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.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

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