Lead Product Developer Advanced Concepts- Teva Footwear

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us. 

Job Title: Lead Product Developer Advanced Concepts - Teva Footwear

Reports to: Sr. Manager, Product Development - Teva

Location: Goleta, CA - Hybrid

The Role

As a Lead Product Developer Advanced Concepts - Footwear, you will play a pivotal role in creating innovative and high-quality footwear products. You will manage the product creation process from initial brief and design through final prototyping and salesman samples. Your role will involve problem-solving design tech packages, generating and maintaining accurate Bill of Materials (BOM), and reviewing project status with the product creation and development teams. You will lead product teardowns, provide alternatives in constructions, materials, and costing, and ensure the timely creation, delivery, and approval of all relevant technical information. This role requires a strong individual contributor with an explorer’s mindset and a function-first mentality.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Contribute to the creation of product brief and initial designs, with a growth mindset and function-first mentality.
• Manage the product creation process from brief stage and design through final prototyping and salesman samples.
• Problem-solve design tech packages prior to hand-off for potential construction, material, fit & wear, or cost concerns.
• Generate and maintain correct Bill of Materials (BOM) for all projects.
• Review and evaluate project status with the product creation and development teams with a focus on patterns, mold processes, materials, pricing, yield & cost analysis, manufacturing processes, and end-use performance.
• Lead product teardowns of samples or competitor products to evaluate construction, comfort, or cost concerns.
• Proactively problem-solve by identifying issues and presenting solution options to teammates.
• Provide PLMs/product design with alternatives in constructions, materials, costing, duties, etc.
• Review technical drawings, lab tests, patterns, components, and lasts to identify issues.
• Plan and execute development projects according to performance features, critical timelines, and pre-planned milestones.
• Lead and facilitate timely creation, delivery, and approval of all relevant technical information (shell patterns, 2D’s, 3D’s, lasts, patterns, blue-prints, cost sheets, etc.).
• Manage the diagnosis of performance testing, fit/wear, and commercialization issues and ensure that product offerings meet performance metrics and are successfully commercialized.
• Manage sample delivery to ensure all meeting dates are hit.
• Manage and execute timely approval of production confirmation samples to ensure a smooth transition into commercialization.
• Strive for continuous advancement in performance metrics and delivering feature benefits to the targeted consumer group.
• Proactively seek, evaluate, and monitor new technologies relevant to the industry.
• Travel to development factories and trade shows, as necessary.
• Strong influencer, mentor, collaborator.
• Assist in training new team members.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years' experience in the footwear industry.
• Thorough experience in building product specifications.
• In-depth knowledge of material applications for product use and product constructions.
• 1-2+ years’ experience of training new team members.
• Proficient in Microsoft and Adobe applications.
• Understanding of product development with ability to mentor junior team members.
• Experience with FlexPLM or similar system.
• Capability to use the tools of the trade including calipers, hardness gauge, tape measure, profile gauge, Brannock device, etc.

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