Senior Materials Design Manager

Senior Design Manager – Color & Materials (Footwear)

We are seeking a highly creative and experienced Senior Design Manager to lead a dynamic Color & Materials team focused on footwear innovation. This role blends hands-on design leadership, storytelling, and people management to shape compelling product narratives that resonate with a modern, trend-driven consumer.

You will lead a team of designers working across color and materials exploration, driving cohesive narratives that connect design, development, and product storytelling . The ideal candidate brings a refined aesthetic, strong consumer insight, and the ability to translate cultural and fashion trends into commercially relevant product expression.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and mentor a team of color and materials designers in creating narrative-driven footwear concepts
• Drive seasonal and long-term design direction across color and materials strategy
• Translate consumer insights, fashion trends, and cultural movements into product storytelling
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including product, development, and manufacturing
• Present design concepts clearly and persuasively to internal and external partners
• Ensure design intent is maintained through execution from concept through production
• Manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in color and/or materials design (footwear, apparel, textile, or industrial design)
• Prior people management experience leading creative teams (required)
• Strong understanding of color theory, materials application, and product storytelling
• Experience working within a consumer product design and development environment
• Proven ability to balance creative vision with commercial execution
• Strong presentation and communication skills with cross-functional influence

Portfolio Expectations

• Demonstrated ability to build clear design narratives and storytelling frameworks
• Evidence of decision-making, ownership, and design process clarity
• Strong aesthetic sensibility with awareness of consumer trends and culture
• Relevant work in footwear or consumer product design strongly preferred

Ideal Candidate

A hands-on creative leader who thrives in ambiguity, brings a strong point of view on color, materials, and culture , and is energized by building and mentoring teams. You are equally comfortable developing concepts as you are presenting and defending them across diverse stakeholders.

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Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.

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