Designer II (Footwear)

Company: The People Brand
Location: Irvine
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Title: Designer II – Footwear Location: Irvine, CA Reports To: Senior Designer or Design Director Department: Product Design About the Role The Designer II is responsible for designing and developing footwear concepts that support seasonal strategies, franchise growth, and the broader product vision. This role translates briefs, consumer insights, and brand direction into clear sketches, refined design packages, and product solutions that embody our ethos of comfort, craft, quality, and modern Hawaiian inspiration. As a designer, you will contribute to multiple product platforms, collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, and begin taking ownership of specific styles or small collections. The ideal candidate brings strong design skills, excellent attention to detail, and a desire to grow into a broader creative leadership role over time. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Design and develop footwear concepts that deliver against seasonal briefs, pricing strategies, and margin targets. Create clear sketches, refined renderings, technical design packages, and bill of materials to support development handoff. Work within an integrated team of Design, Development, and Product Line Management; actively participate in pod meetings, sample reviews. Translate insights, trends, and brand direction into thoughtful design solutions across materials, color, and silhouette. Support the creation and presentation of seasonal design content, including mood boards, inspiration decks, concept pages, and trim/material boards. Present work at design reviews, product gate meetings, and seasonal check-ins with cross-functional partners. Collaborate with the CGM (Color, Graphics & Materials) team to ensure color and material execution aligns with design intent. Maintain accuracy in all design documentation, sketches, and tech packs to ensure smooth transitions from concept to manufacturing. Contribute to continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and best practices. Mentor and provide informal guidance to Designer I or Intern-level teammates as needed. Qualifications, Skills & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Product Design, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience. Typically 4–6 years of relevant design experience in footwear or consumer products. Strong ability to express ideas through sketching, 2D renderings, and digital tools. Understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with 3D software is a plus. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and presentation skills; comfortable sharing work with cross-functional partners and leadership. Demonstrated passion for design, storytelling, and delivering compelling product solutions. Highly collaborative, open to feedback, and eager to grow skillset and scope of responsibility. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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