Manager - Footwear Designer (10-15 yrs)

1. Design & Product Development

- Lead the design process from concept to production, ensuring designs align with brand identity and customer preferences.

- Collaborate with product development teams to refine samples and prototypes, focusing on comfort, quality, and aesthetics.

KRA: Successful launch of collections that meet design timelines and quality standards.

2. Market Research & Trend Analysis

- Conduct market research and analyze trends to develop products that are relevant, fashionable, and commercially viable.

- Incorporate global fashion trends, customer insights, and competitor analysis into the design strategy.

KRA: High relevance of designs based on seasonal trends and increased market share in targeted segments.

3. Innovation in Materials & Sustainability

- Explore and implement innovative materials and sustainable practices in footwear design, aligning with industry standards and eco-friendly practices.

- Work closely with suppliers to source sustainable and cost-effective materials.

KRA: Increase in sustainable product offerings and reduction in material costs through innovation.

4. Team Leadership & Collaboration

- Lead and mentor the design team, fostering creativity, innovation, and professional growth.

- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, merchandising, production) to ensure cohesive product launches.

KRA: High team productivity and retention, with effective cross-functional collaboration and feedback loops.

5. Quality & Comfort Standards

- Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality and comfort standards by overseeing the testing processes for durability, fit, and customer satisfaction.

- Collaborate with production teams to address quality control issues promptly.

KRA: Low product return rates and positive customer feedback on product quality and comfort.

6. Project Management & Timelines

- Oversee project timelines, from initial sketches to final production, ensuring collections are completed on schedule.

- Develop and maintain a calendar for product development stages, keeping stakeholders updated on progress and deadlines.

KRA: On-time delivery of seasonal collections and adherence to project milestones.

7. Budget Management & Cost Efficiency

- Work within the allocated budget for materials, design, and sampling, ensuring cost-effective decisions without compromising quality.

- Identify ways to reduce production costs, from material choices to process efficiencies.

KRA: Adherence to budget limits and achievement of cost-saving goals in the design and production process.

8. Brand Positioning & Customer Focus

- Ensure all designs align with the brand's target market, maintaining consistency in style, fit, and customer appeal.

- Use customer feedback and data to refine and adapt designs that meet evolving market demands.

KRA: Positive customer satisfaction scores and alignment of products with brand identity.

9. Innovation in Design Technology & Tools

- Utilize design software and technology advancements to create and present high-quality renderings and prototypes.

- Train the team in the latest design tools and methodologies for enhanced productivity and creativity.

KRA: Increased design efficiency and output quality through the adoption of modern design tools.

10. Sales & Commercial Performance Support

- Partner with sales and marketing teams to develop strategies for new product launches, supporting the product's commercial success.

- Adjust designs based on feedback from sales performance and customer insights.

KRA: Achievement of sales targets for new collections and improvement in sell-through rates.