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Senior Director, Footwear Design

New York, New York

Job Title:

Senior Director, Footwear Design

About Bombas:

Bombas is a comfort focused premium basics brand with a mission to help those in need. The company launched in 2013, after the founders learned that socks are the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. From there, they set out to solve that problem, donating a pair of socks for every pair they sell. How do you donate a lot of socks? You sell a lot. And how do you sell a lot? You make the most comfortable socks in the history of feet. Millions of pairs sold and donated later, Bombas has continued to innovate within its mission and product, introducing new socks, as well as underwear and t-shirts, the #2 and #3 most requested clothing items at homeless shelters, all while continuing to make a positive impact on the community where we all work and live.

Click here to see what it's like to work inside the Bombas Hive!

The word Bombas is derived from the Latin word for bumblebees. Bees work together to make their hive a better place. At Bombas, we’re inspired by that. We know it’s the collective efforts of our team that keeps the Hive alive and strong - a team that is diverse and inclusive. Different perspectives strengthen our ability to make the most comfortable versions of the products people wear closest to their bodies every day and to serve the communities where we all work and live. We are committed to continuously building a Hive where all are welcomed, seen, and heard regardless of age, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, genetics, physical or mental ability, protected veteran, status, race, religion and sexual orientation. As a team, we will strive to create room for different experiences and empower all voices.

Based on the specific needs and job requirements, this role will be working out of our Bombas HQ in New York City.

About the Job:

Within the role of Senior Director of Footwear Design, you will lead our footwear category, reporting  directly to our Vice President of Design. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience as a senior level designer, 3+ years of experience leading teams, a love for product, meticulous attention to detail and a passion for leading a creative team. As a key creative leader you will be encouraged to think big and bring a fresh perspective, while having the team support to create and innovate.

As Senior Director of Footwear Design at Bombas, you’ll be leading a very fast growing category and team. This is a critical growth area for Bombas with a lot of momentum. You will be involved in every aspect of the creative process from ideation to final product execution. You will lead and drive process improvements for the design department, while working cross functionally with our Product Development, Merchandising, Planning, Creative, and Marketing teams to deliver best in class product to our customers. As a leader of the organization your role will greatly impact the future of product design and business growth at Bombas.

What you’ll be responsible for:

  • Managing the development of all aspects of the footwear  design process, from initial concept through to final order placement
  • Drive research and analysis of upcoming fashion, market trends and competitive product offerings to understand the overall market and to identify opportunities relevant to our product
  • Developing high level ideas and strategy and then ensuring execution throughout the process
  • Constant communication with all units of the organization to ensure clarity and alignment
  • Motivate, mentor and develop the design team to deliver peak performance
  • Working with the VP of Design to establish seasonal direction and product development goals
  • Creation of concept boards and inspiration
  • Overseeing sketches and Illustrations of designs
  • Overseeing, managing and executing tech packs as needed 
  • Overseeing and leading the execution of fit and construction details - working closely with our  tech design team 
  • Overseeing fabric R&D and product component direction
  • Maintaining a seasonal calendar and sticking to milestones
  • Regular travel to visit our manufacturing partners
  • Proactively working with cross functional teams to improve product and process
  • Working closely with the team leads from Sourcing, Merchandising, and Planning to constantly improve and innovate 
  • Working with our external product development partners on a daily basis to ensure clear communication and meet product goals 
  • Proactively innovating and improving product
  • Bringing extensive knowledge, skill, point of view and experience within footwear - ability to confidently lead product decision making process

What we’ll love about you:

  • A team player who is willing and happy to help
  • Strong written + verbal communication and immeasurable attention to detail
  • Belief in our mission and understand the importance of giving-back
  • Inquisitive, love to learn, embrace failure, and never give up
  • Comfortable working in an open office environment while staying focused
  • Being proactive and taking ownership of your category
  • Tremendous dedication and a driven spirit 
  • A leader who is respected by their reports and the extended team
  • Strong time/team management and delegation skills 
  • A dreamer who finds time to think big 

What you’ll love about us:

  • We are a team of smart, interesting, diverse, funny, and loving people.
  • We offer competitive compensation, employer paid health, medical and dental benefits, 401k with match, paid parental leave, snacks, socks and a fun, relaxed office environment.
  • We take the responsibility to make sure you are excited, happy, and find fulfillment in your work very seriously.
  • We value fun. This is why we host office lunches, offsite team outings and company retreats.
  • We believe in giving back to the community and helping those in need, which is why we volunteer as a team regularly.
  • We believe success comes from the collective effort of all, which is why all full-time employees receive equity in the business.
  • We offer flexible paid time off for all full-time employees. This includes over 20 paid company holidays and unlimited vacation, sick, and wellness days because we understand the value of health, relaxation, spending time with friends and family, and traveling the world.
  • We understand the importance of communication and offer a monthly phone stipend for all full-time employees.
  • We believe a healthy body equals a healthy mind, so we offer a $100 monthly wellbeing reimbursement to all full-time employees.

What you’ll bring:

  • 10+ years experience as a footwear designer and 3+ years experience in managing and leading a team 
  • Bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising preferred; not required
  • Proficiency in Illustrator and sketching 
  • Working knowledge of 3D software; proficiency is a plus 

Bombas is committed to delivering competitive and equitable pay for our employees.

Each component of the Bombas total rewards package, including benefits and pay, is aimed at contributing to an environment where team members have resources to  manage their lives and are enabled to focus on doing their best work.

The pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $175,000 and $200,000/year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, market factors, and business need.

The Bombas total rewards package offered for this position may also include other elements, such as annual bonus and equity target award opportunities as well as medical, financial, and well-being benefits. Additional details of these benefits will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

If hired, the position is “at-will” and the Company reserves the right to modify any component, plan, or program of the total rewards package at any time, for any reason.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any employment testing, or otherwise participating in this hiring process, please direct your inquiries to our Manager, Talent Acquisition at torrey.salter@bombas.com. Only requests related to accommodations will be responded to.

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