Footwear Materials Designer

Responsibilities

Kforce's client in Beaverton, OR is seeking an exceptional Footwear Materials Designer who can blend expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to help shape the future of Footwear Materials. Summary:This role sits within the Core Footwear group - which covers Running, training, basketball, lifestyle and sandals at key competitive price points. The ideal candidate will be an independent leader, driving material design expressions as well as new creations. They will be a highly creative problem solver who refuses to settle for anything less than the best in design and material innovation - meeting the needs of athletes and consumers both on and off the field. The Footwear Materials Designer will focus on enhancing the consumer experience through materials that balance performance and trend relevance across a range of products, while fostering a deep emotional connection through compelling storytelling and narrative. A strong passion for advancing the purpose-driven initiatives around sustainability and people is essential.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in Design, Art, or a related field such as Fashion Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, Accessory and Footwear Design, or Textile Design; Alternatively, a Master's degree in one of these areas) - will accept any suitable combination of education experience and training
4+ years of relevant design experience, demonstrating the ability to push the boundaries of material design and/or proven expertise in Material design, Textile Design or Footwear Design with a focus on upper materials and build
Ability to translate consumer insights into compelling narratives and product executions
Strong capability to leverage manufacturing processes to elevate new ideas, techniques, and materials
Experience building 3D samples and crafting mockups by hand
Highly organized, self-sufficient, and motivated, with a passion for leading teams
Proven experience collaborating and communicating with manufacturing partners to ensure design intent and material execution accuracy
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Ability to manage and contribute to multiple seasonal projects within tight timelines and limited resources
A strong understanding of the Footwear Product Creation process is a plus
An active, engaged contributor in both the creative process and cross-functional communication
Confident in presenting and articulating design concepts to internal and external audiences
Skilled in collaboration and cross-functional teamwork with key partners
A deep passion for sport culture and the categories in which you design

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

By clicking "Apply Today" you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
Kforce is a professional staffing services firm offering Technology and Finance & Accounting jobs with top employers nationwide. We specialize in providing contract, contract-to-hire and direct placement opportunities, with over 50 years of experience in the staffing industry. Kforce offers many consultants comprehensive benefits depending on employment status, including medical, dental, 401(K), life insurance and disability. Our vision is to be "the firm most respected by those we serve."