Product Development Analyst

The People Brand • Irvine, CA

1d

About The Position

The Product Development Analyst is a hybrid role responsible for supporting both Special Make-Up (SMU) product development and fit & wear testing initiatives. This position plays a critical role in ensuring product excellence from concept through commercialization by combining hands-on product evaluation with development execution. This role is split approximately 50% SMU product development and 50% fit and wear testing, requiring a balance of analytical thinking, product intuition, and strong cross- functional collaboration.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in footwear product development, wear testing, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, and fit principles.
• Experience working with factories and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to assess product both qualitatively (comfort, fit) and quantitatively (test results, metrics)
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in both product development and wear testing environments.
• Background in performance or lifestyle footwear categories.
• Familiarity with testing protocols and data collection methods.
• Passion for product innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles.
• Evaluate product performance, fit, comfort, and durability through structured testing.
• Collect, analyze, and document feedback from wear testers.
• Partner with Product Development, Design, and Technical teams to identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Track and report on key fit and performance metrics to support decision-making.
• Maintain consistency in fit standards and testing methodologies.
• Support the end-to-end development of SMU (Special Make-Up) footwear products.
• Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, and factory partners to execute product briefs.
• Manage timelines, ensuring on-time sample delivery and commercialization milestones.
• Review samples for accuracy against design intent, specifications, and quality standards.
• Track development progress, costs, and changes throughout the lifecycle.
• Assist in resolving development issues related to materials, construction, and fit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed