Senior Footwear Designer, Women's Sneakers - Cole Haan (Greenland, NH)
Mission/Role
The Senior Designer Women’s Sneakers is responsible for the design and execution of women’s casual fashion sneakers within the Cole Haan product portfolio. This role blends modern design, Cole Haan DNA, performance-driven innovation and modern materialization to deliver on-trend, versatile, elevated sneakers that support the Cole Haan woman from work to weekend.
As a senior creative leader, this designer will translate brand strategy, consumer insights, and cultural trends into commercially successful multi-tier products while upholding Cole Haan’s legacy of craftsmanship, comfort, and thoughtful innovation.
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Lead the design for women’s fashion sneakers and Hybrid sneakers from concept through final execution.
Create seasonally relevant sneaker silhouettes across good, better and best price tiers that balance style, trend, comfort, and performance.
Translate Cole Haan brand DNA—craft, innovation, and modern versatility—into compelling women’s product.
Design uppers and tooling concepts aligned with the Cole Haan seasonal playbook and overall sneaker strategy.
Partner closely with Design Leadership, Product Management and Product Development to ensure designs meet brand, consumer, margin, and calendar requirements.
Collaborate with Innovation and Development teams to integrate Cole Haan innovation technologies (e.g., cushioning, flexibility, lightweight construction).
Review and correct prototypes, providing clear, actionable feedback in partnership with development to improve aesthetics and functionality.
Present design concepts and seasonal strategies to cross-functional and leadership teams.
Maintain strong awareness of women’s fashion, sneaker culture, lifestyle trends, and the competitive landscape.
