Assistant Designer, Footwear

About The Role

We are looking for an Assistant Designer, Footwear to join our Design team and help bring our footwear vision to life across seasonal collections. This role will partner closely with Merchandising, Sourcing, and other cross-functional teams to develop product that is on-brand, commercially relevant, and aligned with the customer. The Assistant Designer will support the design and development of footwear from initial concept through final production, contributing to seasonal direction while managing the details and execution required to bring product to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of seasonal footwear collections across key categories.
• Research and identify relevant fashion, color, material, silhouette, and consumer trends to inform product development.
• Create sketches, technical drawings, colorways, and design concepts under the direction of the Footwear Design team.
• Build and maintain seasonal design presentations, line plans, mood boards, and product documentation.
• Partner with Design and Merchandising to understand business needs, customer insights, and seasonal product strategies.
• Work closely with Sourcing to ensure designs are accurately executed and meet quality, cost, and timing expectations.
• Review samples and provide clear, detailed feedback on design, construction, materials, color, and fit.
• Participate in sample reviews and seasonal milestone meetings.
• Maintain accurate product information and ensure design details are communicated clearly throughout the development process.
• Support the creation and maintenance of tech packs and other product specifications.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.
• Stay current on footwear, fashion, retail, and competitive trends and bring relevant inspiration and ideas to the team.
• Collaborate across functions to help resolve product and execution challenges throughout the development cycle.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 0–2 years of footwear design experience, preferably within fashion, specialty, or vertical retail.
• Strong understanding of footwear design, construction, materials, and manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong sketching and technical drawing skills.
• A strong eye for color, proportion, material, and detail.
• Ability to translate trends and inspiration into commercially relevant product.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across creative and business teams.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn and contribute.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Footwear Design, or a related field preferred.

Benefits + Perks

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance, family planning support, fitness discounts, medical travel, and more.
• Associate Discount: Discount across all brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).
• Summer Fridays: Office closes at 1:00 PM every Friday during Summer months.
• Community Impact: Support through philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
• Winter Break: Time off at the end of December for eligible full-time Home Office associates.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

Salary Range

$57,500.00 - $71,250.00