Production Designer

Production Designer Company: KANE Footwear Location: Westport, CT Posted: Jun 11 KANE Footwear is seeking a Production Designer with strong Project Management skills reporting to the Head of Product who resides on the West Coast, who brings both range and disciplined execution — someone who understands how to translate the footwear brand, elevating it for the wellness markets via a premium modern aesthetic. If you’re looking to help shape a brand defining a new space in performance and recovery footwear — and want your work to show up everywhere from product to campaign, this opportunity is a step in the right direction. Our ideal candidate has 4 to 7 years of experience, preferably starting on a freelance basis. (On-site 4 days a week — remote is not an option) + a reasonable travel radius to Westport, CT. Key Responsibilities Create, update, and maintain detailed technical sketches, CAD (uppers, outsoles, colorways), and Bills of Materials (BOM) in PLM systems. Trend and Market Research: Upcoming trends, materials, and color stories; create inspiration and mood boards. Sample and Prototype Management: Organize and track prototypes, vendor samples, and materials; maintain the in‑house material library. Development Coordination: Participate in prototype reviews, documenting feedback to update designs. Communication: Liaison between innovation designer, developer, and factory partners to ensure timely execution. Qualifications Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Adobe CC (Illustrator, Photoshop) is essential. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes. Design Education: BFA in Fashion, Accessories, or Industrial Design preferred. Communication: Strong ability to work in a team and communicate design ideas clearly. Organization: Ability to handle multiple projects and strict deadlines. Key Daily Tasks Updating sketches based on feedback from Product Designers. Creating color‑up layouts for new seasons. Assisting in assembling mood boards and trend reports. About KANE Footwear KANE exists to prepare athletes for greatness. Since our launch in 2021, we’ve redefined what recovery footwear means. We design sustainably built, high-performance shoes engineered for modern athletes who refuse to compromise and know recovery isn’t an afterthought; it’s a critical part of wellness. That’s why we create footwear with purpose: so every athlete can Come Back Better. At our core, we are a true team driven by passion, fueled by competition, grounded in loyalty, and committed to having fun along the way. We’re building a culture of teammates who execute at the highest level and live the values we stand for. "Several years ago, I began to notice the footwear athletes were choosing after training and games. They were loose, overly cushioned, and potentially detrimental to recovery. That sparked the vision for KANE — to engineer an advanced EVA recovery shoe designed to help athletes Come Back Better." — John Gagliardi, Founder & CEO Salary Range

80–95K / DOE