Footwear Product Developer

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Product Assistant to manage and maintain the footwear, outerwear, and accessories material library, organized for self-service across product and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Design at concept stage to identify and source new materials and constructions.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept submission through final line sample delivery, following critical path deadlines and communicating closely with Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners.
• Create and submit detailed, accurate tech packs to external manufacturing partners to ensure clear execution aligned with design intent.
• Own seasonal assortment tools by vendors across all product categories.
• Manage all design and development deliverables, ensuring internal deadlines are met to support on-time external execution.
• Assist the Merchandising Manager with product and material cost negotiations to achieve target LDP margins.
• Own the fit and development process, partnering with Product to identify and recommend improvements in aesthetics, fit, and quality.
• Run fit sessions with the Product team, taking detailed notes and photos and clearly communicating required changes to vendors.
• Identify second proto needs and required wear testing for high-risk styles and new constructions, ensuring clear communication with factories.
• Partner with Design to own and maintain accurate, up-to-date linesheets.
• Ensure a clean and thorough handoff of all pending development to the Production team upon PO placement to streamline communication by function.
• Proactively identify and solve development bottlenecks, material issues, and costing challenges.
• Support system and data management, including PLM updates and ad hoc reporting as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in footwear product development.
• Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with footwear and accessory materials and material performance standards.
• Strong project management and exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Hightly detail-oriented with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and cost targets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, both internally and with external partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly across broader teams.
• Experience working in PLM systems (Centric preferred).
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Google Suite.
• Self-starter mentality with a collaborative, team-first attitude.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount.
• We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
• We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.

About AKIRA

At AKIRA, we believe in breaking down the barriers of the traditional retail experience and embracing the individuality of both our team and our clients. We’re on the lookout for extraordinary individuals who thrive on creativity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Join our team and become part of a culture that values diversity, fosters personal growth, and encourages out-of-the-box thinking.