UK Footwear Product Developer/Designer

Company Description

Northstar is a global design and sourcing house for footwear and apparel brands, based in Leeds, UK. We work with top brands and retailers around the world to build innovative products and create brand growth opportunities. Northstar offers end-to-end design and production services, including design and development, sourcing, and quality assurance, all backed by a global team of experts.

Role Description

The Footwear Designer / Developer I helps manage all stages of the development process. From initial concept to completion. Their experience is relied on to resolve issues and to develop the skills of those being supervised. This role is centered on working with Design, Development, Materials, Costing, Commercialization, Production to ensure the product is developed on time.

The successful candidate will work closely with the design teams and our in-house experts to develop footwear collections from concept to mass production. They will also manage the product development process, as well as communicate regularly with the technical team, customers, and manufacturers.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Strong research and development skills, with the ability to identify emerging trends and technologies
• Product management skills, with the ability to manage budgets and timelines
• Footwear technology expertise, with knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes
• Product development skills, with experience in taking products from concept to production. 
• Women's product experience is a plus. 
• Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or related field
• Experience working in the footwear industry
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Required experience, skills, and education:

• Minimum of 3-5 years practical experience in footwear design/development
• Strong proficiency in Adobe illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficiency with MS Office, including MS Excel
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and results orientation
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a diverse group of people

Preferred experience/skills:

• Project management skills
• High level of initiative & maturity
• Excellent communication skills

Benefits:

 Paid phone plan

 Opportunity for international travel in Europe, Asia, and the US

 Annual bonus opportunity