Lead Designer - Footwear

About the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Design Head to lead the footwear design

vertical for Cult Sport. The ideal candidate will be responsible for setting the design

direction for our footwear category, translating brand strategy into trend-forward and

consumer-relevant products, and collaborating across functions to bring collections

to life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Direction:

  Define seasonal design themes, color palettes, and material stories aligned with brand positioning and consumer trends.

• Product Creation:

  Lead the design and development of footwear collections– from concept sketches to final prototypes.

• Trend Analysis:

  Leverage WGSN, competitor mapping, and other forecasting platforms to build trend-right collections.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  Work closely with marketing, content, and product development teams to ensure design consistency and storytelling across all consumer touchpoints.

• CAD Development:

  Oversee the creation of 2D CADs and detailed tech packs for sampling and production.

• Design Software Expertise:

  Be hands-on with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other design tools to support the team in concept visualisation and presentations.

• Vendor Interaction:

  Liaise with factories, vendors, and sampling teams to ensure the timely development of prototypes and commercial samples.

• Team Leadership:

  Manage and mentor a small team of designers, fostering creativity and executional excellence.

Key Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in footwear design, with at least 2 years in a senior or leadership role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing footwear design and development process.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and basic tools.
• Solid understanding of

  footwear construction

  , materials, and fit.
• Experience working with trend forecasting platforms and consumer insighttools.
• Excellent communication, project management, and team leadership skills.

Preferred Attributes:

Previous experience with activewear or sports footwear brands.

Passionate about fitness, fashion, and creating consumer-centric designs.