Job Description

We are looking for a

Senior Footwear Designer to join our team in

London!



MORE ABOUT THE ROLE AND TEAM


The Senior Designer role will be an inspirational, exceptionally creative, innovative and dynamic experienced designer who has a deep passion and understanding for the world of footwear design.

Their expertise and enthusiasm will span from concept, design, construction, materials through to trends and consumer understanding that will play a pivotal role in shaping the Axel Arigato collections and brand.



This role will work closely with the Creative Director, bringing their vision to life and inspiring them whilst simultaneously inspiring the wider team to push the boundaries of design and brand, approaching design with an entrepreneurial, curious but informed mindset.



The individual will have exceptional communication skills in both their sketching, technical drawing and spoken language with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly and persuasively.


The right person for this role will be extremely passionate about exploration, investigation and continue to actively research, forever broadening their sources of inspiration and pulling from the unexpected.


The role will be responsible for end to end design of new silhouettes, the evolution of existing designs as well as breathing new life into core brand heros.



The Senior Designer will have a specific focus on leading the more technical arm of "Axel" that makes up Axel Arigato, focusing on the more sportier conceptual and technical design briefs.

This includes initial research, concepting, ideation, sketching, branding, colour and material application through to overseeing execution with product development team.



WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR



Extensive research and exploratory skills.*
Excellent communication skills inc. Drawing, written and verbal.*
Excellent materials and construction knowledge. Excellent technical drawing skills. Understanding of last designing and construction. Able to real blueprints and technical design files. Excellent leadership, presenting and collaboration skills.


ARE YOU THE ONE?


We seek someone with most of the following:




Thoroughly researches and investigates various sources of inspiration to form solid foundations for design and development process.

Monitors and considers trends, keep abreast of cultural awareness.

Attends fairs and industry events globally (with budget considered), keeping a finger on the pulse on upcoming exhibitions, competitors and trends.

Ideates and concepts vast range of conceptual, technical and commercial ideas and sketches each season, for special off calendar projects and collaborations.

Designs with rigorous consideration and think about not only the execution in singular form but bigger picture collection, brand perception and ambition.

References, directs and designs sufficient last designs in a timely manner with a strong understanding of construction and fit consideration.

Applies superior materials knowledge and innovatively pushes designs to in turn better brand perception and quality.

Creates technical specs for all styles through digital shell patterns.

Creates/directs 3D designs of new soles and 3d solid elements.

Creates/directs designs for laces, charms and other footwear accessories.

Creates colour cads.

Creates renderings of all final samples in colour.

Reads 3d files, blueprints and feedback in a productive and timely manor.

Executes cohesive and informative presentations both verbally and within written and drawn documents.

Works with product development to push each sample to it's fullest potential.

Has excellent project management skills, handling multiple designs and projects at once, proficiently multi tasking.

Is transparent, articulate and detailed when giving feedback to all colleagues, peers and freelancers in a timely manner.

Open, respectful and considerate when receiving feedback.

Vocal in communication about capacity and aid sourcing resource accordingly.

Has exceptional collaboration skills, cross departmental.

Guides and mentors more junior members of the team, fostering their growth and development within the wider team.

Engages, acknowledges and considers buyer, range planner and marketing feedback.

Harvests the want to develop and further skills and expand on knowledge and skills.



HERE'S HOW TO APPLY

Apply by submitting your CV and portfolio in English by

(deadline: 15/10/25).

Our recruitment process is strictly based on competencies therefore, we kindly ask you not to include your picture or age with your application.


We process applications continuously and the position may be filled before the last day of application.


Contract type: Full-time / Permanent

Estimated Starting date: November 2025


To see more about our company and careers we welcome you to AXEL ARIGATO - Careers


A BIT ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO

Founded in Sweden in 2014, Axel Arigato is intrinsically grounded in culture, community, and craft. Driven by curiosity, the brand has consistently connected its approach to the rhythm of what is happening in the wider world, looking to an ever-evolving contemporary society for both purpose and inspiration. It presents diverse collections of elevated and wearable footwear and ready-to- wear, fusing together Scandinavian minimalism with unexpected, contemporary design.


The brand has nine physical stores in five countries, as well as a network of over 250 wholesale partners and retail concessions. Axel Arigato is committed to fostering connections beyond the conventions of commerce, and are a proud equal opportunity employer who values a diverse workforce. As such, its core mission remains true to this day: to build a positive platform through the power of community, inclusivity, and memorable experiences.


OUR VALUES : DROP

Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our values that we live and breathe. They are the foundation for our current state and what we will always bring with us to the future.