Technical Designer - Footwear

Brighter Futures Start Here

As Australia and New Zealand's biggest and most loved retailer, we’ve been brightening up everyday life for families for over 50 years. At our stores, distribution centres, and offices in Australia and New Zealand. All around the globe. Our diverse and inclusive 47,000 strong team come together for a common cause. Giving families easy access to our on-trend products and incredibly low prices – it’s the heart of everything we do.

As a leader in the retail market, we’re optimistic about our future and yours. We’re relentless in our pursuit for results, but changing at a rapid rate, giving you challenging work that you’ll be proud of. We celebrate your uniqueness and individuality. Because at Kmart it’s not just what you do, it’s who you are that makes every day living brighter.

What you’ll be doing:
 
As our new Technical Designer - Footwear, you will lead the day to day operational and performance of technical fit and Prototype development within a category in Footwear. You will do this by being responsible for providing a technical support function – providing a high level of technical advice and expertise to support the Better Product Target and Kmart Strategy.
 
This is an exciting time to join our small and supportive team (with great internal processes and systems) as the team will achieve significant growth by starting to support both Target and Kmart quality.
 
Some of the key responsibilities are (but not limited to):
 

• Work closely to support our Merchandise Technical Design Lead and ensure any business-critical topics are raised in a timely manner
• Partner with Design teams and Merchandise to develop Target and Kmart footwear products in alignment with production standards, product aesthetics and brand DNA
• Liaise with Target and Kmart Quality Team in Asia to support through the sample approval process
• Partner with Design team on prototype/production and provide technical advice in tech pack development
• Partner with the Target and Kmart Buying team and Quality team to deliver best in class patterns to deliver Target and Kmart Better Product Strategy
• Coordinate with the Target and Kmart Compliance Team to ensure product safety and regulations for compliance
• Work closely with the Target and Kmart Quality Team to handle customer complaints about quality

 
To be successful in this role:
 
We're looking for an analytical, and proactive team member who will bring an agile and practical mind-set as well as a passion for all things retail! You love sharing your technical expertise within footwear, customers are always front of mind and building and managing relationships with a variety of key stakeholders is one of your strengths. We'd also love you to have:
 
•    Extensive hands-on experience within shoe product development, manufacturing processes and supplier management
•    Product development and approval experience within a retailer or sourcing office
•    Excellent time management and organisational skills
•    Experience with developing and implementing product improvement processes
•    Proven experience in fitting, sizing for footwear industry
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills 
•    Qualifications in Pattern Making, Pattern Grading, Footwear Construction, Shoe-making Production is highly regarded
•    Sound knowledge of Illustrator or Cad drawing systems Microsoft Office and Product Lifecycle management programs or similar 
 
An exciting opportunity to grow your skillset!
 
If you have a hunger to learn and grow in this role, then we’d love to hear from you!

Benefits we’ll offer you

• A dynamic learning and support program
• Competitive remuneration
• Flexible working through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy
• A discount card for Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Bunnings, plus other benefits
• An inclusive, fun recognition program
• A bonus program (where eligible)
• Development opportunities across Kmart Group (comprised of Kmart, Target and Catch) as well as the broader Wesfarmers Group.
• Wesfarmers Share Plan access (where eligible)

We’re here to make everyday living brighter

From humble beginnings in Burwood East, Victoria, in 1969, we’re now an essential part of 300 communities, and proud of it! From bedding to apparel to kitchenware and beyond. We’re designing and creating the products people reach for every day. In-store, online, or Click & Collect – getting the products we love into the hands of happy customers is what we aim to do best. From the remote outback to coastal towns and big cities, and everywhere in-between. We’re progressive in our pursuit to create seamless customer journeys for satisfied shoppers.
 

A place you can belong

At Kmart, we celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate and are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected and safe irrespective of your gender, ethnicity, indigeneity, religious beliefs, education, age, disability, family responsibilities, sexual orientation and gender identity and we encourage applications from all candidates.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be their best, when applying for a role or working at Kmart. We encourage you to tell us about any workplace adjustments that you would like, by emailing diversity@kmart.com.au

If you would like to explore a career with Kmart and this sounds like the perfect role for you – apply now!

We will be taking a short break and will respond to your application the week commencing the 13th January 2025. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!