Designer – Kids Footwear; Sperry Kids & Salt Kids

For over 130 years,
The SG Companies has blended heritage and innovation to design footwear that connects people to the moments that move them. Based in New Jersey, we’re proud of our deep industry roots and collaborative culture. Here, talented people come together to create, grow, and make an impact.

The Designer role is responsible for both creative execution and product development management, with a strong focus on Kids Footwear for established lifestyle brands including Sperry Kids and Salt Life Kids. This position requires a designer who can balance creativity with technical execution, capture and protect brand DNA, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners to bring compelling, commercially successful footwear to market.

• Design kids’ footwear that is on‑brand, age‑appropriate, and commercially relevant for Sperry Kids and Salt Life Kids
• Capture and interpret brand DNA, ensuring consistency across silhouettes, materials, color, and detailing
• Actively contribute to creative, strategic, and line review meetings with the Design team
• Research trends, materials, and competitive product through online, in‑store, and market analysis
• Create trend boards, concept presentations, and color palettes in collaboration with other designers
• Design within defined product strategies, customer tiers, and price points
• Understand and apply key merchandising, pricing, and channel strategies with awareness of Sales needs
• Work closely with the Sales team to support product storytelling, presentations, and line clarity
• Maintain a positive, collaborative, and creative studio environment within an open‑concept design room

• Own design execution from concept through final approval, ensuring alignment to design parameters, cost targets, and timelines
• Conceptualize, illustrate, and develop footwear designs with strong understanding of kids‑specific fit, comfort, and durability needs
• Demonstrate strong technical outsole experience, including drawing outsoles and reviewing and interpreting outsole blueprints
• Apply knowledge of resins, tooling, and construction feasibility
• Execute pattern corrections and partner with development teams to resolve fit and construction issues
• Apply solid leather knowledge, including material selection, performance characteristics, and pricing considerations
• Develop clear and detailed specification packages to support accurate sample execution
• Manage the sampling process through consistent communication with overseas development teams
• Exhibit strong time management, organization, and responsiveness in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

• 6+ years of experience in Kids Footwear Design for branded footwear
• Proven experience designing within established brand frameworks and maintaining brand DNA
• Strong technical knowledge of outsole design and development, tooling and blueprint review, materials, leathers, costing, and fit
• Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams
• Ability to prioritize and adapt in a highly fluid, deadline‑driven environment
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner effectively across Design, Sales, and Development teams
• Comfortable working in an open‑concept design studio environment

• Health insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA/HRA)
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Remote work on Fridays

At The SG Companies, we value great work and great people. We design compensation packages that reflect each team member’s skills, expertise, and contributions. The salary range for this role is $75,000 – $85,000, in accordance with NJ salary range disclosure requirements, with the exact offer determined by experience and qualifications.