Associate Designer Footwear (Napapijri)

Section: Headquarters

Napapijri is looking for an exceptional Associate Designer Footwear to join our Napapijri team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

For over 30 years, Napapijri has pioneered the future of fashion. From our Italian beginnings, innovating outdoor apparel in the shadow of Monte Bianco, to tackling nature’s most challenging environments on polar expeditions, our desire to lead the way is what makes us who we are. As a premium outdoor lifestyle brand, we provide an urban outdoor aesthetic combined with functionality and comfort for an eco-conscious consumer.

Let’s Talk about the Role

As a Associate Designer Footwear, you will report directly to the Director Design and manage all aspects of Napapijri footwear graphic and artwork designs created for the region. You will ensure full alignment with external footwear provider, Merchandising teams, Design teams, and seasonal strategies. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape our collections, bringing your vision and expertise to deliver products aligned with our brand.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Own and oversee the entire footwear design process from concept to final sample, ensuring alignment with the brand’s vision and market trends.

• Develop and execute innovative footwear designs, ensuring alignment with brand priorities, functionality, aesthetics, and market trends.

• Research new materials, textures, and innovations in footwear to keep designs innovative and relevant to our clients.

• Collaborate closely with merchandising, apparel design and production teams to ensure collection alignment, design feasibility, quality standards, adherence to project timelines and style/style colour efficiency

• Create detailed sketches, tech packs, and CAD drawings for each collection, communicating design intentions clearly to sample makers and manufacturers.

• Conduct trend analysis and competitor research to anticipate customer preferences and integrate insights into the design.

• Drive seasonal storytelling and design themes that align with Napapijri’s brand identity and resonate with target audiences.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring a balance of creativity and efficiency in delivering high-quality footwear concepts.

Skills for Success

• A degree in design or related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Footwear colour, graphic, material design, and creative direction field or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Exceptional creativity and an eye for detail, with a deep understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of footwear.

• Strong proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modelling programs; AI tools are a plus.

• Ability to convey complex design concepts to cross-functional teams.

• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate challenges and adapt designs accordingly.

• A robust understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainable design principles.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• A passion for fashion and a keen understanding of Napapijri’s brand ethos and target market.

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives

• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands

• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

Tagged as: Design, Products