Product Fit Specialist II

Columbia Sportswear • Carlsbad, CA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Fit Specialist II supports continuous improvement of footwear quality, fit, comfort, and durability. The role helps maintain fit-testing protocols, monitors and investigates product quality concerns, and provides guidance to cross-functional teams so materials, construction methods, and manufacturing practices contribute to high-quality products. It works closely with Design, Merchandising, Development, Production, Planning, Materials, Quality Assurance, and overseas manufacturing teams, balancing technical requirements with creative direction.

The position supports footwear fit and wear testing, reviews prototype fit with Design and Product Development, gathers feedback from wear testers, and recommends improvements to testing processes. It investigates quality concerns, helps identify root causes and corrective actions, supports quality alerts, and participates in audits and field investigations, including occasional travel to review incoming goods.

The specialist coordinates test samples and documentation, collaborates with internal stakeholders to assess product concerns, and serves as a functional expert for fit and wear testing systems and web-based platforms. The role also maintains the Footwear Quality Alert SharePoint site and supports projects assigned by the Director of Footwear Product Integrity. The role is hybrid, based at the Carlsbad, California headquarters, with an expectation of working in the office four days per week. Travel may be up to 10%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, applicable certification, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2–4 years of professional experience with demonstrated proficiency in required processes, tools, and systems.
• 3–5 years of experience in footwear manufacturing, product development, product integrity, or related areas.
• Working knowledge of footwear fit and wear testing methodologies.
• Understanding of footwear product development processes and lifecycle management.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of footwear construction methods and manufacturing operations, particularly pattern making, grading, garment construction, and measuring garments and creating spec sheets.
• Strong organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot moderately complex product and process issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under deadline-driven conditions.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced, continuously changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Desire and aptitude to learn advanced technical knowledge related to last and pattern-making systems.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Footwear Fit and Technical Design to support fit and wear testing initiatives across footwear categories.
• Conduct fit-testing sessions collaboratively and gather meaningful feedback from wear testers.
• Review prototype fit on models with Design and Product Development teams to ensure alignment with design intent, specifications, and quality standards.
• Recommend and implement improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of fit and wear testing.
• Provide Technical Design engineering insights and recommendations related to fit, wear, comfort, and performance.
• Investigate footwear quality concerns and product issues, determine root causes and severity, and help implement solutions.
• Support the Director of Footwear Product Integrity in responding to and investigating footwear quality alerts.
• Participate in product audits and field investigations as needed, including occasional travel to review incoming goods.
• Use sound judgment to assess issues and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Work with Product Development teams to ensure required samples are ordered and available for fit and wear testing.
• Coordinate and track incoming test samples and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Partner with Sales, Sourcing, Product Development, Distribution Centers, the Product Integrity Group, and other internal stakeholders to evaluate product concerns and issue severity.
• Maintain relationships across functional teams to support business objectives and product excellence.
• Serve as a functional expert for footwear fit and wear testing systems and web-based testing platforms.
• Help maximize tester management, information collection, and reporting capabilities through testing systems.
• Recommend future testing system enhancements or technology solutions.
• Maintain the Footwear Quality Alert SharePoint site and ensure quality issues are documented and addressed through established processes.
• Support special projects and initiatives assigned by the Director of Footwear Product Integrity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel up to 10%.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Flexible spending accounts and a health savings account.
• Voluntary benefits, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services.
• Free, confidential, 24/7/365 counseling through EAP+.
• Wellness benefits.
• Employee discounts.
• Generous time-off program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level