Rothy's
About the Role
We're looking for an innovative and visionary Vice President of Design and Innovation to lead the strategy and execution of our product design function. This is a critical leadership role that will inspire and develop the design team while shaping the future of our growing brand by driving creative excellence, ensuring brand consistency, and delivering commercially successful and constantly evolving product assortments. This role reports to the Chief Product and Merchandising Officer and collaborates closely with cross‑functional partners, including Merchandising, Marketing, Product Development, and Production.
What You'll Do
Product Design Vision and Innovation
– Define and drive the overall product vision, aligning with Rothy's brand to create a comprehensive north star that guides both seasonal and long‑term design. Identify new innovations (materials, manufacturing techniques, constructions, categories, and customer solutions) and evolve our product branding and design language through material developments, trim elements, product and insole branding evolution, outsole branding, and connected packaging synergies.
Customer Curiosity & Market Research
– Continuously canvas the market for customer‑curious ideas, use market cues and directional insights to spot critical trends and materials, and keep Rothy's pipeline relevant and forward‑thinking.
Product Seasonal Strategy
– Lead the development of seasonal product design strategies, balancing innovation with commercial viability; drive seasonal color palettes; oversee design and development of product assortments by season; guide sketching, prototyping, and tech pack creation.
Team Development
– Develop, coach, and inspire a high‑performing design team; advocate for tools, processes, and resources; align the team with new goal orientation.
Product Execution
– Oversee end‑to‑end design processes from concept to final sample approval; manage speed‑to‑market; lead fit development and ensure products execute against intended fit.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Partnership
– Partner with Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to meet pricing, margin, and production targets; identify and commercialize new materials; collaborate across brand functions on product vision, styling, and expression.
You Have
15+ years of experience in footwear design, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Proven track record of leading and inspiring a creative team in a high‑growth environment.
Strong strategic mindset and ability to translate creative vision into seasonal direction and commercially successful products.
Deep customer curiosity and empathy, with a commitment to understanding what customers love and crave.
Exceptional collaboration and communication skills; ability to influence and align cross‑functional partners.
Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes within the footwear industry.
Experience working with global sourcing and production teams.
Passion for design, innovation, and building a product‑driven brand.
Benefits
Generous paid time off
401(k) matching
Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
Supplemental mental health benefits
Monthly wellness reimbursement
Dog‑friendly offices
Employee Discount Program
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What You'll Do
Product Design Vision and Innovation
– Define and drive the overall product vision, aligning with Rothy's brand to create a comprehensive north star that guides both seasonal and long‑term design. Identify new innovations (materials, manufacturing techniques, constructions, categories, and customer solutions) and evolve our product branding and design language through material developments, trim elements, product and insole branding evolution, outsole branding, and connected packaging synergies.
Customer Curiosity & Market Research
– Continuously canvas the market for customer‑curious ideas, use market cues and directional insights to spot critical trends and materials, and keep Rothy's pipeline relevant and forward‑thinking.
Product Seasonal Strategy
– Lead the development of seasonal product design strategies, balancing innovation with commercial viability; drive seasonal color palettes; oversee design and development of product assortments by season; guide sketching, prototyping, and tech pack creation.
Team Development
– Develop, coach, and inspire a high‑performing design team; advocate for tools, processes, and resources; align the team with new goal orientation.
Product Execution
– Oversee end‑to‑end design processes from concept to final sample approval; manage speed‑to‑market; lead fit development and ensure products execute against intended fit.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Partnership
– Partner with Merchandising, Product Development, and Production to meet pricing, margin, and production targets; identify and commercialize new materials; collaborate across brand functions on product vision, styling, and expression.
You Have
15+ years of experience in footwear design, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Proven track record of leading and inspiring a creative team in a high‑growth environment.
Strong strategic mindset and ability to translate creative vision into seasonal direction and commercially successful products.
Deep customer curiosity and empathy, with a commitment to understanding what customers love and crave.
Exceptional collaboration and communication skills; ability to influence and align cross‑functional partners.
Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes within the footwear industry.
Experience working with global sourcing and production teams.
Passion for design, innovation, and building a product‑driven brand.
Benefits
Generous paid time off
401(k) matching
Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
Supplemental mental health benefits
Monthly wellness reimbursement
Dog‑friendly offices
Employee Discount Program
#J-18808-Ljbffr