Altra: Footwear Development Director

VF Corporation • Denver, CO

35d

About The Position

The Product Development Director leads Altra's development process from design stage through production confirmation and supervises the USPD team. This role is ultimately responsible for the timely and successful completion of a product that delights Altra's customers and supports its financial goals. This role will report directly to the Sr. Director of Product for Altra.

Requirements

• Ability to lead, manage and work in a complex global organization satisfying the needs of diverse constituents with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Proven leader with coaching and mentoring skills to inspire product creation team to drive for excellence.
• Proficient in various Microsoft applications including (Smart Sheets or Microsoft project esp. important)
• Experience in pattern engineering, mold making, grading, materials testing, ability to read shell patterns, 2D and 3D blueprints, spec sheets, cost breakdowns.
• Demonstrated depth of knowledge of footwear pattern engineering process, tooling and production experience and related RD&D processes.
• Detailed understanding of knowledge of mold process and engineering, and equipment and machinery used in footwear manufacturing.
• Ability to travel, domestic or international, as required
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, adapt to changing demands, and make quick yet well thought out decisions will be essential in this role.
• 10+ years experience in footwear wear industry, including development, commercialization, production and people management

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Altra's footwear product development process, including direct oversight and accountability for commercialization processes, timelines, and hitting budgeted cost structures.
• Create, implement and manage development calendar and timelines for standard cycles as well as suggesting and managing alternatives for non-standard requests.
• Deliver best-in-class product performance and integrity through design and administration of Altra's wear testing program using clear metrics and testing procedures for both fit and wear. Ensure all product is tested appropriately and successfully commercialized for mass production.
• Lead communications with Supply Chain to manage product and purchase order information, collaborate with PD-Asia on product and supplier readiness.
• Assist with department budget administration - specifically development materials, tooling investments, and wear test costs.
• Ensures that footwear products are sampled, proven and tested, completed on time, viable for manufacturing, satisfy design intent and performance targets, and meet costing and sustainability goals.
• Oversee process between HQ PD and PD-Asia through commercialization, liaise with manufacturing to insure commercialization specs are transferred seamlessly and exactly into production.
• Maintain open communication with sourcing functions, innovation, costing, materials, planning, quality control, and innovation.
• Understand tooling investment for assigned projects, select mold shops, communicate mold investments, and component pricing.
• Constructively engage with design and product leads to recommend materials, components, process and construction options in order to meet key material and product performance goals.
• Manage USPD team to deliver timely creation, delivery, and approval of all relevant technical information (shell patterns, 2D's, 3D's, lasts, patterns, blue-prints, cost sheets, BOM etc.)
• Collaborate with Brand QA/QC leads to establish and learn from root cause analysis pertaining to defective returns and misc quality challenges; provide directionto product team based on these results.
• Lead seasonal development allocation and sourcing decisions with VFA and factor partners.
• Challenge and support innovation of our manufacturing processes in factory, and when needed, source new suppliers, factories and technologies to support the advancement Altra's product goals.
• Coach, mentor and develop the Product Development team, including guidance for the ability to use the tools of the trade (calipers, hardness gauges, tape measure, profile gauge, Brannock device) and guidance for analyzing technical drawings, patterns, components and lasts.

Benefits

• extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions
• a competitive compensation package
• a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Apparel Manufacturing
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees