BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income. The company is deeply footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774. With around 6200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is the largest employer in the German footwear industry. To ensure our quality standards, we produce over 95% of our products in Germany and source more than 90% of our materials and components from Europe. The BIRKENSTOCK Group is headquartered in Linz am Rhein and maintains several locations in Germany, as well as sales offices in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

Join us in shaping the future at our location in Köln as a

Footwear Designer (m/f/d)

YOUR SHOES TO FILL:

• Designing Footwear Collections – Category Focused – Develop and execute innovative footwear designs, from initial sketches to final prototypes, ensuring alignment with brand priorities, functionality, aesthetics, and market trends.

• Trend and Market Analysis – Stay at the forefront of industry and consumer trends through research and market travel, gathering regional, trend, and consumer insights to inform design strategies.

• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams – Partner with Product Line Managers and Product Developers to ensure designs align with creative, functional, and business objectives.

• Technical Development – Translate creative concepts into precise technical drawings and specifications. Collaborate with technical teams to refine designs and address fitting or construction revisions.

• Feedback and Iteration – Actively seek and incorporate feedback from stakeholders to refine designs. Provide and receive feedback in a professional and constructive manner.

• Mentorship – Support junior designers by offering guidance, constructive critiques, and oversight of their design contributions.

YOUR WALK OF LIFE:

• Bachelor’s degree in footwear design, industrial design, or a related field.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in footwear design, with a proven track record of creating innovative, commercially successful designs.

• Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and technical construction.

• Proficient in design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc).

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• Fluent in English and/or German is a plus.

WE OFFER:

BIRKENSTOCK Product Development division is located in Cologne and Portugal and offers you all the advantages of a successful, fast growing, global company: dynamic work environment, considerable design freedom, authentic and open corporate culture and excellent development opportunities. It is the hub for the exchange with international creative talents and the innovative restaging of designs from a legendary heritage brand. A considerable range of excellent benefits await this position as well.

If this sounds as exciting to you, we are looking forward to receiving your online application, stating your earliest entry date and salary expectations!  For questions regarding the position contact Ada Bralewska.