Sr. Technical Developer- Footwear Development

Target • Minneapolis, MN

2d • $95,000 - $171,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

A role with the Footwear Development team means a big opportunity to start from scratch and create something truly original. Are you a product development expert who can support your business by staying one step ahead of the industry? Can you demonstrate the utmost attention to detail and develop products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their value? Then you’ll have success on our Footwear Development team who owns the development of all Target-owned brands. In close partnership with our design, merchant and sourcing counterparts, you’ll drive brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring that our products meet the merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and guest expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, AA or Certification in Apparel Manufacturing, Design, industrial design or equivalent
• 8+ years' experience in footwear product development with full knowledge of total production timeline
• Strong knowledge of footwear fit, construction, molds/blueprints, and lasts
• Current industry standard technical knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing processes, in both man-made and genuine lather materials.
• Collaboration- proven ability to influence and make decisions that align with company strategies
• Change Leadership- experience leading with and without authority to influence others and drive decision- making and achieving desired service levels.
• Learning Agility- demonstrated curiosity, motivated to learn new skills and knowledge
• Proficient in use of relevant computer applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, PLM system, 3D software)
• Drive to learn and retain new technology and software as it pertains to role
• Strong multi-tasking ability while being detail oriented with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Expertise in fit, construction, and value engineering
• Ability to proactively trouble shoot and problem solve in a fast-paced, often changing, highly collaborative environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to effectively influence
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

• This role requires ability to be local and in office 3 days/week at our Downtown Minneapolis campus or willingness to relocate to MN

Responsibilities

• Drive in cycle product and category strategy creation
• Collaborate with CFT to research and develop guest-focused Owned Brand product from concept through production
• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing and vendors to deliver on product objectives and business strategy while adhering to calendar timelines
• In partnership with overseas technical design teams and vendors, create, maintain and complete accurate specifications and approvals in PLM system
• Communicate daily with internal and external partners to ensure high quality execution in materials, components, and fit
• Lead with CFT and vendors to define development and production feasibility
• Perform fit evaluation on samples for fit, construction, and quality
• Review and evaluate 3D/physical samples for quality and adherence to standards
• Lead in cycle technical research, wear testing, quality analysis, innovation and product solutions
• Partner proactively with overseas technical designers, production engineers and vendors to alleviate potential manufacturing, quality, and fit concerns within the product development cycle
• Lead market research of competitors, benchmarks, and new opportunities to engineer value and drive development of cost viable quality products
• Partner with guest insights and product testing teams to drive guest research and wear testing to build products that foster inclusivity
• Support close to vendor and production teams by reviewing production issues and collaborating with CFT to resolve
• Establish and enhance product development guidelines and standards by category and brand
• Conduct and lead vendor training, onboarding, assessments and accreditation
• Lead hind-sighting on quality execution, guest feedback, and partner connections (COE, PSQA, Global TD's, BPTD's, etc.)
• Travel internationally and domestically to support business as needed
• Mentor and lead others while fostering inclusivity and knowledge-sharing
• Strive for continuous improvement that drives product and process enhancements
• Be a champion for change management and an advocate for transformation
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by manager

Benefits

• comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• 401(k)
• employee discount
• short term disability
• long term disability
• paid sick leave
• paid national holidays
• paid vacation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree