Product Development Manager, Footwear (Hybrid)

 

General Summary: 

The Manager of Product Development will work under the direction of the Director of Product Development to develop industry leading creative solutions. This role will service both design aesthetic and margin profitability. The role will support design to facilitate development each season and manage the flow of communication between design, merch, and regional teams.

 

Location: This is a hybrid position and will be expected to work in the NYC office 3+ days per week

 

Reports to: Director Product Development

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Present for all critical design meetings

• Partner with PD Director, design & the technical director on construction engineering throughout development

• Partner closely with PD Director and pricing teams to de-spec cost saving opportunities throughout development and pre-production.
• Responsible for facilitating communication between pricing, merch, and design.

• Create and maintain specs

• Facilitate outside vendor communication

• Troubleshoot development/pre-production challenges with PD Director and regional teams

• Participate in pre/post market meetings with PD Director, reviewing buyer and design comments that will impact production.
• Facilitate all post-market communication to regional teams

• Execute, manage, and track all post market samples

• Shoe base participation ensuring all relevant modifications are reflected on confirmation specs.

• Confirmation sample tracking and approval

• Pre-buy swatch tracking and approval
• Tracking of approval/confirmation deadlines ensuring delivery is in line with all critical dates

• Willingness to learn and manage PLM system (Hot On Time)

• Lead/foster development of PD assistant

 

Required Skills & Competencies: 

• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Ability to inspire, think strategically, and act tactically

• Knowledge and use of Macintosh computer

• A strong technical understanding of footwear and knowledge of components

• Experience in costing/cost engineering
• Knowledge of leather, synthetic, and textiles
• Able to work in a fast-paced, multi-channel environment

• Previous experience in managing and mentoring.
• Ability to travel as needed

 

Experience: 

 

• 8+ years experience in Footwear industry on managerial level

• 3 years people management experience

• Proven experience with the entire design process

• Proficient knowledge in development process and working knowledge of PLM systems

 

Education: 

• Bachelor degree (B.A) from four-year college or university in a relevant Design subject or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

The estimated pay range for this position is $89k to $133k. The successful candidate’s actual salary offer will take into account a wide range of job-related factors including skill sets, years and nature of relevant experience, training, pay rates of associates in similar positions, the candidate’s location, and other organizational needs. The estimated pay range has been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential. This range does not include benefits such as health insurance, paid or unpaid time off work, and retirement.