Senior Designer Basketball Footwear

The Senior Designer will design both on-court performance and culturally relevant footwear for the global Basketball business unit in our North American headquarters in Somerville, Massachusetts. As a Senior Designer, you will collaborate with PUMA athletes and partners to build innovative products that drive forward the future design direction of PUMA Hoops.

• Create designs and technical specification packages that help lead the direction for PUMA's Basketball footwear design.

• Assist in the seasonal story, color, and material directions alongside an apparel and graphics creative team.

• Work directly with PUMA Hoops athletes and outside partners to build collaborative product ranges.

• Consistently deliver innovative and appropriate disruptive design solutions to meet the briefed requirements.

• Demonstrate high level of understanding of brand directives.

• Support and contribute to strategic brand and technology direction through product design.

• Lead by example, mentor, inspire, and guide less-experienced team members.

• Track and understand business development - consistently assess numbers, gaps, and opportunities in the market.

• Travel to domestic and international markets to continuously develop industry, consumer, and retail knowledge.

• Travel to factories to manage the footwear development process with our factory partners.

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Design or related field.

• 5+ year's experience designing and developing innovative footwear and other products.

• Technical and aesthetic understanding as well as knowledge and experience with performance-based products and trend relevant detailing.

• Experience in international footwear product development and manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of form, color, materials, and human factors related to elevating the consumer experience.

• Strong knowledge of and passion for the sports industry, especially basketball and new industry technologies.

• Extensive knowledge of domestic and international retail, consumer trend, and product line dynamics.

• Exceptional sketching skills.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills in English. Experience presenting to retail buyers/accounts and athletes is a plus.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and Procreate. Gravity Sketch, KeyShot or other 3D software is a plus.

• Strong command of color and understanding of merchandising/line planning.

• International and domestic travel required. (~ 25% yearly)