Designer - Footwear

About Us

Workwear Group (WWG) is part of Wesfarmers Industrial & Safety a division of Wesfarmers, a top 20 ASX listed company with over 100,000 employees. Housed under the banner of Workwear Group, our three iconic brands - KingGee, Hard Yakka and NNT - have been in the business of delivering workwear since the late 1920's. 

We are the trusted partner in workwear solutions, manufacturing over seven million units each year. What sets us apart is our continuous investment in innovation, market knowledge, pioneering ideas and sustainability practices.

We work as one team. We put our customers first and are passionate about what we do. Joining WWG is an opportunity to thrive in an inspiring, safe, and inclusive community.

About the Role

Are you passionate about designing footwear that makes a difference? As a Footwear Designer at WWG, you’ll have the opportunity to research, design, and develop products that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. You’ll work closely with Product Managers to bring their design briefs to life, ensuring each product aligns with our brand’s positioning, sourcing, and financial goals.

Your mission will be to create fit-for-purpose and commercially successful product ranges that prioritize functionality, performance, safety, and value. We’re looking for someone who can drive creativity and innovation, helping us maintain our status as industry leaders. You’ll be pushing the boundaries of what our customers wear to work, delivering products that they can rely on every day.

What you’ll be doing

• Proactively research new trends in fabrications, construction, technology, trims, and accessories to produce commercially viable options.
• Design product lines that meet WWG requirements and are commercially viable. Critically review existing products and client ranges, create technical specifications, and conduct fitting appraisals.
• Ensure adherence to critical path timelines, strive for improved timelines, and communicate design and development progress. Focus on minimizing roadblocks and improving development speed.
• Ensure appropriate processes, wearer trials, and sign-offs are conducted. Participate in risk assessments, ensure all products are tested to required standards, conduct root cause analysis, and formulate corrective action plans.
• Ensure product designs and material selections meet targeted FOB prices and costs. Maximize material and construction for cost savings, and monitor sampling, development, and testing.
• Generate creative storyboards to showcase product ranges, present ranges to key stakeholders and customers, and participate in tender processes.
• Meet with clients as required, achieve customer deadlines for mood boards, design concepts, and product samples, and provide product training.
• Provide prompt feedback on customer queries and issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
• Drive creativity and innovation in product design to maintain WWG’s position as industry leaders.
• Ensure product compliance with standards, conduct root cause analysis, and provide findings for reporting.

Who we’re looking for

At our company, we value not only our great brands but also the people and teams that drive our success. In addition to technical skills, we seek team members who possess the following personable qualities:

• Strong work ethic and are committed to showing up for a team
• Openness to receive coaching and embrace self reflection and self growth
• Accountability for your actions, and emotions, and actively venture beyond your comfort zone
• Embrace innovation, take calculated risks, and inspire others to think outside the box
• Ability to build meaningful relationships, we prioritise our customers. Balancing commercial goals with customer satisfaction is key
• Ethical standards and demonstrating honesty and integrity in all interactions is fundamental to our team culture.

What we’re looking for

• 2+ years’ experience in a Footwear Designer Position, experience with B2B clients desirable 
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as CAD software. 
• Capable of producing precise technical specification drawings. 
• Possess a refined aesthetic sensibility related to colour, composition, materials, coordination, and execution. 
• Proven experience in cultivating relationships with key stakeholders. 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while meeting tight deadlines. 
• Excellent time & project management skills 
• Communicating well and working in partnership with others 
• Adaptable; flexible in handling change. 
• Initiative; ready to act on opportunities. 
• Hands on, a quick learner with great attitude 

What we offer

• The chance to join a great team of like-minded, hard-working people who are passionate about achieving our vision and the growth objectives of the company.
• Flexible working environment, allowing for work from home day/s each week.
• A competitive salary package and suite of benefits and perks, including a 50% discount on our brands Hard Yakka, KingGee and NNT and 5% Wesfarmers discount for Kmart, Bunnings, Officeworks and more.
• A tailored career and development plan, plus reward and recognition programs. Whatever your goals we’re here to support you on that journey.
• Our Wellbeing program, Thrive, with activities designed to support the Financial Wellness of our team, Celebrate Diversity, ensure we Get Physical and maintain Healthy Minds, including challenges, yoga, meditation and access to our Employee Assistance Program.
• We Learn, a dedicated hub for all things learning and development.

We actively work on creating a safe and inclusive environment free of discrimination. At Workwear Group we aspire to build a culture where diversity is celebrated, where Team Members feel a sense of “I Belong” and are empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

You can follow us on LinkedIn or see our company careers page for more opportunities https://www.workweargroup.com.au/careers

Thank you for your interest in Workwear Group. Due to anticipated high volumes of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.