Footwear Product Development Manager

OVERVIEW

The Product developer of footwear will manage the end-to end footwear development process, He/she will work with a cross-functional product creation team from concept through commercialization to deliver products that exceed consumer expectations. The product developer of footwear will be responsible for the development, including construction process, costing and specification. Other critical responsibilities include understanding manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem solving, and timely resolution. This role will collaborate with Designers, Materials, Sourcing and Vendors.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Manage the product development process from concept to commercialization.
• Develops and recommends material, component, and construction specification options to meet pricing targets, as well as assure product performance integrity through product testing.
• Provide technical packages including midsole/outsole blueprints, upper pattern packages, color maps, project specifications.
• Create and maintain BOM and development requirements in PLM system.
• Manage seasonal development of materials for footwear assortment.
• Executes product development according to the seasonal critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of samples.
• Conducts wear testing to properly test and validate product performance, fit, and comfort.
• Creates and builds a knowledge base and stays informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing, and lead times.
• Maintain active role through ongoing communication with vendor and sourcing partners and product development resources to assure adherence to critical date schedules.

REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of experience in footwear development/ design, material development
• Solid understanding of footwear construction methods, materials, testing & evaluation techniques.
• BS degree or related field experience
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional groups without command/ control to meet strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts.
• Keen attention to detail in planning, organization and execution of tasks, big picture and understanding how all of the pieces fit together and affect one another.
• PLM experience required.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000-$140,000 per year which represents the current range for the base salary for this exempt position. Please note that actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. As such, on occasion and when applicable, there is the possibility that the final, agreed-upon base salary may be outside of the upper end of the range. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company’s total rewards package for exempt employees. Other rewards may include performance bonuses, long term incentives, a PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.

#LI-ONSITE