Product Development Manager - Footwear

About the role

Manage a product line through all stages of the development process, from conception up to mass production.

What You'll Do

• In cooperation with merchandisers, designers and technicians, develop requisitions for new products and colorways, which comply with approved design-specifications and target cost.
• Monitor the development status reports, tracking the status of development projects.
• Add new styles/colorways including, but not limited to the following tasks:
  • Assign style numbers /color codes
  • Set up style information in Garpac
  • Inform all relevant parties of product information (e.g. Line Sheet Coordinator, Costing Dept, Allocations, lnt'l Dept, Technicians, etc)
  • Provide Asia R&D with go by information for further samples
  • Photograph samples and send photos to Int'l Dept and Sales Team
  • Maintain divisional style master
• Work with design team, technicians, Costing Dept and Asia R&D to meet target cost for in line styles/colors.
• In coordination with division merchandiser and design team, advise Asia R&D of minor aesthetic changes to product.
• Coordinate sample requirements with Asia office for tradeshows, pre-line and customer meetings.
• In coordination with division merchandiser or Senior Product Manager, review and approve confirmation samples; manage the confirmation process by coordinating design and technical input and approving confirmation samples on a timely basis.
• Assist technicians and Fit Dept as needed to ensure proper fit for product.
• Communicate with Asia developers on day to day R&D issues.
• Keep division merchandiser informed of any relevant issues arising during all stages of the product's development.
• Manage running changes and communicate these changes to Asia, Int'l Dept and Sales Team.
• Review first production cases to ensure production matches confirmation samples.
• Help resolve daily issues that come up within the department.
• Assist sales team with product related questions and keep them informed of relevant changes to the product.
• Liaison between development team and Marketing Dept for marketing sample needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Education: Bachelor or relevant work experience
• One to three years of footwear experience preferred.
• Team player attitude.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work at a fast pace.
• Excellent follow up.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Pay

$72,000–$75,000/yr USD