Product Developer - Footwear
Columbia Sportswear CompanySalary not specified
Full Time
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)
Principal Designer, Inline Footwear Design at Brooks Running
Seattle, Washington, United States
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Footwear, Sporting GoodsIndustries
Requirements
- Expertise in leading complex, high-impact projects across Spring, Fall, and Innovation design teams
- Ability to own long-term design strategy (1–5 years) for next-generation performance running footwear
- Proficiency in blending future-focused concepts with seasonal execution using creative foundation "CRAFTED BEAUTY"
- Experience evolving design foundation, developing principles for performance expressions and functional boundaries while aligning with brand identity and runner needs
- Strategic partnership skills across cross-functional teams (Product Line Management, Innovation and Inline Development, Engineering, Color/Material & Trend Design, 3D CAD, Run Research Team)
- Ability to translate biomechanical insights, performance data, and emerging material/manufacturing innovations into buildable design solutions
- Implementation of best practices with central use of digital visualization tools (advanced 2D/3D digital design tools)
- Leadership in adopting and elevating digital design tools for clarity, iteration, and storytelling; producing execution-ready files shared globally (including Asia partners)
- Senior design voice for mentoring junior and senior designers, guiding creative exploration, elevating standards, and championing curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation
- Influence on creative process and product strategy across the design organization and brand
- Knowledge of global design trends, competitive market shifts, and cultural signals for future running experiences
- Skills in early-stage storytelling, visual expression of concepts/pilot programs, inspiring through design, articulating ideas, and turning insight into action
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end design of performance running footwear across Spring, Fall, and Innovation initiatives, from concept through prototype, including upper, tooling, and construction
- Define and own the aesthetic expression and functional design language of cross-season and innovation projects, ensuring alignment with brand identity, athlete needs, and future consumer expectations
- Drive design excellence through iterative exploration, applying identity principles that maximize perceived value and elevate competitive positioning
Skills
Key technologies and capabilities for this role
Questions & Answers
Common questions about this position
What is the work arrangement or location for this role?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What are the key skills required for the Principal Designer role?
The role requires expertise in footwear design, long-term design strategy for performance running footwear, proficiency with advanced 2D/3D digital design tools, and the ability to translate biomechanical insights and performance data into buildable solutions. Strong leadership in mentoring designers and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also essential.
What is the company culture like at Brooks Running?
Brooks Running fosters a culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation, guided by brand values including Runner First, Word is Bond, Champion Heart, There is no 'I' in Run, and Keep Moving.
What compensation or salary is offered for this position?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What makes a strong candidate for this Principal Designer position?
A strong candidate should have proven leadership in complex, high-impact footwear design projects, expertise in performance running footwear strategy, mastery of digital 2D/3D tools, and experience mentoring designers while partnering across cross-functional teams.
Brooks Running
High-performance running shoes and apparel
About Brooks Running
Brooks Running designs and sells high-performance running shoes and apparel for men and women. Their product range includes shoes for road running, trail running, treadmill workouts, and racing, as well as a variety of athletic apparel like shorts, tops, and outerwear. Brooks primarily targets fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, and casual runners who value quality and performance. The company stands out from competitors like Nike and Adidas by emphasizing sustainability and innovation, with initiatives such as a LEED-certified headquarters and energy conservation efforts. Brooks aims to provide top-notch athletic gear while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Seattle, WashingtonHeadquarters
1914Year Founded
M_AND_ACompany Stage
Consumer GoodsIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees