Footwear Developer

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Footwear Developer you will lead, manage, and execute the footwear development process, utilizing advanced product and process knowledge. This position requires that one be a hands-on, technically grounded, creative problem solver with high proficiency managing multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the footwear creation process from brief stage and design through final
• prototyping and confirmation samples.
• Manage and execute timely approval of production confirmation samples to ensure a smooth transition into commercialization.
• Plan and execute development projects according to critical timelines and pre-planned dates.
• Problem-solve design tech packages prior to hand-off for potential construction, material, fit and wear, or cost concerns.
• Generate and maintain the correct Bill of Materials (BOM) for all projects.
• Lead and facilitate timely end-to-end product creation, delivery, and approval of all relevant technical information (shell patterns, 2D’s, 3D’s, lasts, patterns, blue-prints, cost sheets, etc.)
• Review and evaluate project status with the product creation and development teams with increasing mastery of patterns, mold processes, materials, pricing, yield and cost analysis, manufacturing processes, and end use performance.
• Manage sample delivery to ensure all meeting dates are hit.
• Lead product teardowns of samples or competitor products to evaluate construction, comfort, or cost concerns.
• Manage the diagnosis of fit/wear and commercialization issues and ensure that product offerings are proven and tested successfully commercialized and mass production.
• Give clear and concise communication to relevant stakeholders including overseas partners.
• Strive for continuous improvement in production through periodic examination of defective returns.
• Travel to development factories and trade shows as necessary.
• Pro-actively problem-solve by identifying issues and presenting solutions options to team-mates.
• Provide PLMs/Product Design with alternatives in constructions, materials, costing, duties, etc.
• Analyze technical drawings, lab tests, patterns, components, and last to identify and resolve any issues.
• Expert ability to use the tools of the trade including calipers, hardness gauge, tape measure, profile gauge, Brannock device, etc.
• Proactively seek, evaluate, and monitor new technologies relevant to the industry.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Footwear Development, Footwear Design, Fashion Design or related field
• 3 years of Footwear Development experience
• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with a PLM system
• Experience with accessories developed a plus
• Excellent communication with internal and external stakeholders

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

BYLT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any time without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.