Commercialization Manager, Footwear

Tecovas is the first direct-to-consumer western brand, founded with the simple goal of making the world’s best western boots, apparel and leather goods - and selling them at a fair price. We are a brand revolutionizing a category and welcoming first-time boot buyers and western enthusiasts alike. 

Tecovas is looking for a Commercialization Manager, Footwear to facilitate and manage all aspects of taking approved Line Close products from sample stage through to Pre-Production ready footwear. 

This position is based out of Austin, TX where you will work the majority of the time. The role includes some flexibility to work at home from time to time. There is travel to Leon, Mexico multiple times per year. 

What you’ll do:

• Work within the Tecovas C2C (Concept-to-Consumer) Process to deliver all Confirmed Projects from Line Freeze samples to pre-production ready products.
• Collaborate with members on the product creation team of designers and developers to assure Product “Form/Design” is being delivered from prototype sample approval to Confirmation and through Production.
• Facilitate and drive the technical process for footwear products from sample size through grading to extreme sizes and manage fit and wear test approvals across men’s and women’s collections maintaining consistency across all products. 
• Confirm all brand and material standards are consistently used for production.
• Manage the Tecovas Fit and Wear Test Program in Austin.
• Engineer appropriate modifications to all new styles after fitting, and implement all modifications required. Ensure these modifications are followed for production.
• Document and track commercialization throughout the entire process while clearly communicating results, improvements, and final approval that meet production timelines. 
• Communicate with Materials, Design, and Development to assure all finished goods are meeting  the functional guidelines of product briefs, through the Fit and Wear Process.
• Create and manage the weekly line list of Line-Close to Pre-Production Projects, communicating the status and reporting, upload findings to a central resource. 
• Partner with Development, Supply Chain, and other team members to confirm all prototypes are fit approved at Line Freeze.
• Visit Tecovas factories to manage the Commercialization Process of the products into Pre-Production, collaborating closely with local counterparts. 
• Lead a continuous improvement program on fit through the evaluation and synthesis of fit model feedback, retail store comments, returns data, direct measurement, etc. and translate into impactful changes in our footwearAssist in the identification, vetting, and on-boarding of new factories.

Experience we’re looking for:

• 5 to 8 years of experience commercializing footwear constructions like, but not limited to: Goodyear Welt, Cement, Direct Attach, and Safety/Non-Safety products.
• 5 to 8 years of experience conducting fit and wear test of footwear products to approve a full-size range for both men’s and women’s, approving products from Line Freeze to Pre-Production, specifically “True Fit” slip on products. 
• Strong experience developing footwear lasts, last making, mold development and size grading from sample stage through production fit and wear testing. 
• Experience working and making products overseas with bonus points for developing products in Mexico. 
• You possess the technical skills of footwear manufacturing necessary to trouble shoot possible issues, recommend, and implement solutions. 

What you bring to the table:

• You have an ability to adapt in real time, being fluid.
• You are a positive contributor with a team-based attitude and part of the solution, offering your insights and digging in to do the work, while keeping the Brand’s DNA the focus.
• You have proven experience in Footwear Constructions, Fit, Calendar Management, Materials, and Wear Testing. 
• You possess the ability to think and work like an entrepreneur – you do not need to be micromanaged.

Full Time Benefits & Perks: 

• We offer insurance plans that pay 99% of your health premium coverage and 100% of your dental & vision insurance coverage for your family/dependents
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible PTO policy
• Corporate wellness program
• Competitive salary
• Generous employee discounts!

About Us:

Tecovas was born out of a love for cowboy boots, their time-honored craftsmanship, rich materials that last, and traditional styling that always looks good. Each pair of Tecovas boots is crafted by hand in over 200 steps. It’s not the easiest or cheapest method, but we’re committed to classic construction techniques that stand the test of time. With 21 retails stores (and counting) across the Austin, Dallas and Southeast regions, we’re bringing western goods into new frontiers and aim to be the most welcoming brand in western. We’re certainly growing- and hiring passionate, humble, positive, and talented people determined to help us continue to grow!

Important note: We strive to hire values-aligned people because we believe it takes each and all of us to be successful, and lead with grit, speed and a clear vision of where we’re headed. In a remote setting, interviewing at Tecovas may include phone interviews, virtual “on-site” interviews, and on-the-job mock cases. We are committed to run a thorough process for candidates with whom we identify a potential match, and we will do our best to follow-up with each and every applicant! If you’re on the fence, just give it a try!