SENIOR FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER [AQ-11163]

About the Role

Join a globally recognized leader in athletic footwear as a seasoned product development expert. In this pivotal role, you will drive the full development lifecycle of premium footwear, transforming 2D designs and ambitious briefs into high-performance 3D samples. Your work will directly influence product quality, performance, and sustainability, shaping the future of athletic innovation.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned product development projects from initial concept through commercialization readiness, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to critical dates.
• Translate 2D design concepts and project briefs into high-quality 3D samples that align with consumer needs, business objectives, performance targets, cost efficiency, and sustainability goals.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, product testing, materials, design, product management, sourcing, and operations teams to achieve project success.
• Ensure products meet design intent and performance goals, and are fully prepared for scalable manufacturing.
• Actively engage in all phases of the development process, applying cost-effective solutions and hands-on prototyping to explore and implement improvements.
• Interpret technical drawings, 3D digital files, and model views to guide product realization.
• Facilitate meetings, build consensus, and influence both internal and external partners to achieve project objectives.
• Serve as the critical point of contact, communicating clearly and effectively with overseas partners and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• 5+ years of direct, hands-on experience in footwear product development.
• Proven project management skills, including a track record of creating comprehensive project plans and effectively holding teams accountable.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate goals, objectives, and complex technical information.
• Demonstrated understanding of footwear pattern engineering, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple work streams and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Self-starter mentality, coupled with a demonstrated willingness to continuously learn and grow.
• Ambitious, deadline-oriented, confident in influencing teammates, accountable, and a strong collaborator with the ability to build trust.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience (nice-to-have).
• Footwear development experience within a performance-focused brand (nice-to-have).
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and model view reading abilities (nice-to-have).
• Genuine connection to or passion for performance sports, including experience with wear testing or athlete engagement (nice-to-have).
• Experience with footwear costing strategies and implementing cost reduction solutions (nice-to-have).
• Basic knowledge of materials, test methods, and their properties (nice-to-have).

Benefits

Eligible talent through Aquent Talent gain access to amazing benefits, including:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a company match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.