Product Development Manager, Allbirds Footwear
About The Position
American Exchange Group is an industry leader in fashion accessory products and brand management. By facilitating distribution to major retailers internationally for their globally recognized brands, custom private label brands, and exclusive licensed brands—including footwear, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, home, and beauty—American Exchange Group raises the bar by disrupting the status quo with value and quality, while staying at the forefront of trends. Joining American Exchange Group means being part of a dynamic and diverse team where your contributions drive real impact—and where there’s always room to grow. If you're looking to be part of a company that blends heritage with hustle, we’re excited to meet you. Visit our website at www.axnygroup.com The Footwear Product Development Manager will lead the development and commercialization of footwear collections for Allbirds, partnering closely with Design, Merchandising, Planning, Sourcing, and overseas factories to bring product from concept through production. The ideal candidate has strong sneaker/athletic footwear experience, understands the development process within a consumer brand, and can balance design intent, quality, cost, timing, and commercial goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Product Development, or a related field.
- 5–8+ years of footwear product development experience, preferably within a consumer footwear or athletic brand.
- Sneaker/athletic footwear experience strongly preferred.
- Experience developing product from concept through commercialization and production.
- Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, costing, and manufacturing.
- Experience working directly with overseas factories and suppliers.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple styles, seasons, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with PLM/ERP systems.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working for a footwear or lifestyle brand
- Experience with sneakers, performance footwear, or athletic/lifestyle footwear.
- Strong understanding of footwear trends, materials, construction, and consumer preferences.
- Experience working with department stores, specialty retailers, and/or direct-to-consumer channels.
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end footwear development from initial concept through sampling, costing, approvals, and production.
- Partner with Design and Merchandising to translate brand direction, trends, and consumer needs into commercially viable footwear.
- Review materials, components, construction, fit, color, and overall product execution to ensure alignment with design intent.
- Manage multiple styles and seasonal development calendars while maintaining quality and accuracy.
- Partner with Sourcing and factories to develop product that meets cost, margin, quality, and timing objectives.
- Review and negotiate costing while identifying opportunities to improve product value without compromising design or quality.
- Understand the impact of materials, construction, minimums, and manufacturing decisions on overall product cost and profitability.
- Work closely with overseas factories and suppliers throughout the development and production process.
- Manage sample rounds, revisions, approvals, and development timelines to keep projects moving forward.
- Troubleshoot development and production issues and proactively identify solutions to avoid delays.
- Own development calendars and ensure key milestones, approvals, and deliverables stay on track.
- Review tech packs, specifications, BOMs, and other product information to ensure accuracy and production readiness.
- Partner with Production and Operations to ensure a smooth transition from development into bulk production.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Half Day Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Tax-free commuter benefits
- Exclusive employee merchandise discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
