to the larger team.
- Facilitate the transition of the first prototype to a final, production-ready sample offering
- Ensure the accuracy of the tech drawings (by prioritizing fit and construction)
- Review prototypes and pre-production samples against technical packages and oversee the formulation, feedback, and corrections needed for future prototypes
- Oversee the process of wear-testing our products for design/function flaws that can be improved
- Accomplish all tasks and execute requests within timeline constraints
Who you are:
- 3-7 years of experience in footwear design
- Demonstrated experience at fashion/lifestyle brand
- BFA or BS in Industrial Design or Fashion
- Strong 2D skills, ability to concept ideas through hand sketching, mockups, etc
- Detail oriented go-getter, able to prioritize time and task
- Strong proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop
- Familiar with Apple applications and functionality
Benefits:
- Employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance
- Competitive PTO policy, plus paid holidays
- Company discount policy
- Incredible snacks and drinks in the fridge
- Honestly we’re the coolest place to work in Utah - join us!
Send Resume to Brigham@TAFTclothing.com