VP, Footwear Product Development (Hybrid)

General Summary:

The VP Product Development, Materials & Technical Fit is accountable for the development and engineering of innovative products from concept to pre-production (production specs). This role is responsible for achieving an optimal balance of cost, aesthetic, and functional/technical requirements, combining the art and science of product creation. The role will work closely with other cross-functional teams, such as Design, Marketing, Sales and Merchandising to develop optimally fitting, quality products within the design and brand aesthetic.

Reports to:  SVP of Global Sourcing

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Leads the development of new footwear products from concept to pre-production. This includes participating in the creation of the product brief, and working with designers and engineers to ensure that the products meet the brand's aesthetic, functional, and technical requirements.
•    Leads the Product Development team members to develop products meet the brand's aesthetic and functional requirements. This includes understanding the brand's DNA, translating customer insights into product requirements, and working with designers to create products that are both visually appealing and technically sound.
•    Evaluates designs to ensure that new products are feasible to manufacture and meet cost targets. This includes understanding and educating design teams on the manufacturing process, identifying potential risks and challenges, and working to develop solutions that meet the brand's requirements while staying within budget.
•    Establishes a feedback loop between creative design, Product Development teams and technical teams to facilitate continuous improvement and collaborative learning. 
•    Establishes standardized processes and best practices for technical design and product development and ensures that these practices are consistently implemented. 
•    Ensures that design changes do not compromise product quality, manufacturability or cost competitiveness. 
•    Supports an iterative design refinement process by working closely with creative designers to incorporate changes and improvements as needed. 
•    Researches and recommends the latest footwear technologies and materials. This includes understanding the latest advances in footwear design, engineering, and manufacturing.
•    Oversees the Materials team to select appropriate materials that both fulfill the design aesthetic and meet functional requirements. 
•    Oversees the research and use of material during development, challenging the materials staff to identify new materials and technologies that can be used to create innovative products.
•    Develop and evolve product development processes. This includes streamlining the product development process, improving communication and collaboration between teams, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
•    Manage the product development team and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This includes setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback, and resolving any challenges that arise.
•    Acquires and shares knowledge of market and industry trends, technical and manufacturing advancements; utilizes this knowledge and taste level to inform the product development process. 

Required Skills and Competencies:

Required Skills:
•    Strong knowledge of the product creation process and how it integrates into operations and manufacturing
•    Proficient in indirect and / or direct team leadership and mentorship
•    Proficient in technical product engineering: materials, tooling, upper and construction
•    Strategic and pragmatic: Able to establish strategic team direction aligned to Design, Sourcing and corporate
•    Builds organizational talent: Able to establish a diverse team competency base aligned to business need
•    Strong interpersonal skills: Able to connect and relate across all levels of the global organization. Utilizes and navigates cultural enablers and inhibitors
•    Communicates with impact: Deliver clear messages, present with impact and create clear written communication
•    Process improvement mindset: Advance or progress operating processes and systems. Integrate input from key stakeholders
•    Operation decision making: Seek, organize and analyze project relevant information and data; Develop alternative approaches, anticipate road blocks, gain collective team commitment; Demonstrate decisiveness and action
•    Cross functional collaboration: Develop influence strategy, establish shared goals and collaboratively develop solutions
•    This is a hybrid position and will be expected to work in the NYC office 3-4 days per week
•    Ability to travel both domestically and internat