Product Development Manager, Allbirds Footwear

American Exchange Group is an industry leader in fashion accessory products and brand management. By facilitating distribution to major retailers internationally for their globally recognized brands, custom private label brands, and exclusive licensed brands—including footwear, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, home, and beauty—American Exchange Group raises the bar by disrupting the status quo with value and quality, while staying at the forefront of trends. Joining American Exchange Group means being part of a dynamic and diverse team where your contributions drive real impact—and where there’s always room to grow. If you're looking to be part of a company that blends heritage with hustle, we’re excited to meet you. Visit our website at www.axnygroup.com

About the role

The Footwear Product Development Manager will lead the development and commercialization of footwear collections for Allbirds, partnering closely with Design, Merchandising, Planning, Sourcing, and overseas factories to bring product from concept through production. The ideal candidate has strong sneaker/athletic footwear experience, understands the development process within a consumer brand, and can balance design intent, quality, cost, timing, and commercial goals.

Responsibilities

• Product Development: Manage end-to-end footwear development from initial concept through sampling, costing, approvals, and production; Partner with Design and Merchandising to translate brand direction, trends, and consumer needs into commercially viable footwear; Review materials, components, construction, fit, color, and overall product execution to ensure alignment with design intent; Manage multiple styles and seasonal development calendars while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Costing & Commercialization: Partner with Sourcing and factories to develop product that meets cost, margin, quality, and timing objectives; Review and negotiate costing while identifying opportunities to improve product value without compromising design or quality; Understand the impact of materials, construction, minimums, and manufacturing decisions on overall product cost and profitability.
• Vendor & Factory Management: Work closely with overseas factories and suppliers throughout the development and production process; Manage sample rounds, revisions, approvals, and development timelines to keep projects moving forward; Troubleshoot development and production issues and proactively identify solutions to avoid delays.
• Calendar & Production Readiness: Own development calendars and ensure key milestones, approvals, and deliverables stay on track; Review tech packs, specifications, BOMs, and other product information to ensure accuracy and production readiness; Partner with Production and Operations to ensure a smooth transition from development into bulk production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Product Development, or a related field.
• 5–8+ years of footwear product development experience, preferably within a consumer footwear or athletic brand.
• Sneaker/athletic footwear experience strongly preferred.
• Experience developing product from concept through commercialization and production.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, costing, and manufacturing.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories and suppliers.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple styles, seasons, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with PLM/ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a footwear or lifestyle brand