Product Designer I, Junior - Footwear Job at FOCO, Piscataway, NJ

UnVkV0hEU0V6dFlMY3ZLdXdRcnN2OXhoQ2c9PQ==
  • FOCO
  • Piscataway, NJ

Job Description

About FOCO

Team Beans/Forever Collectibles (FOCO) is a global leader in officially licensed sports and entertainment merchandise. FOCO proudly holds licenses across all major professional sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and NCAA, along with a growing portfolio of entertainment and character-based brands.

Our product portfolio spans apparel, headwear, accessories, footwear, collectibles, and novelty items—distributed across major retailers, eCommerce, and fan channels. We specialize in fan-first, trend-driven products that bring teams and characters to life.

The Opportunity

FOCO is seeking a Product Designer I – Footwear to support the design and development of licensed, commercially driven footwear products.

This role focuses on thematic and lifestyle footwear—including flip flops, slides, slippers, casual sneakers, and novelty footwear—designed for mass retail partners such as Walmart and other key accounts.

This is an entry-level opportunity for a designer who is passionate about consumer products, sports, and pop culture, and wants to create fun, accessible products at scale.

What You’ll Do

Footwear Design & Concept Development

  • Assist in designing licensed footwear products (flip flops, slides, slippers, casual sneakers, novelty styles)
  • Develop graphics, patterns, and themed executions aligned with sports teams and entertainment brands
  • Support translating concepts into commercially viable products

Product Development Support

  • Assist in creating tech packs including materials, construction, colorways, and specifications
  • Support sample reviews, revisions, and approvals
  • Help ensure designs align with cost targets, margin goals, and production capabilities

Licensing & Brand Execution

  • Design within licensor guidelines (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NCAA, and entertainment brands)
  • Support artwork submissions and approval processes
  • Maintain consistency across licensed product lines

Vendor & Factory Collaboration

  • Work with internal teams and support communication with overseas factories
  • Assist in sample tracking and product updates
  • Travel to factories (China, Mexico, etc.) up to 20% to support development, material reviews, and production alignment

Trend & Market Research

  • Research trends in footwear, fan gear, retail, and pop culture
  • Identify opportunities for new product ideas and seasonal launches
  • Support development of trend boards and concept presentations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Product Development, Sourcing, Sales, and Merchandising teams
  • Support key retail programs and custom product initiatives
  • Assist in presentations, line reviews, and internal meetings

What You’ll Bring

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, or related field
  • 0–2 years of experience (internship or entry-level role) in design or product development
  • Strong interest in consumer products, footwear, or licensed merchandise
  • Basic understanding of materials and construction (soft goods or footwear preferred)
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 10% (Asia, Latin America, etc.)

Preferred

  • Experience or coursework related to footwear or soft goods design
  • Exposure to licensed products or branded merchandise
  • Ability to create graphics, patterns, or themed designs
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
  • Interest in sports, retail, and fan-driven products

Key Competencies

  • Creative concept development
  • Commercial product thinking (mass retail mindset)
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization and time management
  • Collaboration and communication
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Why FOCO?

  • Design products for the biggest sports leagues in the world
  • Create high-volume products sold at major retailers
  • Gain exposure to global sourcing and manufacturing
  • Work in a fast-paced, product-driven environment
  • Competitive benefits and employee merchandise discounts

Tryouts are open at FOCO!

If you’re passionate about design, sports, and consumer products, we’d love to see your work.

Apply now.

⚠️ Application Requirement (Read Before Applying)

A portfolio is required for this role. Please include a link (URL) or PDF showcasing your design work. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be reviewed.

Job Tags

Casual work, Internship, Seasonal work, Overseas

Similar Jobs

Advantage Solutions

Part Time Brand Ambassador Inside Whole Foods Market Job at Advantage Solutions

 ...opportunities, support, and enrichment you need to grow your career. In this position, you'll drive sales by engaging customers through food and beverage sampling. This dynamic role in retail provides an opportunity to connect with shoppers and introduce them to new... 

Jobleads-US

Luxury Jewelry Boutique GM — Lead Team & Client Experience Job at Jobleads-US

A modern retail platform is seeking a General Manager for their boutique in McLean, Virginia. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in luxury retail, a deep appreciation for fine jewelry, and a commitment to delivering high-touch client experiences. Responsibilities... 

Brakin Out Inc

Volunteer Board Member (CPA) Brakin Out Inc. Job at Brakin Out Inc

 ...Volunteer Board Member (CPA) Brakin Out Inc. Brakin Out is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating disadvantaged youth...  ...As a board member, you will leverage your expertise in accounting and finance to help guide our financial strategies and ensure... 

TEPHRA

MBA Manager Job at TEPHRA

 ...cycle and employment process of hiring MBAs and MBA Summer Interns from designated Business...  ...in related field 4-6 years related work experience in recruitment with at least 1 year experience doing full life cycle graduate or undergraduate college recruitment... 

Compassus Hospice

Volunteer Coordinator - Part time Job at Compassus Hospice

 ...The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsibl Volunteer, Coordinator...