Job Details

Description

The Ideal Candidate

The Footwear Product Development Manager will manage and coordinate the footwear product development process for J&M Women’s footwear. This includes product creation during all phases of development and utilizing product development knowledge and tools to achieve project objectives.

How You Will Make an Impact

Responsibilities (Development):

· Work collaboratively with key stakeholders across departments to create world class Women’s Footwear.

· Manage sampling and prototyping of J&M development of Women’s Premium Inline projects.

· Collaborate with the Women’s merchandising and design team to execute designs, coordinate materials, creation of lasts, develop patterns and footwear prototypes during the product creation lifecycle.

· Manage mold development from initial drawing to confirmation in conjunction with Design, thru 2D Blueprint, 3D CAD, development and hand-off to commercialization.

· Recommend material, component, and construction options while ensuring key features, product performance, target cost and calendar goals are achieved.

· Effectively communicate all product development information through email and PDM/PLM software systems.

· Manage assembly of the approved designs into tech packages of two and three-dimensional information which adequately describes and utilizes current and feasible assembly techniques.

· Maintain clear documentation and communication of material orders and developments from concept through final product (i.e. building Tech Packs/Bill of Materials/Cost Breakdowns).

· Work in conjunction with technical team to build and create new lasts for new seasonal programs.

· Engage with internal and external partners in sourcing, testing, optimization of materials, and compounds to achieve company/product targets.

· Engage with costing team to manage footwear and material pre-costing, seasonal cost analysis, and problem solving on all projects.

· Manage and mentor direct and indirect team members as needed.

Experience and Skills You'll Need to Have

· Bachelor’s degree in footwear engineering and or related field of study.

· 7-12 years of footwear product development experience.

· Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and ability to use advanced footwear/business related software programs as needed (i.e. PLM/PDM systems).

· Ability to think through and problem solve critical business issues.

· Effectively build relationships and communicate with PLM’s, Design, Commercialization and global factory partners.

· Working knowledge of footwear materials, lasts, leathers, outsoles and constructions.

· Highly organized and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

· Effective time management, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

· Domestic and International Travel Required