Lead Developer, Kids Chuck Global - Converse
About The Position
The Lead Product Footwear Developer will collaborate with Technical Design, Product Management, Engineering, Materials, Quality, Color and our factory partners to effectively execute product development deliverables. We’re looking for a Lead Product Footwear Developer who is an experienced Product Footwear Developer and has a deep understanding of upper construction, molds, lasts, and patterns to be part of our creative team within the Converse brand. A key part of this role is understanding the full scope of product creation from design concept to production. The Lead Product Footwear Developer is a highly creative problem solver, versatile, and forward-thinking who thrives in a fast-paced environment. They are an active participant in cross functional discussions, leading the team with technical recommendations and creating and/or implementing innovations into products that will enhance and inspire athlete performance. Our ideal candidate can communicate effectively in varied settings and is able to influence the team when needed, while demonstrating credibility and reliability. We are looking for someone who is optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, holds their decisions and actions accountable, will actively seek feedback to grow and develop, values and respects the opinions of their teammates and embraces the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures. You will be a technical resource and mentor to other Product Footwear Developers as well as members of the triad. You will participate in proto review sessions and comment on the quality, craftsmanship, and manufacturing feasibility of your assigned styles. You will raise awareness of potential quality or manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve prior to prototype creation. You will track prototypes for your styles, meet your calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to your product’s development and communicate progress and challenges to your team as needed. You will work within the Converse Kid’s Sportswear team, managing your assigned styles collaboratively with your cross functional partners to bring creative solutions and ensure the finished product meets or exceeds the required end use. You will review protos and samples, shepherding the styles through the creation process while meeting gates and dates to ensure on-time production.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Industrial Design, Engineering, Physical Sciences or related field, or any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
- Minimum 5 years development experience in the FTW industry, including the FTW development process from inception through production.
- Experience with upper and bottom construction, materials, costing, print/graphics, manufacturing, and quality.
- Understanding of product specs and advanced construction instructions.
- Ability to interpret design intent and offer alternative solutions.
- Knowledge and familiarity with footwear production factories and methods of make.
- Ability to act as a technical resource, mentor others, and lead initiatives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to excel in a deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Attention to detail and process orientation.
- Proficiency with MS Office programs.
- Confident using Adobe Illustrator.
- Familiarity with CAD Pattern Design software.
Nice To Haves
- Deep understanding of upper construction, molds, lasts, and patterns.
- Highly creative problem solver.
- Versatile and forward-thinking.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Active participant in cross-functional discussions.
- Ability to influence the team when needed.
- Demonstrates credibility and reliability.
- Optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, holds decisions and actions accountable.
- Actively seeks feedback to grow and develop.
- Values and respects the opinions of teammates.
- Embraces the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Technical Design, Product Management, Engineering, Materials, Quality, Color and factory partners to execute product development deliverables.
- Understand the full scope of product creation from design concept to production.
- Lead the team with technical recommendations and create/implement innovations into products.
- Act as a technical resource and mentor to other Product Footwear Developers and members of the triad.
- Participate in proto review sessions and comment on quality, craftsmanship, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Raise awareness of potential quality or manufacturing risks and influence triad partners to resolve them.
- Track prototypes, meet calendar target dates, and attend relevant meetings.
- Communicate progress and challenges to the team.
- Manage assigned styles collaboratively with cross-functional partners.
- Review protos and samples, shepherding styles through the creation process.
- Ensure on-time production by meeting gates and dates.
Benefits
- Information about benefits can be found here.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
