Product Development Manager

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the footwear product development process from concept to commercialization, ensuring timely sample development, technical feasibility, cost optimization, quality compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end footwear development process from design concept to production readiness.
• Cookorate with Merchandising, Design, Technical, Commercial, Production, and Quality teams to ensure successful development.
• Ensure timely submission of all development samples according to customer timelines.
• Monitor development schedules and take corrective actions to avoid delays.
• Review customer tech packs, specifications, and development requirements.
• Evaluate construction, materials, molds, tooling, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Approve technical specifications before sample production.
• Resolve technical issues related to fitting, construction, grading, and production feasibility.
• Serve as supervisor for sample room activities.
• Monitor sample quality and ensure first-time-right sample submissions.
• Drive continuous improvement in sample making processes.
• Work closely with merchandising and costing teams to achieve target FOB prices.
• Identify opportunities for material and process optimization without compromising quality.
• Participate in customer meetings, development reviews, and technical discussions.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding material sourcing, mold development, tooling, and technical support.
• Lead, coach, and develop Product Development Engineers, Assistant Managers, and sample technicians.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
• Establish and maintain SOPs for product development activities.
• Analyse development KPIs and implement improvement initiatives.
• Reduce development lead time and sample rejection rates.

Requirements

• Experience: 8-12 years
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Footwear Engineering (FE)
• Skills: Product Development, Product Management, Supplier Development, PPM Development, Product Development & Prototyping, Production Engineering