Assistant Designer, Footwear (LTD)

POSITION OVERVIEW

At adidas, we never launch a product unless we consider it perfect.

As an Assistant Designer, Footwear, you will contribute to the creation of market relevant footwear within the adidas Originals category. This limited term position will support the design process from concept through execution while helping bring compelling product ideas to life that align with brand standards and consumer expectations.

You will play an important role in delivering commercially successful products by translating trends, consumer insights, and creative direction into tangible design solutions. Your work will support product storytelling, visualization, and technical execution while helping ensure consistency throughout the product creation process.

Working closely with designers, developers, marketers, and other cross functional partners, you will help transform ideas into prototypes and finished products. Your creativity, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset will contribute to seasonal product creation and strengthen the overall design direction within adidas Originals.

This limited term position is expected to continue through December 31, 2026.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Footwear Design Execution: Design and co-design footwear concepts that align with business objectives, consumer insights, and seasonal product strategies.

Concept Visualization: Translate creative ideas into compelling visual concepts that support franchise storytelling and product direction.

Design Presentation: Communicate design concepts, product details, and creative rationale through presentations, reviews, and collaborative discussions.

Brand Alignment: Execute designs that reflect adidas design principles, visual language, and brand identity standards.

2D and 3D Design: Develop sketches, renderings, mockups, and digital models that support product visualization, refinement, and decision making.

Technical Documentation: Prepare accurate design specifications and complete tech packs for development teams to support prototype creation.

Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, development, and product creation teams to ensure alignment from concept through execution.

Trend Research: Monitor consumer, cultural, fashion, and industry trends to inspire innovative product concepts and support future design direction.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field.

• Foundational knowledge of footwear design principles, construction, and materials.

• Proficiency with Mac based design software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate.

• Strong visual communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced and collaborative environment.

• Strong organizational skills with close attention to detail.

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience designing footwear through professional, internship, freelance, or academic projects.

• Experience using 3D design software such as Rhino, Blender, Modo, GravitySketch, or ZBrush.

• Understanding of fashion, cultural, and consumer trends, including the influence of social media.

• Experience collaborating with cross functional teams throughout the product creation process.

• Passion for footwear, design innovation, and sportswear culture.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position follows a hybrid work model based in Los Angeles, California, with in office collaboration required Monday through Thursday and remote work flexibility on Fridays. The role operates within a highly collaborative and creative product creation environment that includes regular design reviews, workshops, and cross functional meetings. Limited travel may be required based on business needs.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to a Design Director within adidas Originals and works closely with footwear designers, product developers, marketers, and other cross functional partners. The role collaborates with regional and global design teams while supporting seasonal product creation initiatives across the Originals business.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $85,140 to $106,425 annually.

Actual salary will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and overall alignment with the requirements of the position.

This position is eligible for the adidas annual incentive bonus program, subject to plan terms and individual eligibility.

• Comprehensive medical coverage including HSA with employer funding or FSA options, dental, vision, and prescription plans.

• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support programs.

• Short and long term disability coverage.

• Basic life and AD and D insurance with supplemental employee paid options.

• 401(k) plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.

• Education assistance for eligible full time employees.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and generous leave policies.

• Flexible time off accrued at 0.4388 hours per day, increasing with tenure.

• Twelve paid holidays plus milestone Service Time Off.

• Employee product discounts and access to wellness programs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At adidas, we foster a workplace culture built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity where employees can grow, contribute, and perform at their best.

We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds because they strengthen our teams, drive innovation, and help us better serve athletes, consumers, and communities around the world.

adidas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.