Junior Product Designer

Product Designer I, Junior - Footwear job at FOCO. Piscataway, NJ. About FOCO Team Beans/Forever Collectibles (FOCO) is a global leader in officially licensed sports and entertainment merchandise. FOCO proudly holds licenses across all major professional sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA, along with a growing portfolio of entertainment and character-based brands. Our product portfolio spans apparel, headwear, accessories, footwear, collectibles, and novelty items—distributed across major retailers, eCommerce, and fan channels. We specialize in fan-first, trend-driven products that bring teams and characters to life. The Opportunity FOCO is seeking a Product Designer I – Footwear to support the design and development of licensed, commercially driven footwear products. This role focuses on thematic and lifestyle footwear—including flip flops, slides, slippers, casual sneakers, and novelty footwear—designed for mass retail partners such as Walmart and other key accounts. This is an entry-level opportunity for a designer who is passionate about consumer products, sports, and pop culture, and wants to create fun, accessible products at scale. What You’ll Do Footwear Design & Concept Development Assist in designing licensed footwear products (flip flops, slides, slippers, casual sneakers, novelty styles) Develop graphics, patterns, and themed executions aligned with sports teams and entertainment brands Support translating concepts into commercially viable products Product Development Support Assist in creating tech packs including materials, construction, colorways, and specifications Support sample reviews, revisions, and approvals Help ensure designs align with cost targets, margin goals, and production capabilities Licensing & Brand Execution Design within licensor guidelines (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NCAA, and entertainment brands) Support artwork submissions and approval processes Maintain consistency across licensed product lines Vendor & Factory Collaboration Work with internal teams and support communication with overseas factories Assist in sample tracking and product updates Travel to factories (China, Mexico, etc.) up to 20% to support development, material reviews, and production alignment Trend & Market Research Research trends in footwear, fan gear, retail, and pop culture Identify opportunities for new product ideas and seasonal launches Support development of trend boards and concept presentations Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Product Development, Sourcing, Sales, and Merchandising teams Support key retail programs and custom product initiatives Assist in presentations, line reviews, and internal meetings What You’ll Bring Required Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, or related field 0-2 years of experience (internship or entry-level role) in design or product development Strong interest in consumer products, footwear, or licensed merchandise Basic understanding of materials and construction (soft goods or footwear preferred) Strong organizational and communication skills Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 10% (Asia, Latin America, etc.) Preferred Experience or coursework related to footwear or soft goods design Exposure to licensed products or branded merchandise Ability to create graphics, patterns, or themed designs Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite Interest in sports, retail, and fan-driven products Key Competencies Creative concept development Commercial product thinking (mass retail mindset) Attention to detail Organization and time management Collaboration and communication Adaptability in a fast-paced environment Why FOCO? Design products for the biggest sports leagues in the world Create high-volume products sold at major retailers Gain exposure to global sourcing and manufacturing Work in a fast-paced, product-driven environment Competitive benefits and employee merchandise discounts Tryouts are open at FOCO! If you’re passionate about design, sports, and consumer products, we’d love to see your work. Application Requirement (Read Before Applying) A portfolio is required for this role. Please include a link (URL) or PDF showcasing your design work. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be reviewed. #J-18808-Ljbffr