About See Kai Run:
See Kai Run creates thoughtfully designed footwear that supports healthy foot development, from first steps through childhood adventures. Guided by our “feet-first” philosophy, we combine expert-informed design, quality craftsmanship, and playful style to serve families. Today, See Kai Run is a leading children’s footwear brand with a growing omni-channel presence across digital platforms and strategic wholesale partnerships, powered by a collaborative team passionate about building products that families love.
Position Summary:
The Footwear Designer supports the creation and execution of product design, influencing all segments of See Kai Run’s product collections across various sales channels. This position collaborates closely with the Director of Product Design & Development on all tasks related to product creation, including market and trend research, material sourcing, costing, and commercialization. A qualified candidate also has advanced hands-on experience and knowledge of the entire footwear design and construction process. They support the design direction as well as development with a focus on bringing product to market that promotes and supports healthy foot development for children.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Research and deliver on concept development, integrating innovative design approaches with a focus on healthy foot development and compelling consumer storytelling.
- Stay current with fashion trends and competitive landscapes to deliver meaningful product collections under the Director of Product Design & Development's guidance.
- Ideate and produce design sketches, detailed renderings and technical drawings that support the product creation process
- Create comprehensive technical packs that provide precise instructions for manufacturing partners, including 2D drawings, material specifications, color details and construction methods
- Conduct fit tests to evaluate fit of samples and collaborate with development partners to refine designs to ensure optimal fit, comfort and ease of use for the consumer
- Review prototypes and samples, communicate feedback to refine designs and ensure they meet design intent and quality standards
- Partner with the Director of Design & Development to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet pricing targets and quality objectives of the product collections
- Present design concepts and product objectives effectively to convey the inspiration and craftsmanship behind each style and collection
- Travel to overseas manufacturing facilities and supplier sites to participate in critical stages of product development to maintain design intent and achieve production targets
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in footwear design, industrial design or related field
- 3+ years experience in footwear design and development or related field
- Proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and office software (Microsoft Suite)
- Proven ability to research, analyze and interpret design elements into product construction
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills for building working relationships within teams
Key Competencies:
- Creative & Innovative – works independently and cooperatively with others to produce novel and valuable ideas that balance creativity and commercial viability
- Technical Expertise – demonstrates expertise in footwear design and construction and a comprehensive understanding of healthy foot development essentials
- Critical Thinking – keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks while still seeing the big picture and understanding how all the pieces fit together and affect one another.
Workplace Arrangement:
This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 3 days per week in Bothell, WA office. Subject to change as per company guidelines.
Benefits:
Medical/Dental/Vision, Retirement, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is $70,000 – $85,000 annually. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowlege, skills, and experience.
