Developer II (Footwear)

The People Brand • Irvine, CA

2d • $110,000 - $130,000

About The Position

As a Footwear Developer II, you'll play a central role in transforming creative concepts into tangible footwear products. You’ll partner closely with design, merchandising, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless execution of seasonal and SMU (Special Make-Up) footwear lines. Your expertise in materials, color, construction, and fit will ensure products are not only brand-right, but also performance-ready, consumer-focused, and production-viable. This position operates at the intersection of creative vision and technical feasibility—supporting the delivery of on-time collections that balance innovation with cost efficiency and quality. Ideal candidates will have a keen eye for detail and a collaborative mindset, ready to help elevate sneaker and franchise assortments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Development, Engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 7-10 years of footwear development experience—ideally within performance, sneaker, or lifestyle categories.
• Proven track record in managing footwear product creation from concept through commercialization.
• Solid understanding of footwear construction, lasts, pattern development, materials, and manufacturing processes—especially for sneaker products.
• Demonstrated experience with color, graphic, and material application in SMU or seasonal styling programs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across design, merchandising, sourcing, and production teams.
• Detail-oriented with high organizational skills—adept at handling multiple projects, timelines, and samples simultaneously.
• Proficiency with development and PLM tools; familiarity with CAD and tech pack systems.
• Passion for sneakers, innovation, and performance-driven footwear excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development and execution of seasonal footwear programs and SMU initiatives, ensuring flawless quality, fit, and brand alignment.
• Translate design concepts, CADs, and tech packs into execution-ready specs, facilitating prototype, fit, and sample stages.
• Collaborate with merchandising to validate consumer, channel, and account needs; ensure commercial viability and assortment relevance.
• Work alongside sourcing and vendor partners to ensure cost targets, material feasibility, and production readiness are met.
• Own sample reviews and physical fit sessions, identifying opportunities to enhance product fit, performance, durability, and aesthetic impact.
• Maintain meticulous development documentation, including sample tracking, deviations, and change control logs.
• Support preparation of SMUs with specialized graphic, color, and material treatments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees