Manager- C4 Lab
About The Position
The Converse Global Concepts team connects innovation, design, brand storytelling, and marketplace experiences. Brand Concepts serves as the anchor point for our products, stories, and experiences, inspiring Creators and embracing subcultures. Working upstream, we translate emerging cultural signals, creator insights, and consumer behaviors into future product direction, brand narratives, and consumer experiences. Our team brings together expertise across design, ideation, physical making, and concept prototyping to shape the future of Converse. Converse is seeking a visionary and hands-on Manager, C4 Lab (Converse Concept Creation Center) to lead our maker lab and accelerate concept development through craftsmanship, prototyping, and experimentation. The C4 Lab is where ideas become tangible. This role will define and advance the lab’s vision while leading a team of makers supporting concept development across footwear, apparel, and brand experiences. The ideal candidate is a craftsperson, innovator, and leader with expertise in footwear construction, stitching, material exploration, 3D printing, and fabrication. They are equally comfortable working hands-on, leading teams, and building new capabilities that elevate concept creation across the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Product Design, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
- 8+ years of experience in footwear prototyping, fabrication, industrial design, innovation, concept development, or related fields.
- Experience leading makers, technicians, or creative fabrication teams.
- Advanced expertise in footwear construction, assembly, and prototype development.
- Strong proficiency in sewing, stitching, and footwear craft techniques.
- Experience operating and maintaining 3D printing and rapid prototyping equipment.
- Expertise creating mock-ups, concept models, and proof-of-concept prototypes.
- Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Experience within footwear, consumer products, innovation labs, apparel, or design consultancy environments.
- Knowledge of CAD, digital modeling, and prototyping workflows.
- Understanding of emerging fabrication technologies and maker space operations.
- Passion for creativity, culture, self-expression, and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Define and drive the long-term vision and capabilities of the Converse Concept Creation Center.
- Build a best-in-class maker environment that fuels experimentation and concept storytelling.
- Champion a culture of curiosity, learning, and hands-on creation.
- Lead training and workshops to teach and elevate making capabilities for creators.
- Explore emerging tools, materials, and fabrication technologies to advance concept development.
- Transform concept and design visions into physical prototypes, mock-ups, and demonstrations.
- Partner with Concept, Design, Innovation, Product Creation, and Brand teams to make future ideas tangible.
- Build proof-of-concept products and rapid prototypes that accelerate learning and decision-making.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of makers and fabrication specialists.
- Establish priorities, workflows, and project plans across multiple initiatives.
- Foster a culture that balances creativity, craftsmanship, speed, and quality.
- Manage resources, equipment utilization, and project execution.
- Oversee day-to-day lab operations, equipment maintenance, and workspace optimization.
- Ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
- Manage budgets, vendor relationships, materials inventory, and equipment investments.
- Establish standards and processes that support consistent execution and scalability.
- Lead hands-on fabrication and prototype development across: Footwear construction and assembly, Industrial sewing and stitching, Pattern making and modification, Material experimentation (dying, embroidery, screen print, etc), Rapid prototyping, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Sample finishing and presentation.
- Explore new methods of making that accelerate learning and inspire breakthrough thinking.
Benefits
- Information about benefits can be found here.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
