Footwear Designer

We're making a big move and we want you to be part of it.

We are relocating several of our core departments from London to Gothenburg, and as a result, we're growing our Swedish team in a major way. This means we're hiring across multiple departments simultaneously - including Brand, Product, Design, and more.

This is a unique moment to join a fast-moving, internationally recognised fashion brand as we expand our presence in Sweden. If you've been waiting for an opportunity to be part of something exciting - this is it.

Explore our open roles and find where you fit.

We are looking for our next FTW Designer. This position is responsible for creating footwear that is both culturally relevant and of exceptional quality - consistently challenging creative norms while ensuring all designs remain true to the distinctive aesthetic and strategic objectives of Axel Arigato.

Each collection must reflect an understanding of contemporary culture and trends, while pushing the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship within the brand's framework. This position will focus on elevating and innovating across the entire sneaker range including color and material concepts.

What We Are Looking For

You are entrepreneurial and self-motivated - someone who brings both cultural curiosity and commercial awareness to every project, and thrives in fast, evolving environments.

What You Will Do

• End-to-end footwear creation: ideation to production-ready sign-off, including silhouettes, sketches, colorways, blueprints, assortments, and detailing CADs
• Creative direction support: support CD and design teams on concepts, storytelling, mood boards, seasonal direction, and compelling internal presentations
• Market and cultural intelligence: stay deeply informed on consumer behaviour, trends, materials, and cultural movements; act as a proactive source of inspiration
• Technical development: create technical specs, detailed instructions for PD and engineers; support with last development, and enhance material diversity across the range
• Cross-functional collaboration: partner with Product Development to iterate samples and ensure precision, performance, and quality
• Communication and presentation: build strong relationships with peers, give and receive feedback in a respectful way, and present design concepts and processes internally
• Research and sourcing: lead seasonal and cultural research, attend fairs (Milan, Paris), and source innovative materials and processes
• Team contribution: demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, and embrace team-work
  
  

ARE YOU THE ONE?

• Bachelor's degree in FTW Design or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years experience in sneaker design
• Demonstrated experience in creating new silhouettes, upper designs and color/material executions
• Proficient in Adobe Suite, with a keen interest in 3D design and AI tools
• Highly detail-oriented, culturally aware, and disruptive thinker
• Strong collaborator with a commercial and feedback-driven mindset
• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, forward-thinking - thrives in fast, evolving environments
  
  

Here's How To Apply

If you are ready to push the boundaries of footwear design and help shape the next chapter of Axel Arigato's sneaker range, apply today and join us on the journey.

Apply by submitting your CV. We also welcome a short cover letter telling us why you think you would be a great fit for this role. Please do not include a photo or date of birth with your application; our recruitment process is competency based.

We review applications continuously and the position may be filled before the closing date.

DETAILS

Contract type: Permanent

Reports to: Creative Director

Location: Gothenburg HQ

Working model: On-site

Direct reports: No

Start date: ASAP

Financial responsibility: No

a Bit About Axel Arigato

Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, Axel Arigato was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital-first approach.

Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.

What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture.

Today, Axel Arigato continues to evolve with purpose via a people-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities.

Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.

OUR VALUES

DROP: Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.