Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Job Mission:

At New Balance Footwear Design, our mission is to unlock the full potential of our team’s creativity.  The Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator will support in the rapid creation of footwear prototypes as a part of our Design Accelerator function. This person will work with other footwear designers, taking selected initial sketch work and refining the designs into fully factory-ready concepts. Relying on their considerable design experience, they will use their knowledge of factory processes, sole specification standards, and upper constructions to expedite the first prototype. They will serve as the liaison between product designer, 3D designer, materials designer and product developer. As someone who interacts heavily with the factories and development teams, they will also serve as a mentor on footwear design best practices to the wider design organization.

Major Accountabilities:

Sketch Refinement:

• Create quick sketches as may be needed to elaborate on the initial concept.
• Collaborate with designer and product manager to gain alignment on initial proto direction/
• Bring added realism through Vizcom materialization or Gravity Sketch study models.

Upper Quick-Spec:

• Upper spec creation is a key component of design communication to the factory and central to this role.
• Collaborate closely with materials design team. Have a central understanding of appropriate materials selection to achieve design intent, cost targets, durability and sustainability requirements.
• Create initial shell pattern when required.
• ‘Owns’ the techpack creation and revision throughout initial first prototype phase.
• Assists in the transition of that techpack to the inline design team after first proto.

Sole Model Creation:

• Creates initial sketches of outsole design, when needed.
• Communicates to 3D designer base form intent, last selection, and key section details.
• Works with 3D designer and product designer to refine 3D models before prints are created.

Collaboration & Problem Solving:

• Act as a liaison between Design Development and PM ensuring alignment and smooth communication.
• Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, using resourcefulness to solve problems to clarify design intent.
• Work with a high level of urgency and ownership to meet deadlines and maintain project momentum.

Requirements For Success:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or other footwear-related design field (product, graphics, or fashion)
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools a must. 3D experience with Gravity Sketch, Rhino, etc. and AI experience such as Vizcom or Midjourney are a bonus
• 5+ of footwear design experience, preferably working in the Lifestyle category
• Strong project management skills and team collaboration
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.