Job Title: Director of Design – Footwear
Location: Sacramento, CA (Remote or Hybrid Options Available)
Department: Product / Design
Reports to: President

ABOUT BEARPAW

Bearpaw was founded in 2001 with the mission of redefining casual footwear through comfort, craftsmanship, and style. From cozy classic boots to fashion-forward sandals and everyday casuals, Bearpaw delivers versatile, trend-right products to a global audience that values comfort and self-expression.
As we expand into new categories, channels, and international markets, we are looking for a visionary design leader to help elevate and evolve our product offering while staying true to our brand DNA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Design – Footwear is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the creative direction, innovation, and seasonal execution of all Bearpaw footwear collections. This role leads the internal design team and partners cross-functionally with Product Development, Sales, Merchandising, and Sourcing to deliver compelling, commercially successful products across all categories.
We’re looking for a hands-on design leader who is equally comfortable sketching and storytelling as they are mentoring, directing a team, and building product assortments that resonate at retail. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong aesthetic judgment, deep technical knowledge of footwear design and development, and a proven track record of leading high-performing, consumer-focused creative teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or related field
• 12+ years of progressive footwear design experience, including 5+ years in a leadership or director-level role
• Proven success in designing lifestyle or fashion footwear brands with demonstrated ability to combine trend-forward vision with commercial success
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of innovative and market-relevant designs
• Proficient in technical sketching, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, PLM platforms; 3D software a plus
• Highly organized, process-oriented, and detail-driven with the ability to manage multiple timelines and seasonal calendars
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills with an ability to inspire and collaborate across global teams
• Demonstrated success working with overseas factories and development partners
• Strategic mindset with a deep understanding of the evolving retail landscape and consumer mindset
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally several times per year

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive executive compensation package, including performance-based bonus potential
• Full benefits: health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match
• Generous employee discount on Bearpaw products
• Opportunity to lead the design function of a globally recognized lifestyle brand
• Dynamic, collaborative environment where your ideas, leadership, and vision will have direct brand impact
  Bearpaw is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring workplace. We value authenticity, collaboration, and creative curiosity—and we’re looking for teammates who do too.
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: $150,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
  Work Location: Hybrid remote in Citrus Heights, CA 9561

• Lead the creative vision and seasonal design strategy across all Bearpaw footwear categories: boots, casuals, slippers, sandals, and new category expansions
• Identify new product concepts, innovations and be able to communicate and develop them into commercially viable products that align with the Bearpaw DNA
• Oversee the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and ideation through final confirmed fit samples
• Translate trend research, market insights, and consumer behavior into commercially viable collections that reflect Bearpaw’s brand positioning
• Collaborate with Sales and Merchandising to maintain awareness of key accounts and channel needs and ensure collections align with go-to-market strategy
• Create technical design renderings and sketches for new styles; prepare detailed design specifications in collaboration with Product Development
• Guide the development of new lasts, outsole tooling, and construction platforms to build fresh silhouettes that balance comfort, style, and cost
• Partner with developers to ensure products meet performance, fit, and manufacturing goals while maintaining design intent
• Stay ahead of seasonal and macro fashion trends by conducting competitive shopping, attending trade shows, and maintaining vendor and material sourcing awareness
• Regularly collaborate with Bearpaw’s China-based Product Development and Sourcing teams to ensure feasibility, timeline alignment, and margin targets
• Drive innovation by supporting cross-category projects and encouraging a culture of creative exploration and continuous improvement
• Lead seasonal line reviews, concept presentations, mood boards, and storytelling to articulate and sell design direction
• Ensure consistency across collections in materials, silhouettes, colors, and trims to preserve Bearpaw’s unique brand identity
• Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative team culture and mentor junior and mid-level designers