Overview
Kids Footwear Design Director Jobs in New York at E.S. Originals
Job description
About the Role
We’re looking for a visionary and seasoned Kids Design Director to join our ESO team and lead the creative direction of a kids’ footwear brand. This is an ownership role — you’ll drive the full design process from seasonal concept all the way through finished product, setting the creative standard and ensuring every style meets both trend and quality expectations. If you’re a confident design leader with deep technical chops and a passion for kids’ product, this is your seat.
This is a full-time, in-office position.
What You’ll Do
- Own the end-to-end design process for a new kids’ footwear collection — from seasonal concept development to CAD execution aligned with emerging trends
- Build and manage detailed technical packages in our PLM system, including CADs, construction details, materials, and color specifications for development and production
- Lead prototype reviews and drive revisions to uphold design integrity and quality standards, while adhering to strict deadlines and seasonal design calendars
- Drive trend and market research — including domestic and international shopping, trade show attendance, and competitor analysis — to keep the brand ahead of the market
What You Bring
- 8–10+ years of footwear design experience with a proven track record of taking product from concept to market
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field
- Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Strong visual and verbal communication skills — you can lead a room and sell a vision
- A portfolio that demonstrates creative range, sketching ability, and polished technical drawings
Why Join ESO
E.S. Originals has been a driving force in U.S. footwear for over 70 years — and we’re not slowing down. Since 1954, we’ve built a reputation for delivering stylish, accessible, high-quality footwear across men’s, women’s, and children’s categories, spanning both branded and private label. Joining ESO means stepping into a company with deep industry roots, real staying power, and a team that takes pride in the craft. You won’t be a small piece of a corporate machine — you’ll have genuine impact on product that reaches a wide, diverse customer base season after season.
Pay: $140,000.00 – $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Kids Footwear Design Director
Company: E.S. Originals
Location: New York
