Job Description
This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ near Portland, OR. In-office expectation is 3 days a week.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The SOREL The Footwear Designer I works closely with management and staff on providing support for designing and merchandising the footwear line. Creates and manages footwear production computer artwork for design, material, and component development. Creates prototype footwear catalog, updating as line develops and changes. Works with department members to ensure that deadlines are met to reach company goals.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Provides support for design manager with regard to design and development of the footwear line. Includes computer illustration work and the approval/evaluation of colors in strike prototypes and lab dips.
Provides technical assistance in the use of design software and prepares footwear samples for prototype line reviews.
Creates logo embroidery and label production artwork for development and production.
Creates color formulations for design software, scanning in specimens and enhancing them on the computer, ultimately creating the design to fit factory size specifications.
Monitors component and material development by working with materials research department to ensure that components match computer generated colors/designs. Order new colors each season as well as maintain inventory of carryover colors.
Works closely with designer/merchandisers to interpret consumer and market needs. Includes attending appropriate trade shows for market research and attending sales meetings to gain thorough understanding of customer/product requirements.
Proposes design ideas based on seasonal assignments with regard to materials, color, style, definition, functional features, fit requirements, and design detail. Refines concepts as directed by design director or general manager of footwear.
Manages the development and production of seasonal swatchbooks and color cards including creating the artwork for page layouts, coordinating materials for pages with book/card vendor distributing them to the sales representatives at the sales meetings.
Participates in prototype process by initiating sample requests through members of the product development departments.
Facilitates the development of graphic concepts by working with in-house and freelance graphic artists.
Assists in managing product design projects to assure smooth execution of concepts and appropriate preparation for production.
YOU ARE
A strong team player.
Passionate about footwear design and creating amazing product for SOREL
Able to build strong relationships and key strategic partnerships both internal and external.
Able to wear a lot of hats and have a no task is too small an attitude.
YOU HAVE:
Bachelor’s degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience.
Typically requires less than 2 years of professional experience where knowledge base is generally acquired from a college degree or equivalent course experience.
College degree or equivalent with coursework in Design, Merchandising, Materials and Components or a related discipline.
1-3 years in footwear design and development or related work experience in the footwear industry.
Possess excellent organizational skills
Possess broad knowledge of footwear design and development and thorough knowledge of general design process from concept to pre-production
Must have working knowledge of material sourcing techniques (leather, components etc.).
Possess thorough understanding of footwear construction and specifications.
Must have excellent Macintosh and PC skills, be thoroughly familiar with CAD applications and possess some graphic skills (drawing, layout etc.).
Possess ability to interpret market/consumer needs into footwear design and product concepts
Possess full understanding of functional and aesthetic aspects in product design
Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Must have mental capability to troubleshoot and solve problems of a moderate complexity or difficulty.
Must have excellent eyesight free from any color impairment. Travels for consumer/product research as needed.
3D software, printing, or AI skills/experience/knowledge a bonus
Portfolio link required in application or resume
#LI-JC1
#Hybrid
#SOREL
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, ****** orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.
At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.
If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The SOREL The Footwear Designer I works closely with management and staff on providing support for designing and merchandising the footwear line. Creates and manages footwear production computer artwork for design, material, and component development. Creates prototype footwear catalog, updating as line develops and changes. Works with department members to ensure that deadlines are met to reach company goals.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Provides support for design manager with regard to design and development of the footwear line. Includes computer illustration work and the approval/evaluation of colors in strike prototypes and lab dips.
Provides technical assistance in the use of design software and prepares footwear samples for prototype line reviews.
Creates logo embroidery and label production artwork for development and production.
Creates color formulations for design software, scanning in specimens and enhancing them on the computer, ultimately creating the design to fit factory size specifications.
Monitors component and material development by working with materials research department to ensure that components match computer generated colors/designs. Order new colors each season as well as maintain inventory of carryover colors.
Works closely with designer/merchandisers to interpret consumer and market needs. Includes attending appropriate trade shows for market research and attending sales meetings to gain thorough understanding of customer/product requirements.
Proposes design ideas based on seasonal assignments with regard to materials, color, style, definition, functional features, fit requirements, and design detail. Refines concepts as directed by design director or general manager of footwear.
Manages the development and production of seasonal swatchbooks and color cards including creating the artwork for page layouts, coordinating materials for pages with book/card vendor distributing them to the sales representatives at the sales meetings.
Participates in prototype process by initiating sample requests through members of the product development departments.
Facilitates the development of graphic concepts by working with in-house and freelance graphic artists.
Assists in managing product design projects to assure smooth execution of concepts and appropriate preparation for production.
YOU ARE
A strong team player.
Passionate about footwear design and creating amazing product for SOREL
Able to build strong relationships and key strategic partnerships both internal and external.
Able to wear a lot of hats and have a no task is too small an attitude.
YOU HAVE:
Bachelor’s degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience.
Typically requires less than 2 years of professional experience where knowledge base is generally acquired from a college degree or equivalent course experience.
College degree or equivalent with coursework in Design, Merchandising, Materials and Components or a related discipline.
1-3 years in footwear design and development or related work experience in the footwear industry.
Possess excellent organizational skills
Possess broad knowledge of footwear design and development and thorough knowledge of general design process from concept to pre-production
Must have working knowledge of material sourcing techniques (leather, components etc.).
Possess thorough understanding of footwear construction and specifications.
Must have excellent Macintosh and PC skills, be thoroughly familiar with CAD applications and possess some graphic skills (drawing, layout etc.).
Possess ability to interpret market/consumer needs into footwear design and product concepts
Possess full understanding of functional and aesthetic aspects in product design
Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Must have mental capability to troubleshoot and solve problems of a moderate complexity or difficulty.
Must have excellent eyesight free from any color impairment. Travels for consumer/product research as needed.
3D software, printing, or AI skills/experience/knowledge a bonus
Portfolio link required in application or resume
#LI-JC1
#Hybrid
#SOREL
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, ****** orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.
At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.
If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The SOREL Footwear Designer I position is now open for candidates interested in the Fashion Designer Jobs sector. This role in Portland offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Fashion Designer Jobs is a plus.
