Freelance Footwear Designer – High Heel Development
Salary
Freelance project basis (fixed-scope agreement to be discussed). Day rate depending on level of experience.
Hours
Freelance project basis (fixed-scope agreement to be discussed).
Location
London
Closing Date
31 December 2026
Position Type
Freelance
Advert expires on
31 December 2026
Main Duties
- Collaborate to refine and finalise one initial high heel design.
- Develop technical drawings and a complete footwear tech pack suitable for factory sampling.
- Advise on materials, components, and construction methods aligned with the design vision and budget.
- Support sourcing of appropriate last (UK size 9.5, wide fit) and advise on fit considerations.
- Liaise with selected factory or sample room during prototype development.
- Review and provide feedback on first sample and recommend necessary adjustments.
- Ensure the design is production-ready and commercially viable for a small initial run (MOQ-based pre-order model).
Skills and Experience Required
- Applicants must submit a footwear-specific portfolio demonstrating high-heel development.
- Entry-level to Middleweight footwear designer with proven experience developing high heels (court shoes, sandals or similar structured styles).
- Strong understanding of heel construction, pitch, balance, shank placement, and structural stability.
- Experience creating detailed technical drawings and comprehensive footwear tech packs suitable for factory sampling.
- Understanding of last selection and fit engineering, particularly in extended or non-standard sizing.
- Knowledge of materials and components specific to heeled footwear (heel moulds, soles, insoles, hardware).
- Experience managing sample development and reviewing prototypes for fit and proportion adjustments.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating finished high-heel designs that progressed beyond concept stage.