Manager, Product Development & Engineering Innovation
About The Position
The Product Development and Engineering Innovation Manager leads the development, engineering, and innovation of new products from concept through commercialization domestically (USA). This cross-functional role blends technical development engineering expertise with strategic innovation leadership to create breakthrough solutions that meet evolving market, consumer needs, and business objectives. The role is both a hands-on problem solver and a visionary thinker capable of managing the fully journey of new products or solutions from concept through development to successful market launch. This management role will collaborate cross-functionally with product creation, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure go-to-market execution of high-quality solutions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Materials), Footwear Design, Product Development, Innovation Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in product development, product engineering, R&D, or manufacturing within the footwear industry.
- Proven track record of managing projects from concept through commercialization.
- Experience in last engineering, outsole tooling, mould development, and material performance.
- In-depth knowledge of design, development, and commercialization process within go-to-market.
- Experience with various footwear construction methods (cemented, Goodyear welt, stitchdown, injected, vulcanized).
- Proficiency with CAD software (Rhino, SolidWorks, AutoCAD), rapid prototyping, 3D modeling, and digital prototyping tools.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent product initiatives with varying timelines and complexity.
- Strong experience leading and working with cross-functional teams (product creation, manufacturing, and sourcing).
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
- Creative thinking skills with a balance of commercial and technical constraints.
- Passion for technical innovation and continuous improvement in materials, construction, and performance.
Responsibilities
- Drive engineering, prototyping, and testing for new products.
- Manage sample room operations and ensure production readiness.
- Create technical specs, CAD models, and documentation.
- Partner with manufacturing and supply chain for cost efficiency and manufacturability.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and align commercialization with production.
- Inspire and mentor team members, promoting collaboration and growth.
- Provide hands-on leadership and clear strategic direction.
- Translate corporate initiatives into actionable plans.
- Identify trends, technologies, and automation opportunities.
- Collaborate on ideation, concept development, and feasibility assessments.
- Integrate innovation into business operations and champion creative thinking.
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health savings and flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) match, employee discounts, and valuable well-being benefits like free EAP services, financial planning assistance, and well-being coaching all designed to support your health and financial security.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
