Footwear Developer II

Brooks Running • Seattle, WA

18d • $96,358 - $144,538 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Footwear Developer II utilizes advanced, technical product and process knowledge, to work with a cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights through commercialization to deliver technical running footwear that exceeds consumer expectations. Hands-on experience and knowledge of the total footwear construction process including outsole/midsole technical 2D/ 3D, pattern engineering, material construction and properties, and costing is required for your success in this role. Other critical responsibilities include understanding manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem solving, and timely resolution. Your ideas around engineering principles that enhance product performance, product value, and your ability to communicate them across the product teams is a must for this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology, Design or other applicable technical degrees or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ successful years’ experience leading the development of high performance, technical running footwear projects.
• Expertise in technical running footwear product development, process, project management, costing and manufacturing of product from conception to retail.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group without command/ control to meet strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop highly productive relationships with individuals and teams composed of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders.
• Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while seeing the big picture and understanding how all the pieces fit together and affect one another.
• Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments’ operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots.”

Responsibilities

• Own leading execution of New Upper, New Tooling Projects including leading projects from creation to final confirmation with T1.
• Oversee and manage multiple projects from Insights gathering to Brief Stage, through Design, Development, Costing, and into Commercialization.
• Deliver on Brooks Fit, Feel, Ride principles and goals via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence.
• Plan and execute project development according to the seasonal critical dates that lead to on–time delivery of sales samples and production confirmation.
• Partner with and influence vendors and factories in the manufacturing process with the ability to steer the process to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques which enhance the overall performance of product.
• Partner with and guide Design and Development teams to ensure that designs are manufacturable and meet cost and quality objectives for each product.
• Critique, adjust and evaluate technical blueprints (outsole/ midsole/ upper), upper patterns and materials from a performance, manufacturing, and functional perspective.
• Recommend and specify to Product team the material, component, and construction options to meet pricing targets and product’s functional goals, as well as ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing).
• Mentor more junior team members.
• Initiate and lead meetings with product teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update, and drive the decision-making process that leads to on–time production confirmation and margin goals.
• Collaborate with our Research, Design and Development, Marketing and Costing teams and Color Designers to show sample materials that meet the criteria for the category based on material performance data.
• Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing, and lead times.
• Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies and consumer needs to ensure that products incorporate the functional needs our consumers’ demand.
• Participate in Asia development trips, 3 - 4 per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects.

Benefits

• Benefits: including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
• Paid Time Off: Brooks offers generous time off including three to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, paid sick and parental leave.
• Bonus: in addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.
• Perks: including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees