Balenciaga Senior Men's Shoes Designer

About Balenciaga

Founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 and part of Kering, Balenciaga is one of fashion’s most influential houses, renowned for architectural cut, uncompromising craft, and a continual redefinition of modern luxury. As an employer, the House offers a demanding yet inspiring environment where heritage ateliers, bold creative vision, and global business expertise meet. Teams across design, product development, merchandising, retail, client engagement, communications, and corporate functions are encouraged to combine precision with experimentation, agility with excellence. Balenciaga seeks individuals who are culturally aware, rigorous, collaborative, and ready to contribute to a maison that shapes the conversation of contemporary fashion while respecting the discipline of couture.

Role & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Creative Direction to understand program objectives, collection themes, and design briefs for the Men's Shoes category
• Conduct research and collect thematic documentation to inform design direction and innovation
• Develop design sketches and technical drawings based on established themes and creative vision
• Produce detailed renderings and mock-ups that communicate design intent and feasibility
• Present sketches and design concepts to pattern makers and technical teams, ensuring clear communication of design specifications
• Oversee prototype validation and technical development throughout all fitting sessions
• Select materials, finishes, and supplies in alignment with design vision and manufacturing capabilities
• Guide prototype evolution during fittings, managing the implementation of technical and aesthetic refinements
• Finalize all design documentation including technical drawings, colorways, patterns, and harmonization details
• Ensure rigorous attention to detail, consistency with House codes, and alignment with product excellence standards

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in footwear design, preferably within a luxury house or heritage brand known for creative excellence
• Demonstrated expertise in footwear construction, volume development, material properties, and color theory
• Deep understanding of the footwear creation process from concept through product development, with thorough knowledge of technical and manufacturing constraints
• Proven ability to translate creative vision into innovative, desirable products that strengthen brand identity
• Strong creative sensibility coupled with meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to product excellence
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop); experience with 3D design tools highly valued

Skills

Experience

Significant professional experience in footwear design, ideally acquired within a luxury house or brand with a strong creative identity and proven track record of innovative product development.

Education

Formal training in footwear design, product design, or related discipline; professional certification or specialized coursework in design methodology is valued.

Workplace

Culture

Balenciaga fosters a bold, forward-thinking workplace where creativity, experimentation, and cultural awareness drive the evolution of contemporary luxury. As an employer, the House encourages collaboration across disciplines, empowering teams to challenge convention while upholding exceptional standards of craftsmanship, precision, and brand integrity.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.