Senior Product Developer, Sneaker/Sport Footwear

Cole Haan•Greenland, NH

39d

About The Position

The Senior Product Developer, Sneaker/Sport Footwear reports to the Director, Development - Men's Footwear and is responsible for developing and engineering product from initial concept through to pre-production, ensuring an optimum balance of design intent and technical functional excellence is achieved with ownership up to and including buy readiness.

Requirements

Experience with Sport or Performance Footwear Products: Demonstrated background in developing sport or performance footwear, with an understanding of the unique technical and functional requirements of these products
Project Management: Organized and focused; manage and execute large volumes of development projects through a well-defined plan; measure performance and report facts in a non-emotive manner
Process Improvement Mindset: Advance operating processes and systems; integrate input from key stakeholders; open minded, curious, and inquisitive
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Connect and relate with peers across the global organization; utilize and navigate cultural enablers and inhibitors
Communicate with Impact: Deliver clear messages and create clear written communication; anticipate communication challenges due to multi-language and regional team engagement and proactively resolve said challenges
Operational Decision Making: Seek, organize, and analyze project relevant information and data; remain focused on the end goal and develop alternative approaches as necessary; demonstrate decisiveness and action
Cross Functional Collaboration: Project ownership as a team player; understand how to maximize the value of a broad team competency base; recognize team strengths and weaknesses, share knowledge, and support the development of team competencies
Technical Capabilities: Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings for footwear design and manufacturing
Deep understanding of shoe manufacturing techniques, including materials, construction methods, and process optimization
Solid knowledge of last shapes and their impact on fit, performance, and product integrity
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and/or 6+ years of footwear development experience; project engineering, sourcing, commercialization, and/or manufacturing
Experience working with Asia-based factories on Lifestyle, Dress, or Performance product
Ability to interpret conceptual needs, execute design intention, and apply best practices
Maintain Product Integrity with the understanding and working knowledge of footwear material properties, performance attributes, specific performance needs depending on design intent
Comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in technical product engineering: leather, tooling, upper, and constructions
Strong knowledge of the product creation process and how it integrates into operations and manufacturing
Teaching and mentoring with a 'hands on' approach
Ensure product testing issues are identified and action plans are created to rectify challenges
Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to manage customer expectations, work effectively across functional lines and global cultural differences
Exceptional follow-through skills and attention to detail required
Provide mentorship for less experienced team members
Strong computer skills required (PLM, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel preferred)
Must be highly motivated with strong creative, organizational, and planning skills and the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously
Must be willing to travel to Asia 1-2 times a year
Experience working with sport or performance footwear products, including technical engineering and commercialization
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
Deep understanding of shoe manufacturing techniques and processes
Solid knowledge of last shapes and their application in product development

Responsibilities

Developing and engineering product from initial concept through to pre-production
Ensuring an optimum balance of design intent and technical functional excellence is achieved
Ownership up to and including buy readiness
Advance operating processes and systems
Integrate input from key stakeholders
Project ownership as a team player
Understand how to maximize the value of a broad team competency base
Recognize team strengths and weaknesses, share knowledge, and support the development of team competencies
Maintain Product Integrity with the understanding and working knowledge of footwear material properties, performance attributes, specific performance needs depending on design intent
Teaching and mentoring with a 'hands on' approach
Ensure product testing issues are identified and action plans are created to rectify challenges
Provide mentorship for less experienced team members